Herdermer Hock

Herdermer Hock — the convivial district weekend

In Alemannic, 'Hocken' simply means sitting together, chatting, and enjoying oneself — the Herdermer Hock is Freiburg's version of this: a district festival that doesn't rely on big stages and Schlager crowds, but on the relaxed neighborhood character of an established quarter. From July 24 to 27, 2026, the 45th edition will take place around the Parish Church of St. Urban in Freiburg-Herdern. For four days — from Friday to Monday — the church square transforms into the district's living room.

Kirchplatz St. Urban — the heart of Herdern

The Catholic Parish Church of St. Urban, dating from the 19th century, dominates the northern Freiburg skyline with its distinctive tower and shapes the Herdern cityscape. The church square in front serves as a gathering place, meeting point, and festival grounds all in one. For the Herdermer Hock, it's transformed with beer benches, marquees from local clubs, a small stage, and lighting into a four-day open-air salon. The historic architecture of the surrounding buildings provides the unique atmosphere.

Club catering and musical program

The Herdern Residents' Association (Bürgerverein Herdern e.V.) has coordinated the festival for decades, but it's supported by a dense network of district clubs, church groups, sports clubs, and schools that provide food and the program. You'll find stalls with Baden-Alemannic specialties — Flammkuchen, Wurstsalat, Maultaschen, Schäufele, Bratwurst — as well as regional wines from Tuniberg and Kaiserstuhl, plus beer from Baden breweries. The stage features local cover bands, jazz ensembles, dialect artists, and choirs from the district.

Four days of program — from Friday to Monday

The program follows a classic structure: Friday marks the opening with a keg tapping and the first stage performance — quite relaxed, as district residents come straight from work. Saturday is the liveliest day with live bands playing late into the night. Sunday begins with an ecumenical service and a morning pint ('Frühschoppen'), followed by a family afternoon with games for children, then a stage program. Monday is the wind-down — a Swabian-Alemannic 'Kehraus' with cozy beer-sitting and quieter music.

Herdern — Freiburg's green north

The district of Herdern is located in the north of Freiburg at the foot of the Schlossberg, boasting Wilhelminian-era villa architecture, quiet residential streets, and a high quality of life. It's home to families, university staff, and a high proportion of middle-class, academic residents — this is also reflected in the character of the Hock: no Schlager crowds, but refined conviviality. From the church square, you can reach the main train station or the city center with the Minster in 10 minutes.

Freiburg — Germany's southwesternmost major city

Freiburg im Breisgau, with around 235,000 inhabitants, is the largest city in Southern Baden and the seat of the Freiburg urban district. It's considered a model of ecological sustainability in Germany. The Freiburg Minster with its 116 m high tower, the 'Bächle' (small water channels) in the alleys of the old town, and the University (founded 1457) shape the cityscape. Around Freiburg lie the Black Forest, the Kaiserstuhl with its vineyards, and the Markgräflerland — one of Germany's most enjoyable wine and culinary regions. In summer, the region is a magnet for hikers and cyclists; the Herdermer Hock is the most convivial addition to this.