Bockau Root Festival

Bockau Root Festival — where Erzgebirge history becomes a celebration

Bockau is a small municipality in the Erzgebirgskreis district, south of Aue, in a region characterized by mining and herbal knowledge. In the 18th century, a unique economic sector developed in Bockau: the 'Bockau root carvers' and 'Laborierer' collected medicinal herbs, carved roots, and distilled spirits and liqueurs from them — a pre-industrial craft deeply rooted in the Erzgebirge. The Root Festival has commemorated this tradition since the 19th century.

The festival days bring the small community out of its quietude: folk music from the Erzgebirge on the festival stage, amusement rides and carousels for the children, barbecue stands, a beer tent, and a parade that tells the story of Bockau with historical costumes and floats. If you're lucky, you might encounter a 'Laborierer' stand with recreated root stills — a direct link to the original function of the festival.

New Rhythm from 2026

After a break in 2025, the Root Festival will resume in 2026 with its 52nd edition — and with a new rhythm: from 2026 onwards, the festival will only take place every two years. This decision is intended to reduce the organizational burden on the community and associations while emphasizing the festival's special nature. The concept itself remains unchanged.

Bockau and the Upper Erzgebirge

Bockau lies on the Schwarzwasser river, south of Aue-Bad Schlema and north of the ridge area. The region is part of the 'Erzgebirge Mining Region' World Heritage Site, and visitors to the Root Festival can combine their stay with a visit to the mining exhibition or with hikes in the Upper Erzgebirge.