Altstadtfest Hollfeld

Civic Festival on the Historic Marienplatz

In the center of Hollfeld, first documented in 1003 and known as the "Gateway to Franconian Switzerland", lies the Marienplatz – a typical Franconian market square with burgher houses, a Marian column, and a view of the parish church of St. Gangolf. It is here, in early July, that the Altstadtfest Hollfeld is held, one of the most traditional civic festivals in the northern part of Franconian Switzerland.

Schedule and Program

The festival traditionally spans Saturday and Sunday. It kicks off on Saturday afternoon with the ceremonial tapping of the first keg and a concert. Regional music groups perform on the Marienplatz stage throughout the evening; restaurateurs from the town and surrounding area provide Franconian snacks, sausages, Schäuferla (pork shoulder), and of course, beer from Upper Franconian breweries.

• Festive Church Service on Sunday morning on the Marienplatz, musically accompanied by the Hollfeld Youth Brass Band.
• Lunch Service from 11:30 AM.
• MSC Franconian Switzerland Oldtimer Rally – Hollfeld is a stage finish; historic cars and motorcycles drive through the town center to the Marienplatz from early afternoon and are put on display.
• Live Music and Frühschoppen (morning pint) until the evening.
• Children's Program with a bouncy castle and games.

Part of Hollfeld's Summer Festival Weekend

The Altstadtfest traditionally concludes a long festival weekend: beforehand, Hollfeld already celebrates the Moonlight Festival on the neighboring festival grounds – an open-air party night. Those who combine both events experience the full spectrum of Franconian summer festivals: loud and lively on one side, cozy and family-friendly on the other.

Hollfeld – A Small Town with a Great History

Hollfeld is located in the district of Bayreuth, Bavaria, on the edge of Franconian Switzerland and the Hersbrucker Alb. The old town, with its medieval layout, the Spital Church, and the historic Marienplatz, is a listed monument. Franconian Switzerland itself, with over 1,000 castles, caves, and rock towers, is one of the densest castle landscapes in Europe – ideal for combining the Altstadtfest with hiking, climbing, or a visit to Rabenstein Castle.

Culinary Profile

Franconian snack culture dominates at the Altstadtfest: grilled sausages, homemade potato salads, Schäuferla with dumplings, Franconian Sauerbraten, and sweet specialties like Kirchweihküchle (fair doughnuts). The drink of choice is Kellerbier from Upper Franconian private breweries – the region boasts the highest density of breweries in the world.