Backesfest Feuersbach

When the Bakehouse Smokes

On the third Sunday in August, the unmistakable aroma of freshly baked bread drifts through the streets of Feuersbach, a district of Siegen. The Heimat- und Bürgerverein Feuersbach fires up its historic Backes — a traditional bakehouse in the typical Westphalian-Sauerland style. 250 loaves of bread are baked in several batches and sold on-site.

Into the Oven at the First Rooster's Crow

The actual baking begins early: the sourdough starter is prepared days in advance, and on Saturday morning, the bread dough is kneaded and placed into baking pans. Before sunrise — as the old saying goes: "at the first rooster's crow" — the first loaves go into the preheated clay oven. Wood-fired baking is a manual process that requires experience and intuition — skills mastered by long-standing association members at Backes Feuersbach.

Bread Sales, Refreshments, Community

The Backesfest opens at 11 am. You can buy fresh bread — the "Schanzenbrote" are a local classic and usually sell out quickly. Refreshments, including drinks and hearty and sweet dishes, are also available on-site. The association and volunteers ensure a family-friendly atmosphere that attracts visitors from all over the Siegerland region each year.

Siegen-Feuersbach — A Village within the City

The district of Feuersbach is located in the south of Siegen and has retained its village identity despite being incorporated into the university city of Siegen. With its Old School, Weaving Room, Bakehouse, local riding stable, and the "Café Hahnenschrei" (Rooster's Crow Café), Feuersbach is a well-preserved district in the Siegen-Wittgenstein district of North Rhine-Westphalia — nestled in the Siegerland low mountain range.

Heimat- und Bürgerverein as the Organizer

The Heimat- und Bürgerverein Feuersbach is the driving force behind the festival and the guardian of local traditions. In addition to the Backesfest, it organizes other events, manages the forest (Hauberg), preserves firefighting traditions, promotes customs, and maintains the bakehouse itself. A classic example of effective village self-organization.

Every Third Sunday in August

The date has remained consistent over the years: the third Sunday in August. In 2026, this date falls on August 16th. As the festival is manageable in scale and the bread sells out quickly, it's worth coming early.