Colbitz Heide Festival

The Colbitz-Letzlingen Heath and its Heidefest

The Colbitz-Letzlingen Heath is one of the largest contiguous heath landscapes in Germany — a natural area of pine forests, heathland, and old military training grounds, much of which is now being renatured and offers hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers an extraordinary destination in the north of Saxony-Anhalt. In its midst lies Colbitz, a heath village in the Börde district, which celebrates its Heidefest annually at the beginning of September — the most important local event in the region.

2026: 48th Edition

With the 47th edition in September 2025 (September 12–14), the Heidefest has reached another milestone. The 48th edition is scheduled for 2026 — presumably on the second weekend of September (date to be announced by the Colbitz-Letzlingen Heath Tourism Association in spring 2026). The traditional venues are the market square and the adjacent Volkshausgarten in Colbitz.

Crowning of the Heath Queen — the Emotional Centerpiece

The heart of the festival is the crowning of the Heath Queen. Since 1996, a young woman has been crowned each year in Colbitz as the representative of the heath region — she will represent the Colbitz-Letzlingen Heath for one year at tourist events, festivals, and receptions. The festive crowning ceremony takes place on Saturday morning of the festival weekend; the outgoing Heath Queen hands over the crown and sash to her successor.

Colbitz Bockbier — Tapping Ceremony with Tradition

Another highlight: the traditional tapping of the Colbitz Bockbier. The Colbitz brewery has been brewing one of the region's best-known bock beers for generations, which is served for the first time of the season at the Heidefest. The tapping ceremony is an official act accompanied by a ceremonial speech.

Program — Family Festival with Local Flavor

Three days of programming encompass a classic local festival spectrum: stage concerts, a dance evening, a festive parade through the village, a family afternoon with games, regional gastronomy (game dishes from the heath, mushrooms, bock beer, local bread), craft stalls, and often a concluding fireworks display on Saturday evening.

Colbitz as a Travel Destination

Colbitz itself is a good starting point for hikes through the heath. The Heideerlebnispfad (Heath Experience Trail), the Bormiumweg Nature Reserve, and the nearby military memorial sites (now nature reserves) make the region an underestimated destination in northern Saxony-Anhalt. Those who combine the Heidefest with a weekend stay can optimally combine the local festival experience with nature tourism.