113th Gaufest of the Oberlandler Gauverband & 80th Burschenfest Willing — Bad Aibling

Gaufest of the Oberlandler Gauverband — Traditional Costume Tradition in Upper Bavaria

The Gaufest is the annual major event of the Oberlandler Gauverband — an association of Upper Bavarian traditional costume clubs that forms the core of the vibrant Trachten culture between the Inn Valley and the Mangfall Mountains. It moves to a different club each year; in 2026, the Trachtenverein H.V.T.V. D'Oberlandler Bad Aibling e.V. is the host. With the 113th Gaufest, the association looks back on remarkable continuity.

Bad Aibling in the Rosenheim District

Bad Aibling is a Bavarian spa town in the Rosenheim district, in the state of Bavaria, about 50 km southeast of Munich. Known as a moorland spa and for its bathing landscape, Bad Aibling has preserved its rural Bavarian identity. The Gaufest takes place in the district of Willing — at the festival tent on Kirchweg, the traditional meeting place for the clubs.

Double Occasion: 113th Gaufest + 80th Burschenfest

In 2026, two festive occasions coincide: the annual Gaufest of the Gauverband and the 80th anniversary of the Willing Burschenverein. This results in two full festival weeks — longer than a classic Gaufest, with different focuses on various days.

What the Gaufest Represents

Unlike a Volksfest (public festival), a Gaufest is clearly focused on traditional costumes. The Gauverband's Trachtenvereine come in full traditional attire, presenting their folk dances, Schuhplattler (a traditional Bavarian dance), and singing groups. It is simultaneously:

• Competition — Plattler competition, Preisplatteln (a competitive form of Schuhplattler), Gauschützenwettkampf (regional shooting competition)
• Meeting — the clubs from the entire Gauverband meet for joint performances
• Customs Showcase — Trachtenumzug (traditional costume parade), Heimatabend (heritage evening), Kesselfleischessen, Festgottesdienst (festive church service)
• Festival Culture — Festival tent, dancing, music bands

Highlight: Gauhoamatdog on Main Sunday

The central day is Main Sunday, July 26, 2026: starting at 8:00 AM, the Gauhoamatdog takes place with a festive church service, a traditional costume parade of all participating clubs, stand concerts, award ceremonies, and a grand festival tent program. The arrival of the Trachtenvereine from the entire Gauverband makes this day the largest customs event in Upper Bavaria this summer.