Alfelder Kirchweih

A Kirchweih Like No Other

The Alfelder Kirchweih – in Middle Franconian dialect Alfelder Kärwa – is one of the most original Kirchweih traditions in Middle Franconia. The venue is the village center of the municipality of Alfeld (Nürnberger Land district) between the elevations of Schneiderberg and Kegelberg. The event is organized by the Municipality of Alfeld together with local clubs, innkeepers, and the parish.

The "Goldene Busch'n"

The defining custom of the Alfelder Kirchweih is the "Goldene Busch'n": on Kirchweih Sunday, the young men stretch a 240-meter-long rope between Schneiderberg and Kegelberg, with a richly decorated "Busch'n" hanging in the middle. The custom dates back to the historical division of Alfeld into two parts, which were only finally reunited in 1806 – the "Busch'n" symbolizes the restored village unity above everyone's heads. On Kirchweih Monday, it is taken down and ceremonially handed over to the "Houterer" – the person whose team won the log-throwing competition.

Five Days of Festival Calendar

The festival spans five days from Thursday to Monday. Taverns and festival tents are lively with performances, and live bands from the region alternate. Classic Franconian delicacies – Drei-im-Weggla (three sausages in a bun), Schäuferla (pork shoulder), Bratwürste (sausages), Krapfen (doughnuts), Lebkuchen (gingerbread) – are a must. Kirchweih Sunday, with the ceremonial raising of the Busch'n, is the highlight. Kirchweih Monday concludes with the log-throwing competition and the handover.

Alfeld in the Nürnberger Land

Alfeld is a small municipality with just under 1,300 inhabitants, located southeast of Hersbruck in the Nürnberger Land. The historical division into two village halves and the reunification in 1806 continue to shape its identity today – the Kirchweih commemorates this history as a living custom every year.