Gunzenhäuser Kirchweih
625th edition of one of Middle Franconia's oldest Kirchweih traditions
About Gunzenhäuser Kerwa
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625 Years of Kirchweih Tradition
The Gunzenhäuser Kirchweih is one of the oldest continuously celebrated public festivals in Bavaria. With its 625th edition in 2026, the tradition dates back to 1401 — a continuous festival culture that has endured through plague epidemics, religious wars, the Industrial Revolution, and two World Wars. In Gunzenhausen, the current district capital of the Weißenburg-Gunzenhausen district with almost 17,000 inhabitants, the Kirchweih is the major social event of the year.
Nine Festival Days at Schießwasen
The festival grounds at Schießwasen — historically a shooting range for the city's marksmen — are traditionally prepared as a festival site from the beginning of September. From Saturday, September 12th, to Sunday, September 20th, 2026, nine festival days will take place with rides, a festival tent, an food mile, and a large Kirchweihjahrmarkt (fairground market). The opening is traditionally marked by an ecumenical service — a connection between church roots and public festival, typical for Middle Franconian Kirchweihen.
Kirchweih Parade on Monday
The highlight of the festival week is the Kirchweih parade on Monday, which leads through Gunzenhausen's old town from the market square to Schießwasen. Floats from clubs, traditional costume groups, music bands, the city marksmen, friendly fire departments, and festival wagons form a colorful procession — a demonstration of the club life of this small Franconian town. Thousands of residents and visitors line the streets.
Children's Afternoon and Family Program
The Children's Afternoon on Thursday is presented in a family-friendly manner — with reduced ride prices, a children's program in the festival tent, mascots, and games. The other festival days also offer much for families: the Ferris wheel with views over the Altmühlsee, the chain carousel, the bumper cars, classic children's carousels, and food stalls with sweets and children's snacks.
Gunzenhausen and the Franconian Lake District
Gunzenhausen is located in the heart of the Franconian Lake District, directly on the Altmühlsee, one of Bavaria's largest reservoirs. The town is characterized by tourism — lake resort, water sports, cycling and hiking trails. The Kirchweih traditionally falls at a time when lake activities are slowly winding down and the city is preparing for autumn. A combination of a public festival and the last summer weekend by the lake.
Gunzenhäuser Kerwa — edition 2026
The 625th Gunzenhäuser Kirchweih 2026 opens on Saturday, September 12th, with an ecumenical service — a tradition that connects the spiritual roots of the Kirchweih (patronal festival of the town parish church) with the public festival. Afterwards, the mayor officially opens the festival, and the rides, festival tent, and food stalls begin operation.
Over the following nine days, the festival shapes the town life of Gunzenhausen. Highlights: Children's Afternoon on Thursday, September 17th, with reduced carousel prices, mascots, and games. Kirchweih parade on Monday, September 14th: Floats from clubs, traditional costume groups, music bands, city marksmen, fire departments, and festival wagons parade from the market square to Schießwasen. The festival concludes on Sunday, September 20th, marking the end of the 625th edition.
Programme Gunzenhäuser Kerwa 2026
625th Gunzenhäuser Kirchweih September 12–20, 2026 — Schießwasen Festival Grounds
Saturday, September 12, 2026 — Opening
- Ecumenical Service as the spiritual start of the Kirchweih
- Official opening by the mayor
- Opening of rides, festival tent, and food stalls
Sunday, September 13, 2026
- All-day festival operations, family-friendly program
- Kirchweih market with sales stands
- Live music in the festival tent
Monday, September 14, 2026 — Kirchweih Parade
- Grand Kirchweih Parade from the market square through Gunzenhausen's old town to Schießwasen
- Floats from clubs, traditional costume groups, music bands, city marksmen, friendly fire departments, festival wagons
- Evening festival celebration in the tent
Thursday, September 17, 2026 — Children's Afternoon
- Reduced ride prices
- Children's program in the festival tent with mascots and games
- Family-friendly food stalls
Friday–Sunday, September 18–20, 2026 — Festival Finale
- Last big festival evening on Saturday with live bands
- Morning pint on Sunday
- Festival conclusion on Sunday evening with a final fireworks display (depending on the year)
A detailed daily program will be announced by the city of Gunzenhausen in advance at gunzenhausen.info/veranstaltungen. Contact: Tel. +49 9831 508-300.
Highlights Gunzenhäuser Kerwa 2026
Prices Gunzenhäuser Kerwa 2026
Practical information — Gunzenhäuser Kerwa
Getting There
Gunzenhausen is located about 50 km southwest of Nuremberg. By train: DB stop Gunzenhausen on the Treuchtlingen–Pleinfeld line. By car: via the A6 (exit Lichtenau), then B466 to Gunzenhausen. From the train station to Schießwasen: approx. 15 minutes on foot. Parking available in the city center and at the festival grounds.
Admission
Admission to the festival grounds, festival tent, and Kirchweih parade is free. Rides and food stalls at public festival prices, festival beer on tap at usual prices. Children's afternoon on Thursday with reduced carousel prices.
Tips
The Saturday opening with the ecumenical service and the Monday Kirchweih parade are the most emotionally intense events. Thursday afternoon is ideal for families with children. Combine your Kirchweih visit with a boat trip on the Altmühlsee or a bike tour around the lake.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Gunzenhäuser Kerwa
Festplatz Schießwasen Gunzenhausen
Zum Schießwasen, Festplatz, 91710 Gunzenhausen