Erlanger Bergkirchweih
271st edition of the world's oldest beer festival – Erlangen's fifth season
About Berg
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The World's Oldest Beer Festival
The Erlanger Bergkirchweih – simply called der Berg (the mountain) by locals – has been celebrated every year in May since 1755. This makes it the oldest beer festival in the world. Unlike the Munich Oktoberfest or the Cannstatter Volksfest, it doesn't take place in enclosed beer tents but outdoors: 14 beer cellars arranged in two terraced rows stretch along the Burgberg, all nestled in the shade of old oak and linden trees.
A Tradition Rooted in Beer Storage
The cellars originally served as beer storage – breweries dug them into the sandstone slope to mature their beer at cool temperatures. The need to market the nearly depleted stocks before summer led to the creation of the Bergfest, which to this day retains the unique character of a beer cellar in the woods.
Four Breweries, Fourteen Cellars
Four Erlangen and Franconian breweries share the operation of the cellars: Kitzmann, Tucher, Kulmbacher Mönchshof, and the house brewery Steinbach Bräu. Historic cellars like the Erich-Keller (since 1718) and the Birkners Keller (since 1823) are among the landmarks. The newly designed Striezi Keller will replace the former Tucher location in 2026.
Intangible Cultural Heritage Since 2026
In March 2026, the Bergkirchweih was officially recognized as Bavarian intangible cultural heritage – a late but deserved acknowledgment for a Volksfest that, with over 270 years of history and a million visitors per season, is one of the defining festivals of Middle Franconia.
Erlangen, Bavaria, Middle Franconia
Erlangen is a university city in the state of Bavaria, in the Middle Franconia administrative region. With around 116,000 inhabitants, it is located between Nuremberg and Bamberg. During the Bergkirchweih, the city is in a state of exception – students, families, seniors, people from Munich, and even international guests make the pilgrimage to the Berg. The city's motto: "Be there for each other" – a call for consideration and mutual respect across generations.
Berg — edition 2026
The 271st Edition
In 2026, the Bergkirchweih celebrates its 271st edition. From May 21 to June 1, the Burgberg transforms into what Erlangen residents call their fifth season. Approximately one million visitors are expected.
Opening with Tapping Ceremony
On Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM, Mayor Jörg Volleth will perform the tapping ceremony for the first time in the Henninger Keller. With the cry "O'zapft is!" (It's tapped!), the festival officially begins.
New Features for 2026
- New Ferris wheel attraction with a height of 55m (operator Kipp)
- Recognition as Bavarian intangible cultural heritage (March 2026)
- Newly designed Striezi Keller replaces the former Tucher location
- More stable beer prices compared to 2025
- New toilet system Pinkel-Pass (€5 for 10 entries)
- App Berg-Barometer with live cellar occupancy
Programme Berg 2026
Key Dates of the 271st Bergkirchweih
- Thursday, May 21, 2026, 5:00 PM – Official opening with tapping ceremony by Mayor Jörg Volleth at Henninger Keller
- Daily weekdays from 10:00 AM / weekends from 9:30 AM – Cellar operations at 14 cellars
- 11:00 PM – Daily end of service
- Monday, June 1, 2026 – Closing with traditional barrel rolling and "Berg-Begräbnis" (Mountain Funeral)
Breweries and Selected Cellars
- Kitzmann – Henninger Keller, other Kitzmann cellars
- Tucher – several cellars, new Striezi Keller
- Kulmbacher Mönchshof – traditional Erlangen cellars
- Steinbach Bräu – Erlangen house brewery
- Historic addresses: Erich-Keller (1718), Birkners Keller (1823), Goldmann Keller
Amusement Rides
- New Ferris wheel attraction 55m
- Predator high-speed roller coaster
- Hangover overhead attraction
- Bumper cars and children's carousels
Live music daily in several cellars – from traditional Franconian brass bands to cover bands.
Highlights Berg 2026
- 271st edition – world's oldest beer festival
- Recognition as Bavarian intangible cultural heritage in 2026
- New 55m Ferris wheel attraction
- 14 cellars, four breweries, one million visitors
- Tapping ceremony by Mayor Jörg Volleth (first time)
Prices Berg 2026
Free admission to the Bergkirchweih grounds. Liter of beer: €12 at Goldmann Keller, €14 at most other cellars. Food varies by cellar, classic dishes include bratwurst, Schäufele (pork shoulder), and Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick). Pinkel-Pass: €5 for 10 toilet visits.
Practical information — Berg
Getting There
About a 20-minute walk from Erlangen main station to the Berg. During the Bergkirchweih, special buses run between Nuremberg and Erlangen until midnight. By car: A 73 Bamberg–Nuremberg, exit Erlangen-Nord or Erlangen-Tennenlohe. Parking in the city center is difficult – Park & Ride is recommended.
Opening Hours
Cellars open on weekdays from 10:00 AM, on weekends from 9:30 AM, and close at 11:00 PM.
Prices and Toilets
Liter of beer approx. €12–€14 depending on the cellar (€12 at Goldmann Keller, €14 at most others). New since 2026: the Pinkel-Pass for €5 for 10 toilet visits and the smartphone app Berg-Barometer, which shows cellar occupancy in real-time.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Berg al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Berg
Erlanger Burgberg / Berg
Burgberg, 91054 Erlangen