Fränkisches Gartenfest Wasserschloss Mitwitz

A Moated Castle as a Festival Backdrop

The Wasserschloss Mitwitz, with origins dating back to the 13th century, is one of Franconia's most beautiful moated castles. It is located in the market town of Mitwitz in the Kronach district – in northwestern Upper Franconia on the edge of the Frankenwald forest – and has been managed by the Kronach district since 2020. With its moat, baroque park, and Renaissance character, it forms an unusual and enchanting backdrop for the Fränkisches Gartenfest, which has taken place annually in the week of Ascension Day since its first edition in 2008.

70 Exhibitors from Across Central Europe

Around 70 selected exhibitors and artists present a variety of plants and lifestyle products in the castle park. The range extends from fragrant Damask roses and rare perennial rarities to Mediterranean olive trees and exotic specimen trees, as well as herbs, wild vegetables, and trees for the home garden. In addition, craftspeople offer ceramics, metalwork, glasswork, turned bowls, jewelry, and textiles. Franconian culinary specialties include sausage specialties, freshly baked herb breads, Scandinavian licorice, Franconian liqueurs, and specialties made from wild fruits for tasting.

Mitwitz Artists' Market

Parallel to the Garden Festival, the Mitwitz Artists' Market takes place, entering its 19th edition in 2026. Regional and supra-regional painters, graphic artists, sculptors, and jewelry designers present paintings, graphics, wood objects, collages, and delicate jewelry. Live demonstrations by glassblowers and knife grinders showcase traditional crafts that have a long tradition in Upper Franconia.

Family Program in the Castle Park

For families, there are free hands-on stations daily where children can plant, create, and experiment. Particularly popular are the Shetland ponies, which are led around the park – petting and riding are allowed. This is complemented by fairy tale readings, creative workshops, and a small children's carousel in the shade of the old castle trees.

Mitwitz – The Gateway to the Frankenwald

The market town of Mitwitz has around 3,200 inhabitants and, with its nine districts, is a typical Upper Franconian market village on the edge of the Frankenwald. Its location between Coburg and Kronach – and thus on an old trade route – has shaped Mitwitz since the Middle Ages. The moated castle was the seat of a well-known noble family; today it houses a conference and cultural center as well as a café. The Fränkisches Gartenfest is one of the highlights of the Upper Franconian event calendar.