Erntedankfest Meisdorf

Harvest Festival in the Selke Valley

In the Harz mountains, on the edge of the tranquil Selke Valley, lies the district of Meisdorf — a small village within the town of Falkenstein/Harz, Harz district, Saxony-Anhalt. Every year in late September, the village community celebrates the Erntedankfest (Harvest Festival) here — a festival with a long tradition, honoring the region's agricultural roots.

Harvest Crown, Parade, and Farmers' Market

The program follows the proven choreography of a Central German harvest festival: In the morning, the harvest crown is blessed in a festive church service, followed by a parade with harvest wagons, traditional costume groups, and the local fire brigade through the village. The central village square becomes the festival grounds with a farmers' market, regional culinary delights (butcher's specialties, pumpkin, bread from a stone oven), farm shops from the surrounding area, and a live music program.

Family Program and Children's Area

For families, there's a classic children's program: straw castles, pony rides, craft activities, face painting. Local clubs — the shooting club, hunting cooperative, rural women's association — present their activities and ensure the traditional connection between village festival and customs. The combination of religion (harvest festival church service), folklore (parade with harvest crown), and modern conviviality (live music in the festival tent) makes the festival a well-functioning intergenerational event.

Meisdorf — Gateway to the Selke Valley

Meisdorf is located on the western edge of the Harz, right at the entrance to the Selke Valley. Its location is outstanding for tourism: Selketal hiking trail, Falkenstein Castle as the nearest excursion destination, Mansfeld Castle, and the Luther town of Eisleben nearby. Those visiting the harvest festival can combine the day with a hike in the Selke Valley — the autumn colors of the low mountain range are often at their peak at the end of September.