Härdepfel-Dorffest Forchheim

Härdepfel-Dorffest — Alemannic tradition in the Kaiserstuhl

The Härdepfel-Dorffest Forchheim is the traditional summer village festival held in the heart of Forchheim in the Kaiserstuhl region, within the district of Emmendingen. The name stems from the local Alemannic dialect: "Härdepfel" means "earth apple" or "potato"—a nod to the festival's roots in rural life, the potato harvest, and the regional potato dishes that have made Forchheim famous. The event is organized by the Forchheimer Vereinsgemeinschaft, an association of local clubs that work together to host the festivities.

What to expect

Eight clubs host their own stalls, including the music society, the Catholic Rural Youth Movement (KLJB), the Hirschenclub, the sports club, and others. Each stall offers its own specialty: grilled steaks, bratwurst, Maultaschen, cheese platters, salads, and, of course, classic potato dishes (fried potatoes, potato salad, stuffed potatoes). Drinks include Kaiserstuhl wines (Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Müller-Thurgau), draft beer, cocktails, strawberry punch, and liqueurs. Live bands perform during the festival; the 2025 edition featured the Infinity Partyband on stage.

When and where

The festival traditionally takes place on the second weekend of August, from Saturday to Monday—in 2025 from August 9 to 11, in 2024 from August 10 to 12, and in 2023 from August 12 to 14. Dates for 2026 have not yet been officially announced; they will be published on the festival website at dorffestforchheim.wordpress.com and via the festival's Facebook page. The venue is the Forchheim festival grounds around the Festhalle in the town center. In good weather, the festival takes place primarily outdoors; in case of rain, the Festhalle provides shelter and serves as the main stage.

Forchheim am Kaiserstuhl

With around 1,440 residents, Forchheim is the smallest independent municipality in the Emmendingen district. It is located in the Upper Rhine Plain on the northern edge of the Kaiserstuhl, not far from the Rhine and the French border. Agriculture is the defining feature: potato cultivation on approximately 120 hectares has made Forchheim famous far beyond the municipal boundaries—and gave the village festival its name. Its location between Freiburg, Colmar, and Basel makes the village a hub in a tri-national region.

Club culture and volunteering

Like all traditional village festivals in Southern Germany, the Härdepfel-Dorffest thrives on the voluntary commitment of local clubs. The Forchheimer Vereinsgemeinschaft is a prime example of successful community spirit: eight clubs work together, sharing tasks (setup and dismantling, catering, security, cleaning) to create a festival that attracts residents and visitors year after year. The proceeds go into the clubs' treasuries, supporting their activities throughout the year.