Frühjahrskerwa Goldkronach

Goldkronach – Mining Town in the Fichtelgebirge

Goldkronach is one of the most traditional mining towns in Upper Franconia. Gold was panned and mined here in the 14th century – a heritage that the small town of around 3,900 inhabitants in the district of Bayreuth still cherishes today. Every year at the end of June, the International German Gold Panning Championship takes place in the town, and historical mine tunnels can be visited. Its location in the middle of the Fichtelgebirge, at the foot of the Schneeberg (1,051 m), makes Goldkronach a typical Upper Franconian-Bohemian mining town.

Two Kirchweihen, Two Dates

Goldkronach celebrates not one, but two annual Kirchweihen: the Frühjahrskerwa in early June and the Herbstkerwa in autumn. Both take place on the central market square. This tradition distinguishes the town from the usual once-a-year festival calendar and gives the community a reason for a big Volksfest twice a year.

Market Square Festival Separate

Important to know: The Kerwas with rides are not the same as the also documented Marktplatzfest (market square festival) in summer. The Marktplatzfest is a cozy town and club festival without rides, while the Kerwas represent the classic Volksfest format with carousels, food stalls, and a festival tent. Thus, Goldkronach offers three different festival formats on the same market square throughout the year.

Program of the Frühjahrskerwa

The four-day program follows a proven schedule:

• Thursday: Festival opening with beer tapping in the late afternoon or early evening, opening of the rides and the festival tent.
• Friday: Festival tent evening with live band or DJ, rides for teenagers and adults.
• Saturday: Family day with reduced ride prices in the afternoon, dancing in the festival tent in the evening.
• Sunday: Festival service, morning pint with brass band, lunch, in the afternoon flea market "Offer instead of Throw Away" on the church forecourt, winding down in the evening.

SpVgg Goldkronach as Festival Caterer

As with the Marktplatzfest, the SpVgg Goldkronach also handles a large part of the catering at the Kerwas – sausages from the charcoal grill, steaks, fries, drinks, coffee, and cake. The proceeds go to the youth and club work of the sports association.

Flea Market "Offer instead of Throw Away"

A lovely tradition of the Frühjahrskerwa is the simultaneously held flea market on the church forecourt on Sunday. Under the motto "Offer instead of Throw Away", Goldkronach residents offer bric-a-brac, well-preserved household items, books, and clothing – a resource-saving approach that fits well with the town's identity.