Frankenhäuser Fliederfest

Bad Frankenhausen and the Lilac

Bad Frankenhausen is the district town of the Kyffhäuser district in North Thuringia — a brine spa town at the foot of the Kyffhäuser Mountains. The town is closely associated with the Peasants' War of 1525: Thomas Müntzer's last battle took place here, and Werner Tübke's famous panorama painting "Early Bourgeois Revolution in Germany" in the Panorama Museum commemorates it. The town's second pillar of identity is the lilac. As early as the 19th century, Wilhelm Schall's wife planted the first lilacs in the town — today, Bad Frankenhausen is one of the towns with the most lilacs in Central Germany. This is exactly what the Fliederfest celebrates: on the first weekend of May, when the lilac is in full bloom.

The Election of the Lilac Queen

The central highlight of the festival is the election and coronation of the Lilac Queen. This form of folk queen election is unique in Germany: every year, a new "Lilac Queen" is chosen from among the town's young women, who represents Bad Frankenhausen for one year. The coronation ceremony on the festival Friday — when the outgoing queen hands over the mantle and crown to her successor — is one of the most emotional moments of the festival calendar. In 2026, Lilac Queen Eileen will hand over to Felicia; at the same time, the new Lilac Princess will be introduced.

Frankenhusen anno 1525 — Peasants' War Reenactment

In 2026, a new program element will complement the Fliederfest: the historical farmer's camp "Frankenhusen anno 1525". In memory of the Peasants' War battle of 1525, reenactment groups will set up a contemporary army camp with tents, historical weapons, craft demonstrations, and mock tournaments around the Schlossplatz. This will integrate the Fliederfest more closely with the town's historical identity than ever before — also in preparation for the major Peasants' War anniversary year 2025–2027 (500 years Peasants' War).

Folk Festival with Amusement Rides and Children's Program

Amusement rides and showman carousels will be set up on the Schlossplatz — the classic folk festival element. Children's theatre and puppet shows will be performed in the hall and on a smaller stage, attracting the younger visitors. On Saturday evening, there will be a dance evening in the festival tent — various live bands will provide a lively atmosphere. Sunday begins with a morning pint (Frühschoppen), where a brass band will play.

Who was Wilhelm Schall?

The lilac tradition of Bad Frankenhausen dates back to the 19th century. At that time, the wife of Wilhelm Schall from Frankenhausen is said to have planted the first lilac bushes in large numbers in the town — a private initiative that shaped the town's appearance within a few decades. Today, the lilac in May attracts thousands of visitors to the spa town, and the Fliederfest has developed since 1994 into one of the most important folk festivals in Northern Thuringia.