Großes Waldfest Ruhpolding

100 Years of Waldfest Tradition

The Großes Waldfest Ruhpolding is an over 100-year-old tradition in the Berchtesgadener Land. The organizer is the D'Rauschberger-Zell Ruhpolding traditional costume association. The venue is the Waldfestplatz in Laubau near Ruhpolding in the district of Traunstein – one of the most famous tourist communities in the Bavarian Alps.

Traditional Costume Association as Host

The D'Rauschberger-Zell traditional costume association takes its name from the nearby Rauschberg and from Zell (alpine hut/alpine farmstead). For over a century, it has preserved Ruhpolding's traditional costumes and Upper Bavarian customs with dance, music, and folk culture.

Family Festival in an Alpine Setting

The Waldfest is a classic family festival: brass music from Ruhpolding's music bands, dance performances by traditional costume associations, board games, a children's program, and catering with Upper Bavarian specialties such as Brotzeit, Steckerlfisch, and Maibock beer. With clear visibility, the view extends far into the Berchtesgadener Land to the Sonntagshorn and Hochfelln.

"Highlight for Young and Slightly Older"

As the traditional costume association itself writes, the Waldfest has been a "highlight for the young and 'slightly older'" for over 100 years – a cross-generational event that combines Bavarian folk culture with alpine hospitality.

Ruhpolding and its Traditions

In addition to biathlon sports, Ruhpolding is famous for its vibrant traditional costume and folk culture. The Waldfest, along with the traditional Sängerwochenende (singers' weekend) and Almfest (alpine festival), is one of the annual highlights of the traditional costume calendar in the Berchtesgadener Land.