Heidenheim Shepherd Experience Day
A day dedicated to the art of shepherding in Heidenheim's Brenzpark
About Heidenheim Shepherd Experience Day
A day for the Albschäferei
The Heidenheim district has a long and storied shepherding tradition that once held such great significance that it was celebrated with the Heidenheimer Schäferlauf, a festival of regional renown. Although the Schäferlauf has not been held since 2008, the community is committed to keeping this heritage alive. Under the leadership of the Heidenheim district, the local shepherd dance group of the Schwäbischer Albverein (Sontheim chapter), the Schwäbische Trachtengruppe Heidenheim, and local shepherds have joined forces to launch the Schäfer-Erlebnistag.
What to expect
The Schäfer-Erlebnistag brings together every facet of the shepherding craft in one place. Along the Shepherd's Mile, members of the guild demonstrate their skills: watch sheep shearing, see the flock, and try your hand at spinning or felting wool. You can also hear traditional shepherd's horns, meet young shepherds from the state sheep breeding association, and learn all about local lamb products. The event also features a farmers' and shepherds' market, a cultural program with traditional dances like the shepherd's dance and the 'Becher- und Hammeltanz', and a family program with crafts, felting, and a 'sheep researcher' station. Naturally, there is plenty of delicious lamb-based cuisine, regional specialties, and coffee and cake.
2024 Premiere: The grand finale of the Albschäferwoche
The inaugural Schäfer-Erlebnistag took place on October 13, 2024, in Brenzpark, serving as the grand finale of the first Albschäferwoche (October 3–13, 2024), a week-long series of events dedicated to shepherding across the entire Heidenheim district. The park was open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a special admission price of €1.00 for adults and €0.50 for children.
The venue: Brenzpark
The event is held at Brenzpark in Heidenheim an der Brenz (Nördlinger Straße 52), a beautiful park with expansive meadows and event spaces, open from March to October. Regular park admission is €2.00 per day for adults (16+), while children under 16 enter for free. An annual pass for the March–October season is available for €20.00. Special event pricing may apply.
Heidenheim Shepherd Experience Day — edition 2026
2026 Shepherd's Experience Day
The 2026 Shepherd's Experience Day is scheduled for Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Brenzpark Heidenheim, beginning at 11:00 AM. The event is organized by the Heidenheim district in collaboration with the Heidenheim Shepherd Dance Group of the Swabian Alb Association (Sontheim local branch), the Swabian Costume Group Heidenheim, and local shepherds.
The detailed schedule—including times for dance performances, sheep shearing, and interactive activities—has not yet been released. It will be available at www.albschaeferweg.de; printed program flyers will be available at local town halls and can be requested from the Heidenheim District Office.
Programme Heidenheim Shepherd Experience Day 2026
The detailed schedule for 2026 has not yet been released. However, the organizers have announced the following highlights for the Shepherd's Experience Day:
- Shepherd's Mile featuring members of the shepherd's guild: sheep shearing, a live flock, wool-related activities like spinning and felting, shepherd's horns, and the State Sheep Breeding Association with young shepherds, plus information on lamb meat and the 'Ostalb Lamm' brand.
- Cultural Program featuring the traditional shepherd's dance, the cup dance, the ram dance, and other folk and participatory dances.
- Farmers' and Shepherds' Market.
- Family Program: Arts and crafts, felting, and a sheep research station.
- Culinary Offerings: Lamb specialties, regional dishes, and coffee and cake.
As soon as the Heidenheim district publishes the schedule on albschaeferweg.de, we will update this page.
Highlights Heidenheim Shepherd Experience Day 2026
- Shepherd's Mile with a flock of sheep, shearing demonstrations, and wool crafts
- Traditional shepherd's dances, cup dance, and ram dance performed by the Heidenheim Shepherd Dance Group and the Swabian Costume Group
- Farmers' and shepherds' market with regional products
- Family and children's activities: crafts, felting, and a sheep research station
- Culinary delights featuring lamb and regional specialties
- Starts at 11:00 AM at Brenzpark Heidenheim
Prices Heidenheim Shepherd Experience Day 2026
Information regarding admission prices for the 2026 Shepherd's Experience Day is not yet available.
For reference: During the first Shepherd's Experience Day on October 13, 2024, admission to Brenzpark was €1.00 for adults and €0.50 for children. The regular daily admission to Brenzpark in 2026 is €2.00 for adults aged 16 and over; children under 16 are admitted free of charge.
Practical information — Heidenheim Shepherd Experience Day
Date
The 2026 Schäfer-Erlebnistag will be held on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Brenzpark Heidenheim, starting at 11 a.m. The detailed program and schedule will be published by the Heidenheim district at www.albschaeferweg.de.
Location
Brenzpark, Nördlinger Straße 52, 89522 Heidenheim an der Brenz.
Admission
Admission details for 2026 are yet to be confirmed. During the inaugural 2024 event, entry was €1.00 for adults and €0.50 for children. The regular daily admission to Brenzpark in 2026 is €2.00 for adults (16+), with free entry for children under 16.
Contact and Program
Heidenheim District Office, Phone 07321 321-2593, Email [email protected]. Printed program flyers are available at town halls throughout the district.
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Where it takes place Heidenheim Shepherd Experience Day
Brenzpark Heidenheim
Nördlinger Straße 52, 89522 Heidenheim an der Brenz