Kalchreuth Cherry Festival

A Franconian Cherry Tradition in the Erlangen Hill Country

Kalchreuth, a municipality with just under 4,000 inhabitants in the Erlangen-Höchstadt district northeast of Nuremberg, has been known as the "cherry village" for centuries. The cherry orchards on the northern edge of the village along Erlanger Straße are among the largest contiguous cherry orchards in Bavaria. Dozens of historic cherry varieties grow here, cared for by families who have passed down the knowledge of cultivation and grafting over generations.

From Farmers' Market to Family Festival

The Kirschkirchweih was revived about 20 years ago as part of a nature conservation project and has since become a firm fixture in the Franconian summer calendar. It is supported by the municipality of Kalchreuth and the Middle Franconia Landscape Conservation Association, together with the producers of the "Kalchreuther Kirschgarten" vendor association. The focus is on preserving the fruit orchards as a habitat for thousands of animal and plant species while also conveying their value through enjoyment.

Pure Cherries and Cherry Delicacies

Freshly picked sweet and sour cherries from historic varieties are sold at the festival site – including the "Hedelfinger Riesenkirsche", the "Kalchreuther Schwarze", or the "Schneiders Späte Knorpelkirsche". In addition, there are cherry cakes, cherry crumble cakes, homemade cherry ice cream, the sweet "Kalchreuther Kirschenmännla" (little yeast dough figures with cherries), mulled cherry wine, and the sparkling cherry-secco, which is made exclusively from hand-picked Kalchreuth cherries.

Programme for Families

A stand run by the Middle Franconia Landscape Conservation Association and the Triesdorf tree wardens provides information about fruit orchard cultivation, pruning, and replanting as part of the Bavarian Fruit Orchard Pact. For children, there is a cherry stone spitting contest, climbing in cherry trees with safety ropes, slacklines, and stilt walking. A guided nature tour at 1:00 PM explains the structure and ecology of the fruit orchards.

Arrival by Gräfenberg Railway

A special feature: Arrival is recommended from Nuremberg-Nordost with the hourly Gräfenbergbahn – just a 15-minute journey, followed by a short walk to the cherry orchards. A relaxed, car-free journey right into the Franconian fruit orchards.