Historienfest der Generationen — Kirchenburg Ostheim

Kirchenburg Ostheim

Kirchenburg Ostheim is a late medieval to early modern fortified church complex in northern Bavaria, in the Rhön-Grabfeld district. With its double ring wall, five towers, and over 70 'Gaden' (storage rooms for villagers during sieges), it is considered one of the most powerful fortified churches in Germany. The complex's core dates back to the 12th century and was extensively expanded in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Historical Format

The 'Historienfest der Generationen' is explicitly designed as an event for interaction between old and young. During the day, the focus is on old crafts and children's games from past centuries — from wool processing and blacksmith demonstrations to children's games like hoop rolling, marbles, and hobbyhorse races. The market stalls offer regional specialties, honey, herbs, bread from a wood-fired oven, and handicrafts from the Rhön region.

Medieval Music in the Evening

The highlight on Saturday evening is a concert of medieval music within the fortified church — bagpipes, hurdy-gurdy, shawm, and historical drums play dance tunes and festive music from the 13th to 16th centuries. The acoustics of the historic complex lend a special depth to the performance.

Ostheim and the Rhön

Ostheim vor der Rhön is located in the Rhön-Grabfeld district in the far north of Bavaria, on the border with Thuringia. The town, with around 3,500 inhabitants, is part of the UNESCO Rhön Biosphere Reserve and is a tourist destination along the Romantic Road. Together with Bad Königshofen, the fortified church is considered the most important historical building in the region.