Berg-Kirchweih am Haidstein (Runding)
Pilgrimage and mountain fair to St. Ulrich Chapel in the Bavarian Forest
About Bergkirwa Haidstein
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Mountain Fair at the Pilgrimage Church
High above the Cham-Furthnauer Valley in the Bavarian Forest, on the Haidstein summit, stands the St. Ulrich pilgrimage church – a small mountain chapel dedicated to the Mother of God of Mount Carmel and Saint Bishop Ulrich of Augsburg. Originally, it was a castle chapel within a medieval castle complex, first documented in the 12th century. Today, it is a popular pilgrimage and excursion destination.
July 4th – The Patronal Feast Day
The Bergkirchweih am Haidstein is traditionally celebrated on the patronal feast day of Saint Ulrich of Augsburg: on July 4th or the following Sunday. In 2026, July 4th is a Saturday – so the actual Bergkirchwa will take place on Sunday, July 5th, 2026. A week later, the Kirchweih (church consecration festival) of the Runding parish itself traditionally follows – an interplay between mountain pilgrimage and village festival that characterizes this region of the Bavarian Forest.
St. Mark's Procession in May – A Related Custom
Closely related to the Bergkirchweih is the St. Mark's procession on May 1st: pilgrims walk from the old parish church in Runding via the Way of the Cross up to the Haidstein, where, weather permitting, an open-air mass is celebrated, or a mass inside the church if the weather is bad. This tradition shows how closely the Haidstein and the pilgrimage church are anchored in the religious calendar of the parish.
Haidsteiner Hütte and Mountain Hike
In addition to the pilgrimage church, the Haidsteiner Hütte offers an inn with snacks, Franconian-Bavarian cuisine, and far-reaching views into the Bavarian Forest. Those who visit the Bergkirchweih traditionally combine it with a hike from Runding up to the church – via the old Way of the Cross or one of the marked hiking trails. A hike in the Bavarian Forest with a religious highlight and a cozy mountain inn conclusion.
Runding and the Bavarian Forest
Runding is a municipality in the district of Cham with just over 2,600 inhabitants, located at the foot of Schlossberg in the Bavarian Forest. The region is a classic hiking area with forests, small low mountain ranges, and a dense parish culture. The Bergkirchweih am Haidstein is one of the most vibrant religious and, at the same time, tourist events in the municipality.
Bergkirwa Haidstein — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Bergkirchweih am Haidstein follows the centuries-old tradition. Since July 4th (St. Ulrich's Day) falls on a Saturday in 2026, the Bergkirchweih will be celebrated on Sunday, July 5th, 2026. Festival service in the morning in the open air at St. Ulrich's pilgrimage church (weather permitting; inside the church if the weather is bad), followed by a morning pint and a cozy get-together at the Haidsteiner Hütte.
Pilgrims and festival visitors usually ascend from the Runding parking lot to the Haidstein summit via the hiking trails in the morning – a short but rewarding mountain hike with views into the Bavarian Forest. The Kirchweih is both a religious pilgrimage and a folk festival with an inn conclusion.
Programme Bergkirwa Haidstein 2026
Program Bergkirchweih Haidstein 2026
- Morning — Ascent from the Runding parking lot to the Haidstein summit (approx. 45–60 min mountain hike)
- Morning — Festival service at St. Ulrich's pilgrimage church (open-air service in good weather, otherwise in the church)
- Lunch/Afternoon — Morning pint and catering at the Haidsteiner Hütte with Franconian-Bavarian cuisine and regional beers
- Late Afternoon — Hike back to Runding
A week later (July 11th/12th, 2026), the Kirchweih of the Runding parish traditionally follows in the village itself – a continuous festival calendar in the parish area.
Highlights Bergkirwa Haidstein 2026
- Festival service at the historic St. Ulrich pilgrimage church on the Haidstein
- Mountain hike from Runding to the summit as part of the tradition
- Catering at the Haidsteiner Hütte
- View of the Bavarian Forest from the summit
- Kirchweih of the Runding parish in the village follows a week later
Prices Bergkirwa Haidstein 2026
Admission to the festival service is free. Catering at the Haidsteiner Hütte at usual inn prices.
Practical information — Bergkirwa Haidstein
Getting There
By car: A3 exit Schwandorf, then B85 towards Cham, continue to Runding. From the Runding parking lot, walk via hiking trails up to the Haidstein.
Admission
Festival service is freely accessible. Catering at the Haidsteiner Hütte at usual inn prices.
Accommodation
Guesthouses in Runding, larger selection in Cham (10 km).
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Bergkirwa Haidstein al mejor precio.
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