Bürgerfest 650 Years of Grafenau Town
The Bear City in the Bavarian Forest celebrates 650 years of town rights
About 650 Years Grafenau
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650 Years of Town Rights for the Bear City
On May 14, 1376, Emperor Charles IV elevated Grafenau to a town – the settlement had become an important hub and trading post for the salt trade, the "white gold" that was considered an expensive spice and preservative at the time. 650 years later, the municipality known as the "Bear City" in the Freyung-Grafenau district of the Bavarian Forest celebrated this anniversary with a grand citizens' festival.
The Historic Procession
The centerpiece of the celebration was an impressive procession with 44 themed groups and floats, which paraded through the town from the school center. The groups brought the epochs of Grafenau's history to life: from medieval salt traders through the periods of town fires to modern times. Clubs, music bands, and historical groups from the region participated.
Opening by the Minister President
Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder rode in the honorary carriage alongside Mayor Jonas Höcker and opened the citizens' festival around noon at the Stadtplatz. Söder emphasized that the "soul of Bavaria" lies in rural areas and praised the voluntary commitment without which such a festival would not be possible.
A Festival for the Whole Town
A festive church service in the town parish church, several stages with music and cultural programs, street artists, children's activities with bouncy castles, puppet theater, and magic shows, the premiere of a new town anthem by singer Marco Schober, and culinary stations transformed the town center and the KurErlebnispark BÄREAL into a festival mile. The entire year 2026 is dedicated to the anniversary – with concerts, salt trader festivals, historical exhibitions, cabaret evenings, and partner city meetings.
650 Years Grafenau — edition 2026
May 14, 2026, marked the highlight of the anniversary year "650 Years of Grafenau Town." A festive church service in the town parish church, the historic procession with 44 themed groups from the school center through the town, and the opening by Minister President Markus Söder in the honorary carriage characterized the day. Music and cultural programs were presented on two stages at the Stadtplatz and in the KurErlebnispark BÄREAL, along with street artists, a children's program, and culinary stations. The entire town center transformed into a festival mile.
Programme 650 Years Grafenau 2026
Thursday, May 14, 2026 — Festival Day
- 09:00 AM — Festive church service in the town parish church
- 11:00 AM — Grand historic procession with 44 themed groups and floats, starting at the school center through the town (medieval salt traders, town fires, modern times)
- 12:00 PM — Official opening at the Stadtplatz by Minister President Markus Söder and Mayor Jonas Höcker
- following — Premiere of the new town anthem, sung by Marco Schober
- Stage program Stadtplatz — Folk Rock'n'Roll Party with Andreas Gabalier Double, salute by the Bürgerwehr (citizens' guard), pyrotechnic surprises, band TILT, band "Richie & The Elevators"
- Stage / BÄREAL — Bärtl Bär and Woid-Rap, XXL games, magic shows, bouncy castles, info stations, museum family program, puppet theater, street artists
- all day — Numerous culinary stations in the town center and KurErlebnispark BÄREAL
On the previous evening, May 13, 2026, a ceremonial act for invited guests took place.
Highlights 650 Years Grafenau 2026
Prices 650 Years Grafenau 2026
Practical information — 650 Years Grafenau
Getting There
Grafenau is located in the Freyung-Grafenau district, near the Bavarian Forest National Park, accessible via the B85 and by the Waldbahn railway (Grafenau station). The festival activities are concentrated on the Stadtplatz and the KurErlebnispark BÄREAL in the town center.
Admission
Admission to the citizens' festival is free. Food and drinks are available at the culinary stations on site.
Tip
The 2026 anniversary year offers numerous events beyond the citizens' festival – salt trader festivals, concerts, and exhibitions. The town's event calendar is continuously updated.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place 650 Years Grafenau
Stadtplatz Grafenau und KurErlebnispark BÄREAL
Rathausgasse 1, 94481 Grafenau