Hirschbacher Kirwa
Traditional Upper Palatinate Kirchweih since 1460 in the Hirschbachtal valley
About Hirschbacher Kirwa
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A Kirchweih since 1460
The Hirschbacher Kirwa is one of the oldest documented Kirchweih festivals in the Oberpfalz (Upper Palatinate). The first mention dates back to 1460 – since then, the Hirschbachtal valley has celebrated its parish church consecration festival annually around Assumption Day (August 15th). Today, the Hirschbacher Kirwaverein e.V. is the organizer, embedded in the vibrant club life of the municipality of Hirschbach in the Königstein administrative district, Amberg-Sulzbach county.
Tradition: Kirwamoila, Kirwaboum and Kirwabaum
As with many Franconian-Upper Palatinate Kirwas, young couples lead the festival: the Kirwaboum in black and white Kirwa attire, and the Kirwamoila with Kirwatuch (Kirwa scarf) and Dirndl. The highlight is dancing around the decorated Kirwabaum, which is felled in the forest, transported to the festival grounds by hand, and erected with music. Traditional Kirwa songs, the 'Wer hat Kirwa?' (Who has Kirwa?) game, and the opening with the famous Vuglsuppn – a hearty broth – are part of the fixed program.
Four Days of Celebration in the Hirschbachtal Valley
The festival weekend traditionally spans from Thursday to Monday around August 15th. On Thursday evening, the Kirwa is opened with Vuglsuppn. Live bands play in the festival tent on Friday and Saturday. Sunday features a celebratory church service and a grand procession. Monday includes the Frühschoppen (morning pint) and the drawing of lots for the 'Kirwamoila' and 'Kirwaboum' – a typical element of Northern Bavarian Kirwa customs where the couples are drawn by lot.
Hirschbach and its Rocks
Hirschbach is known beyond the region for its rocky landscape on the edge of the Hirschbacher Schweiz (Hirschbach Switzerland) – a climbing paradise with striking Jurassic rocks and hiking opportunities. The Kirwa utilizes this backdrop and attracts numerous guests from the entire Amberg-Sulzbach district and the Nuremberg region to the valley each year.
More than a Club Festival
With its long history, the Hirschbacher Kirwa is a blend of tradition, meeting point, and a festival for all generations. The Fränkisches-Kirchweih-Portal lists it as a permanent fixture in the Kirwa calendar of the Oberpfalz – an anchor point for anyone wanting to experience folk culture, vibrant club life, and Upper Palatinate tradition in an authentic setting.
Hirschbacher Kirwa — edition 2026
For centuries, the Hirschbacher Kirwa has followed the rhythm around Assumption Day. For 2026, this likely means the period from August 13–17, following the pattern of previous years (2025: August 14–18). The organizer is the Hirschbacher Kirwaverein e.V., supported by local clubs.
The traditional opening on Thursday evening is the Vuglsuppn. This is followed by festival evenings with live music, Sunday's celebratory church service and procession of clubs through the village, and Monday's Frühschoppen with the famous drawing of lots for the Kirwamoila and Kirwaboum. The exact program with times and bands will be announced by the Kirwaverein on its Facebook page.
Programme Hirschbacher Kirwa 2026
Thursday, August 13, 2026 – Festival Opening
- Vuglsuppn opening in the festival tent at the Hirschbach festival grounds
- Erection of the Kirwabaum by the Kirwaboum
Friday, August 14, 2026
- Festival evening with live music in the festival tent
- Dancing around the Kirwabaum
Saturday, August 15, 2026 – Assumption Day
- Daytime festival activities
- Grand festival evening with live music
Sunday, August 16, 2026
- Celebratory church service in the Hirschbach parish church
- Procession of local clubs and Kirwa couples
- Frühschoppen and family afternoon
Monday, August 17, 2026 – Kirwamontag
- Frühschoppen with brass music
- Drawing of lots for the Kirwamoila and Kirwaboum
- Sociable end of the festival
Bands and times will be published by the Hirschbacher Kirwaverein e.V. on their social media channels before the festival.
Highlights Hirschbacher Kirwa 2026
Prices Hirschbacher Kirwa 2026
Practical information — Hirschbacher Kirwa
Getting There
Hirschbach is located about 35 km east of Nuremberg and 20 km northwest of Amberg. Reachable via the B 14 (Sulzbach-Rosenberg) and then via Königstein. Festival parking is signposted on site; public transport to Sulzbach-Rosenberg, then by bus or taxi.
Admission
Admission to the festival tent on weekends is often free or requires a small daily fee (details announced by the Kirwaverein on their Facebook page). Food and drinks are available for purchase; traditional Vuglsuppn, sausages, schnitzel, and Kirwakuchen (Kirwa cake).
Accommodation
Guesthouses and holiday apartments in Hirschbach, further options in Königstein, Sulzbach-Rosenberg, and Amberg.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Hirschbacher Kirwa
Festplatz Hirschbach
Festplatz, 92275 Hirschbach (VG Königstein, Landkreis Amberg-Sulzbach), 92275 Hirschbach