Flower arch dance and crossbow shooting in the Frankenwald since 1832
Since 1832 — for almost 200 years — the small Upper Franconian town of Lichtenberg has celebrated its Heimat- und Wiesenfest. This makes the Lichtenberger Wiesenfest one of the oldest continuously maintained local festivals in the Frankenwald. The town in the Hof district (Bavaria, 09475) thus preserves a form of civic folk culture that has long since disappeared elsewhere.
The trademark of the Lichtenberger Wiesenfest are the artfully tied flower arches, with which girls in white dresses march in the parade and dance at the Frankenwaldsee. Together with the traditional crossbow shooting, they form the heart of the festival. What makes it so special: both the flower arches and the crossbows are made in Lichtenberg itself — a form of lived custom that hardly any other place cultivates in this way.
The venue is the festival grounds at Frankenwaldsee, at the foot of the Schlossberg with the Lichtenberg castle ruins. The parade traditionally begins at the Schlossberg and leads down to the lake — accompanied by the music clubs from Rehau and Nordhalben — where the actual festival activities with the festival tent, catering, and stage take place.
The Wiesenfest is supported by the town of Lichtenberg together with the Förderverein Heimat- und Wiesenfest e.V. — a citizens' association that has kept the tradition alive for decades through volunteer work. The Wiesenfest brings together locals, former Lichtenbergers from all over the world, and guests from the Frankenwald and the neighboring Vogtland region.
Lichtenberg, picturesquely situated in the Höllental valley, was once an independent knightly lordship and is now considered a "knight's town" in the Frankenwald. The historic old town with its castle ruins, the rock formations of the Höllental valley, and the Frankenwaldsee offer a spectacular backdrop for the Wiesenfest. Anyone who has been here once knows the reputation: the most beautiful local festival in the Frankenwald.
For 2026, the Lichtenberger Heimat- und Wiesenfest is planned as usual — the exact dates are traditionally published a few months before the festival begins by the town of Lichtenberg and the support association. Based on experience, the festival occupies the last weekend in July (Saturday to Monday).
At the festival grounds on the Frankenwaldsee, the citizens of Lichtenberg will again present their handmade flower arches and crossbows — a tradition of almost 200 years, the continuation of which is secured by the voluntary commitment of the citizens and the support association.
The detailed program for 2026 will be published by the town of Lichtenberg in early summer 2026. Based on experience, the Wiesenfest follows this three-day schedule:
Current 2026 program as soon as available at stadt-lichtenberg.de/wiesenfest.
Free admission to the festival grounds at Frankenwaldsee. Catering by the festival operator and participating Lichtenberg clubs at usual folk festival prices. The parade, the dance of the flower arches, and the crossbow shooting can be experienced without admission.
Car: A9 exit Berg/Bad Steben, then B173 to Lichtenberg. Parking available on the outskirts of town.
Train: Hof Hbf station (ICE/IC stop), from there bus or rental car to Lichtenberg (approx. 30 min.).
Festival grounds: At Frankenwaldsee.
Free admission to the festival grounds. Catering by the festival operator and clubs at usual folk festival prices. The parade and the dance of the flower arches can be experienced for free.
Vacation rentals in Lichtenberg and the surrounding area, Höllental Camping directly on-site, hotels in Naila, Hof, and Bad Steben. Early booking recommended.
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Festplatz am Frankenwaldsee
Am Frankenwaldsee, 95192 Lichtenberg