Backofenfest Schondra

Backofenfest in the Rhön

The Backofenfest Schondra is one of the most traditional village festivals in the Bavarian Rhön. Schondra is a market town in the district of Bad Kissingen in the state of Bavaria, nestled in the gentle hills of the Rhön Biosphere Reserve. For almost 40 years, the village has celebrated its Backofenfest here – for three days, people come together to eat, laugh, and celebrate.

The 'Plootz' from the Wood-Fired Oven

The namesake and culinary centerpiece is the wood-fired oven. It bakes the traditional 'Plootz' – a hearty and savory baked good from Rhön cuisine. The idea for the festival originated in 1985 among the musicians of the Schondra music association, after the community wood-fired oven in Brunnengasse was regularly used in the village. This idea evolved into a fixed date in the Schondra festival calendar.

Festival Tent, Brass Music, and Sociability

For three days, the festival offers:

• Food and drink centered around the freshly baked 'Plootz'
• Live music and brass band in and around the festival tent
• Convivial get-togethers of the village community
• Festival service and Frühschoppen (morning pint) on festival Sunday

The Backofenfest thrives on the commitment of the local clubs, which organize it in rotation – sometimes the music association, sometimes the young men's club, or other associations, often combined with their own club anniversaries.

Rhön Hospitality

The Backofenfest Schondra is an authentic example of lived village life in the Rhön: down-to-earth, warm, and with a lot of volunteer effort. Anyone who wants to get to know the region and its hospitality will find themselves in the right place here in the district of Bad Kissingen.