Bammentaler Kerwe
Third weekend of August — Reilsheim and Old Town Kerweborscht keep the tradition alive in the Kleiner Odenwald
About Bammentaler Kerwe
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Kerwe Tradition in the Kleiner Odenwald
The Bammentaler Kerwe is one of the most well-known Kirchweihfeste in the Rhein-Neckar district and has shaped the festival calendar of the municipality of Bammental in the Kleiner Odenwald for many decades. From Friday, August 14 to Monday, August 17, 2026 (3rd weekend of August), the Elsenzhalle and the town center open for the traditional Kerwe. The organizers are the Reilser Kerweborscht e.V., the Altstadt Kerweborscht Bammental e.V., and the municipality of Bammental together.
Four Days of Festival in Kerwe Style
The program follows the classic structure of the Palatinate-Baden Kerwe: On Saturday (August 15), the Kerweborscht erect the Kerwebaum — a tall, decorated tree that stands as a landmark on the festival grounds throughout the entire festival weekend. Afterwards, the mayor taps the beer barrel, officially opening the Kerwe. On Sunday (August 16), the grand Kerwe parade marches through Bammental and the district of Reilsheim — floats, traditional costume groups, clubs, and music bands march through both towns and gather at the festival grounds for the closing celebration. On Monday (August 17), the traditional Kerweschlumbl burial takes place — the humorous conclusion of the festival, where a fabric doll (the "Kerweschlumbl") is symbolically buried, with eulogies and a festive atmosphere.
Reilser Kerweborscht — Tradition for Generations
The Reilser Kerweborscht e.V. is one of the oldest Kerwe tradition associations in the Rhein-Neckar district and is dedicated to preserving customs and introducing young people to the traditions of the "Kleiner Odenwald" region. Together with the Altstadt Kerweborscht Bammental, the association has ensured the continuity of this special folk festival for generations.
Bammental, Reilsheim, and the Elsenz Valley
Bammental is a municipality of 6,600 inhabitants in the Rhein-Neckar district, southeast of Heidelberg in the Elsenz Valley — a side valley on the edge of the Kleiner Odenwald. The municipality consists of Bammental (Old Town) and the district of Reilsheim — two historic town centers with their own identities, which come together annually for the Kerwe. The Bammentaler Kerwe is one of the most traditional village festivals in the region and, at the same time, a testament to living Palatinate-Baden customs in the 21st century.
Bammentaler Kerwe — edition 2026
Kerwe on the 3rd Weekend of August 2026
The Bammentaler Kerwe runs in 2026, as every year, on the third weekend of August — from Friday, August 14 to Monday, August 17. The Kerweborscht associations from Reilsheim and Bammental-Altstadt, together with the municipality, organize the traditional Kirchweihfest.
Classic stages of the festival: On Saturday, the Kerwebaum is erected and the beer barrel is tapped by the mayor — the official opening of the festival. On Sunday, the grand parade marches through Bammental and Reilsheim — floats, traditional costume groups, music bands, the Kerweborscht, and all community clubs participate. On Monday, the traditional Kerweschlumbl burial follows as a humorous conclusion to the festival.
Programme Bammentaler Kerwe 2026
Friday, August 14, 2026 — Festival Kick-off
- Opening of the festival grounds at the Elsenzhalle
- First festival catering and refreshments
Saturday, August 15, 2026 — Kerwebaumstellen
- Kerwebaumstellen ceremony
- Beer barrel tapping by the mayor
- Live music in the Elsenzhalle and at the festival grounds
Sunday, August 16, 2026 — Grand Kerwe Parade
- Grand parade through Bammental and Reilsheim
- Floats, traditional costume groups, music bands, and club representatives
- Festival conclusion at the festival grounds
Monday, August 17, 2026 — Festival Conclusion
- Traditional Kerweschlumbl burial — humorous festival conclusion
- Eulogies and festive atmosphere
Full program details and times will be published in advance on reilse.de and in the Bammental newsletter.
Highlights Bammentaler Kerwe 2026
- Kerwebaumstellen and beer barrel tapping on Saturday
- Grand Kerwe parade on Sunday through both districts
- Traditional Kerweschlumbl burial on Monday
- Preservation of Palatinate-Baden customs by the Kerweborscht associations
- Venue: Elsenzhalle and town centers of Bammental + Reilsheim
Prices Bammentaler Kerwe 2026
Free admission to the entire festival grounds. Food and drinks at the stalls of the Kerweborscht and community clubs at usual festival prices.
Practical information — Bammentaler Kerwe
Getting There
Bammental is located in the Elsenz Valley, about 15 km southeast of Heidelberg. By car via the B 45 (Heidelberg–Mosbach, Bammental exit). By S-Bahn S 5 (Heidelberg–Eppingen) to Bammental — right in the town center. 5 minutes walk from the station to the Elsenzhalle.
Festival Days 2026
Third weekend of August 2026: Friday, August 14 — Opening. Saturday, August 15 — Kerwebaumstellen and beer barrel tapping. Sunday, August 16 — Grand Kerwe parade through Bammental and Reilsheim. Monday, August 17 — Kerweschlumbl burial and festival conclusion.
Admission
Free admission to the festival grounds around the Elsenzhalle and in the town centers. Food and drinks at the stalls of the Kerweborscht and community clubs at usual festival prices.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Bammentaler Kerwe
Elsenzhalle Bammental, Ortsmitte und Reilsheim
Elsenzhalle Bammental und Ortsmitte, 69245 Bammental