Election of the Hallertau Hop Queen

A Royal Election Amidst the Hops

The Hallertau, with over 17,000 hectares of cultivation area, is the largest contiguous hop-growing region in the world – the center of this Bavarian "green gold" is the market town of Wolnzach in the Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm district, state of Bavaria. This is where the German Hop Museum is located, where the annual Hallertau Volksfest takes place – and where, since 1953, the new Hallertau Hop Queen has been elected every year.

A Trio Instead of a Single Queen

Unlike many other regional royal elections, a trio is elected in Wolnzach: the Hop Queen, the Vice Queen (Hop Princess), and a second princess. For two years, the three hop majesties represent the Hallertau hop farmers at international trade fairs, brewery visits, promotional appearances, and folk festivals – from the Munich Oktoberfest to trips to the USA, Czech Republic, or Belgium.

Election Day on the First Volksfest Monday

The election traditionally takes place on the first Monday of the Hallertau Volksfest in the festival tent. The requirement for the candidates: they must come from a hop-growing family in the Hallertau or have a close connection to hop cultivation and wear a Bavarian traditional costume outfit. A jury of hop growers, market representatives, and the brewing industry questions the candidates about hops, beer, customs, and regional history. Afterwards, all present festival tent visitors can also vote.

Musical Accompaniment by the Marktkapelle

The election is musically framed by the Marktkapelle Wolnzach, which leads through the evening in Bavarian traditional costume with classical brass music. After the announcement, the ceremonial coronation with traditional costume, crown, and sash takes place – a much-photographed moment that receives extensive coverage in the Bavarian and national media every year.

History of the Hallertau Hop Queen

The tradition began in 1953 when a young woman from hop farming was first elected as a representative of the Hallertau. Since then, the election has only been suspended in 2020 (Corona); all other years are documented without gaps. An overview of all Hop Queens since 1953 can be viewed on the website of the Wolnzach market.

• Tradition since 1953 (with only one interruption in 2020)
• Election in the festival tent of the Hallertau Volksfest
• Trio: Queen + Vice + Princess
• Music: Marktkapelle Wolnzach
• Representatives for two years, worldwide