Siegenburg Civic Festival with German Hop Picker Championship

A Festival from the Heart of Hallertau

The Civic Festival with the German Hop Picker Championship is Siegenburg's big summer festival in the district of Kelheim (Lower Bavaria). It traditionally takes place on the weekend after August 15th, i.e., after Assumption Day, and is jointly organized by the market town of Siegenburg and the Hallertau Folk Costume Association Siegenburg e. V. The venue is the largest contiguous hop-growing region in the world – Hallertau.

Hop Tradition Since 1846

Siegenburg has held official hop seal rights since 1846, making it the third-oldest hop seal community in Hallertau. This long tradition shapes the festival: the German Hop Picker Championship commemorates the hand-harvesting that was common until around 1960, when the hop cones – the "green gold" – were picked from the vines by hand.

The Competition

Pickers from the surrounding communities and private individuals participate in the competition. The jury evaluates the weight and cleanliness of the picked hops and determines the German champions. Three prizes are awarded annually; festival visitors can purchase the hand-picked hops.

Parade, Hop Queen, and Brass Music

The highlight is the festive parade on Sunday with hop pickers, hop and festival queens, the children's dance group, the HVT trio, and the fife and drum corps. During the festival, the reigning Hop Queen ceremoniously hands over her title to her successor. Hearty brass band music, culinary specialties, and entertainment for all generations round off the Civic Festival, making it a vibrant showcase of Lower Bavarian hop culture.