594. Hofer Schlappentag
One of the oldest folk festivals in Bavaria — since the 15th century
About Schlappentag
Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Schlappentag al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
One of the Oldest Folk Festivals in Germany
The Hofer Schlappentag has been celebrated since the early 15th century — in 2026, the festival marks its 594th anniversary. This makes it one of the oldest continuously celebrated folk festivals in Germany. Since 2016, the Schlappentag has been officially included in the Bavarian inventory of intangible cultural heritage.
Schlappen, Beer, and Tradition
The name originates from the shooting obligation of Hof's journeymen: those who were unable to attend the actual shooting day (Whit Monday) were allowed to shoot the next day "in Schlappen" — meaning without the obligation to wear smart clothing. The "Schlappentag" was born. Over the centuries, this practice evolved into today's festival, where the Schlappenschießen at the Schießhäuschen and the specially brewed Schlappenbier from the Scherdel brewery play the leading roles.
The Schießhäuschen at Theresienstein
The venue is the Schießhäuschen at Theresienstein, one of the oldest public parks in Germany. This is where the people of Hof gather, from the opening beer garden festival on Saturday, through the Hussite tour and the Schlappenschießen on Sunday, to the grand parade on Monday. Theresienstein itself is worth a visit — it is considered one of the most beautiful landscape parks in Franconia.
Hof — the North Bavarian Tradition
Hof is an independent city with around 46,000 inhabitants in the far north of Bavaria, on the Saale river and near the border with Thuringia and Saxony. The city's historical reputation is based on the textile industry and brewing — both sectors shape the Schlappentag to this day. The Scherdel brewery, founded in 1831, brews the Schlappenbier exclusively for the festival.
The Hof Gesture "Etzert leffds!"
At the climax of the parade on Whit Monday, the cry "Etzert leffds!" ("Now it's running!") is traditionally shouted — a Hof prayer that signals the start of the festival week. Anyone who hears it knows: Hof is celebrating.
Schlappentag — edition 2026
The 594th edition of the Schlappentag in 2026 adheres to the proven three-day schedule: opening on Saturday evening with the beer garden festival by the Scherdel brewery, Sunday with historical city tours, Schlappenschießen, and a concert at Theresienstein, and Monday, the actual Schlappentag, with the parade, proclamation, and festival tent activities.
The Schlappenbier was brewed at the beginning of 2026, as every year — the Scherdel brewery traditionally announces the brewing day with great fanfare.
Programme Schlappentag 2026
Program 594th Hofer Schlappentag 2026
Saturday, May 30, 2026
- 5:00 PM — Beer garden festival by the Scherdel brewery at the Schießhäuschen (Opening)
- 6:30 PM — Night watchman tour "Hof by Night", €7 (advance booking Tourist Info 09281 815-7777)
Sunday, May 31, 2026
- 2:00 PM — Historical Hussite tour with scenic performances, €7 (no booking required)
- 2:00 PM — 5:30 PM — Public Schlappenschießen at the Schießhäuschen (€5, from age 12)
- 6:00 PM — Free concert by the Schleching brass band at the Theresienstein music pavilion
Whit Monday, June 1, 2026 — Schlappentag
- 9:00 AM — Proclamation of the new Schlappenkönigin or Schlappenkönig at the town hall by the Kreishandwerkerschaft Hochfranken
- Parade from the town hall to the Schießhäuschen with craft journeymen, shooting clubs, brass bands, and guilds
- Midday — Festival tent activities, Schlappenbier service, traditional "Etzert leffds!"
Source: City of Hof and schlappentag.de.
Highlights Schlappentag 2026
Prices Schlappentag 2026
Practical information — Schlappentag
Getting There
Hof Hbf train station — directly on the ICE network (Berlin–Munich line). By car via the A 9 (Hof exit) or A 72 (from Saxony). From the station to the Schießhäuschen at Theresienstein, it's about a 15-minute walk.
Admission
The beer garden festival, parade, and public festival activities at the Schießhäuschen are free to enter. Schlappenschießen on Sunday: €5 participation from age 12. Night watchman tour on Saturday: €7 (advance booking via Tourist Information 09281 815-7777). Hussite tour on Sunday: €7 (no booking required).
Accommodation
Hotels in Hof city center and at Kreuzstein. Early booking is recommended for the Whit weekend.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
Max. 5 photos, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Spotted an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Each suggestion is reviewed by our team before being published.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Schlappentag al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Where it takes place Schlappentag
Schießhäuschen am Theresienstein und Rathaus, Hof