418. Eisfelder Kuhschwanzfest
«National Day of Eisfeld» — since 1608 at Pentecost, 418th edition May 22–26, 2026
About Kuhschwanzfest
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One of Thuringia's Oldest Folk Festivals — Since 1608
The Eisfelder Kuhschwanzfest is more than a town festival — it is a 418-year-old tradition that is still lovingly maintained in the small town of Eisfeld (Hildburghausen district) in southern Thuringia. First mentioned in 1608 and celebrated without interruption, the locals of Eisfeld half-ironically, half-proudly refer to the festival as their «National Day». The name «Kuhschwanzfest» (Cow's Tail Festival) originates from a humorous anecdote from the town's history, the truth of which has long since turned into legend over the centuries.
Duke Johann Casimir Opens the Festival
Historically, Eisfeld belonged to the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg, ruled by Johann Casimir (1564–1633) as prince. To this day, the Kuhschwanzfest begins with a historical procession: A citizen of Eisfeld takes on the role of the Duke, walks into the town in full Renaissance costume with the town guard, brass bands, and court, symbolically taking over power for the festival days. The staging — developed over generations — is the identity-forming opening ceremony and an attraction for thousands of guests.
Five Days of Program in Otto-Ludwig-Garten and Festival Tent
The festival is spread across several central locations: the Otto-Ludwig-Garten (named after the Eisfeld writer Otto Ludwig, 1813–1865) with its children's festival and open-air stage, the Volkshausplatz with the large festival tent for dance evenings, and the historical market around Eisfeld Castle. Throughout the Pentecost weekend, the marksmen's king competition, concerts, dancing, parades, and markets run in parallel — a packed festival calendar that brings 50,000 visitors to an East Thuringian town of 5,500 inhabitants every year.
Intangible Cultural Heritage of Thuringia
In 2014, the Eisfelder Kuhschwanzfest was added to the Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Thuringia — an official recognition of its special cultural significance. The association for the promotion of the Eisfelder Kuhschwanzfest e.V. organizes the festival with hundreds of volunteers, associations, bands, and guilds from Eisfeld and the surrounding area. Eisfeld is located in southern Thuringia on the border with Bavaria (Coburg region), and the festival is deeply rooted in local identity.
Kuhschwanzfest — edition 2026
418th Eisfelder Kuhschwanzfest — Pentecost 2026
The 418th edition follows the rhythm that has developed over four centuries: Pentecost opening on Friday with the procession of Duke Johann Casimir, ongoing program items over the five days, festival parade and grand finale on Whit-Tuesday. With around 50,000 visitors, Eisfeld becomes a magnet for southern Thuringia, the Coburg region, and beyond at Pentecost. The association for the promotion of the Eisfelder Kuhschwanzfest e.V. works all year round for these five days.
Programme Kuhschwanzfest 2026
418th Kuhschwanzfest 2026 — Program Overview
Friday, May 22, 2026 — Opening
- Historical procession of Duke Johann Casimir with town guard, brass bands, and court
- Symbolic handover of power to the Duke for the festival days
- Opening of the festival tent at Volkshausplatz
- First dance events in the evening
Saturday, May 23, 2026
- Historical market around Eisfeld Castle
- Concerts and program on the open-air stage in Otto-Ludwig-Garten
- Festival tent with a grand dance evening
Pentecost Sunday, May 24, 2026
- Children's Festival in Otto-Ludwig-Garten
- Marksmen's king competition
- Family program
- Concerts and open-air events
Pentecost Monday, May 25, 2026
- Continuation of the marksmen's events
- Concerts, market, dance evenings
⭐ Whit-Tuesday, May 26, 2026 — Conclusion
- Grand Festival Parade through the town center
- Grand fireworks to conclude
- Farewell to Duke Johann Casimir
Detailed program 2026 will be published in spring at eisfelder-kuhschwanzfest.de. Program structure has been consistent for decades.
Highlights Kuhschwanzfest 2026
- 418th edition since 1608
- Registered as intangible cultural heritage of Thuringia
- Historical procession of Duke Johann Casimir on Friday
- Children's festival in Otto-Ludwig-Garten
- Large festival tent at Volkshausplatz
- Festival parade on Whit-Tuesday
- Grand fireworks to conclude
- Around 50,000 visitors over five days
Prices Kuhschwanzfest 2026
Market area and parades: free admission. Festival tent events and concerts: admission according to the program. Grandstand seats for the Whit-Tuesday festival parade: fee applies, early booking recommended. Current prices on the official festival website.
Practical information — Kuhschwanzfest
Date 2026
418th Eisfelder Kuhschwanzfest: May 22 to 26, 2026 (Pentecost weekend). Historical procession of Duke Johann Casimir on Friday, May 22. Festival parade and conclusion on Whit-Tuesday, May 26.
Location
Otto-Ludwig-Garten and Volkshausplatz, 98673 Eisfeld. Festival parade through the town center. Historical market around Eisfeld Castle. Hildburghausen district, Southern Thuringia.
Getting There
By car: A73 exit Eisfeld, directly at the town. By train: Eisfeld station on the Sonneberg–Coburg line. During the festival, extensive road closures in the old town — parking available on the outskirts with shuttle service.
Admission
Market area and parades: free. Festival tent events and concerts: usually admission according to the program. Grandstand seats for the festival parade for a fee. Current prices at eisfelder-kuhschwanzfest.de.
Organizer
Verein zur Förderung des Eisfelder Kuhschwanzfestes e.V. in cooperation with the City of Eisfeld, the marksmen's association, clubs, and guilds. Program and tickets at eisfelder-kuhschwanzfest.de.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Kuhschwanzfest al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Kuhschwanzfest
Otto-Ludwig-Garten und Volkshausplatz, Eisfeld
Otto-Ludwig-Garten, 98673 Eisfeld, 98673 Eisfeld