Gildefest Süderau

Süderau and the Tradition of the Kirchdorfsgilde

Süderau is a small municipality in the Steinburg district (state of Schleswig-Holstein), on the edge of the Krempermarsch between Itzehoe and Glückstadt. With around 800 inhabitants, Süderau is a typical marsh village whose social structure has been shaped by farms, crafts, and close-knit neighborhood ties for centuries.

The Süderau Kirchdorfsgilde is a historical neighborhood association whose roots go back to the Middle Ages. Guilds were originally mutual aid and support communities — members supported each other during weddings, funerals, fire damage, and major agricultural tasks. Today, these guilds are primarily custodians of village customs and organizers of the annual Gildefeste.

Hof Köhler on Süderauer Riep

The venue is Hof Köhler on Süderauer Riep — a typical marsh road that follows the course of the old waterway. The farm opens its barns and outdoor areas for the Gildefest and complements the program with a village flea market held on the same weekend.

Program Schedule 2026

The Gildefest 2026 will take place on Saturday, June 20. The exact hourly program will be published in the spring by the Kirchdorfsgilde and the municipality of Süderau. Based on the tradition of previous years, it is expected to include: a festival service, guild procession with traditional costumes and guild banners, catering by the guild, children's program, music, and dancing in the evening. On Sunday, June 14, 2026 (one week earlier), the village flea market will already take place at Hof Köhler.

Kirchdorfsgilden in Schleswig-Holstein

The Kirchdorfsgilden of Schleswig-Holstein are a remarkable piece of living cultural heritage. In the region between the Eider and Elbe rivers, many of these neighborhood associations have survived to this day — they are less a tourist spectacle and more a practical social network that performs important functions alongside the fire department and the municipality. The annual Gildefest is the highlight and self-affirmation of this community.