Arberkirchweih
The oldest mountain Kirchweih in the Bavarian Forest on the Großer Arber
About Arberkirchweih
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The oldest mountain Kirchweih in the Bavarian Forest
Since 1965, the Arberkirchweih has been celebrated on the summit of the Großer Arber, the highest mountain in the Bavarian Forest. The small Arber Chapel, located not far from the mountain station of the gondola lift, is the venue for one of the region's most traditional religious festivals. The mountain Kirchweih is organized by the municipality of Lam (Cham district) and the Lam mountain rescue service in cooperation with the local parish.
Pilgrimage, Mountain Service, and Sociability
The day begins at 9:30 AM with the traditional pilgrimage from the Arberebene mountain rescue hut up to the chapel. At 10:30 AM, pilgrims celebrate the solemn mountain service together with the priest from Lam against the backdrop of the Bavarian Forest. In good weather, the view is breathtaking: to the south, it extends to the Alps; to the north, deep into neighboring Czechia.
Folk festival at 1,400 meters altitude
After the service, the event moves to the two mountain huts, Eisensteiner Hütte and Arberschutzhaus, both located near the gondola lift's mountain station. Here, the Kirchweih becomes a convivial mountain festival: traditional brass music from the Bavarian Forest and neighboring Bohemia, folk dances in traditional costume, and Franconian and Bavarian delicacies. The colorful traditional costumes of the folk dance groups from the Lamer Winkel and the Kötztinger Land create a special spectacle.
The Großer Arber — Holy Mountain of the Bavarian Forest
The Großer Arber is considered the king of the Bavarian Forest. The small Arber Chapel was built in the 19th century and is a pilgrimage destination for believers from the entire Lamer Winkel, neighboring Bohemia, and beyond. The mountain Kirchweih uniquely combines Catholic piety, pilgrimage tradition, and East Bavarian folk culture.
Who is behind the festival?
- Municipality of Lam and Parish of St. Ulrich Lam
- Lam Mountain Rescue (Organization and Safety)
- Folk dance groups from the Lamer Winkel
- Brass bands from the Bavarian Forest
Arberkirchweih — edition 2026
The 62nd consecutive Arberkirchweih will take place on the summit of the Großer Arber. As every year since 1965, pilgrims, hikers, and traditional costume wearers from the entire Bavarian Forest and neighboring Bohemia gather to celebrate the region's highest mountain together.
The mountain service is traditionally celebrated by the priest from Lam and musically accompanied by the male choir and a brass band from the Lamer Winkel. In good weather, this takes place outdoors in front of the chapel; in case of rain, it is held inside the chapel and in the surrounding area.
After the service, festival guests hike to the mountain huts near the gondola lift's mountain station. There, the convivial part begins with brass music, traditional dances, and lively get-togethers — well into the afternoon.
Programme Arberkirchweih 2026
Sunday, August 23, 2026
- 9:30 AM — Pilgrimage with cross procession from the Arberebene mountain rescue hut to the Arber Chapel
- 10:30 AM — Solemn mountain service at the Arber Chapel (Parish of Lam)
- from approx. 12:00 PM — Mountain festival at the Eisensteiner Hütte and at the Arberschutzhaus with brass music, traditional music, and folk dances
- afternoon — Wind-down with traditional music and delicacies from the Bavarian Forest
Organizers: Municipality of Lam, Parish of Lam, and Lam Mountain Rescue. In case of bad weather, the service will be held in the chapel; the event takes place regardless of the weather.
Highlights Arberkirchweih 2026
Prices Arberkirchweih 2026
Practical information — Arberkirchweih
Getting there
By car: A 3 exit Wernberg, B 22/B 85 to Lam, then continue to Lohberg/Brennes (paid parking at the valley station of the gondola lift). By train: Train connection to Bayerisch Eisenstein, then bus or hike.
Ascent to the chapel
Comfortably with the Arber Gondola Lift from Brennes (open from approx. 8:30 AM) to the mountain station, from there a few minutes to the chapel. Hikers can ascend via the Arberebene mountain rescue hut (~1 hour ascent).
Admission
Free admission. Round trip on the gondola lift costs approx. €19–€22 (mountain + valley). Tips for the brass bands are welcome.
Weather tip
On the Großer Arber, it can be noticeably cool, foggy, or rainy even in August. Sturdy footwear and weatherproof clothing are essential. In case of bad weather, the service will be moved to the chapel.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Arberkirchweih
Arberkapelle, Großer Arber (1456 m)
Großer Arber Gipfel, 93470 Lohberg