Bachgassenfest Höchstädt

Höchstädt — Swabian Danube Town with History

Höchstädt an der Donau is located in the Swabian district of Dillingen, directly on the Danube between Donauwörth and Dillingen. The small town is known for the Höchstädt Renaissance Castle and the Battle of Höchstädt in 1704 during the War of the Spanish Succession. Today, the townscape is characterized by a carefully maintained historic old town with Bachgasse, market square, and Baroque buildings.

Bachgassenfest and Stadtfest — Two Formats Alternating

Höchstädt celebrates its central summer festival in a two-year cycle: in odd-numbered years, the Stadtfest mit Herz around the market square; in even-numbered years, the Bachgassenfest in the historic Bachgasse. This means there is a summer festival every year, but each with its own character — the Bachgassenfest is atmospherically tighter and more intimate, while the Stadtfest is more expansive and centered in the town.

Bachgasse — Festival Mile in the Old Town

The Bachgasse runs along the former watercourse through the historic town center. For the festival weekend, it becomes a car-free festival mile — tables and benches are set up, stalls from local restaurateurs and retailers line the alley, and stages for live music and DJs are set up at several points.

2026 Program: Culinary Delights, Music, and World Cup Public Viewing

The 2026 festival offers a packed program: culinary specialties from Höchstädt restaurateurs and bakers, sparkling wines, cocktails, draft beer; contributions from local clubs with dance demonstrations, musical performances, and interactive stands; live bands and DJs on several stages spread throughout the alley. A special feature of the 2026 edition: during the festival, the 2026 Football World Cup will be broadcast on a large screen, provided Germany plays on one of the festival days.

Organized by the Town and Business Association

The festival is organized by the Town of Höchstädt a.d.Donau together with the Wirtschaftsvereinigung Höchstädt (an association of local retailers, restaurateurs, and service providers). Thus, the Bachgassenfest is a classic cooperative city marketing format: it celebrates the local economy, strengthens retail, promotes club life, and solidifies Höchstädt's identity.

A Town Worth Visiting

Visitors to the Bachgassenfest can easily combine their stay with a visit to Höchstädt Castle — one of Bavaria's most beautiful Renaissance castles with a castle museum and permanent exhibition. The Parish Church of St. Mary's Assumption and the Heimathaus Höchstädt (local history museum) are also worth seeing. Its location directly on the Danube and on the Donauwald hiking trail also makes Höchstädt an attractive starting point for hikes and bike tours along the Danube Cycle Path.