Kerwa Bergtheim

A Kerwa with a Long Tradition

Bergtheim is a municipality in the northern Würzburg district, located almost exactly halfway between Würzburg and Schweinfurt. With its districts Bergtheim, Dipbach, and Opferbaum, it has around 3,850 inhabitants. The annual highlight in the village calendar is the Bergtheim Kerwa — a Kirchweih whose history dates back at least to the early 20th century and is possibly much older. "Even in the times of our grandparents and great-grandparents, the Kerwa was the highlight of the year in the village," writes the village association about its festival.

Tent Kerwa of the Village Association

Today, the Kerwa is organized by the Dorfverein Bergtheim e.V., which has been organizing the festival as a "Zeltkerwa" (tent festival) for years: A large festival tent is erected in the middle of the village, where celebrations take place over several days. The village association was founded to create a long-term village meeting point, and the Kerwa is its most important event — both socially and financially.

Franconian Carp and Brass Music

The culinary trademark of the Bergtheim Kerwa is the carp. "Because of its delicious carp and the good atmosphere," the Kerwa attracts visitors from all over the Würzburg district. Fresh carp from Franconian ponds are traditionally baked or prepared "blue" — a secret recipe that has made the Kerwa famous. Served with Franconian beer, traditional delicacies like Schäufele (pork shoulder) and Bratwurst (sausage), coffee, and homemade cakes.

Musical Entertainment

Brass bands from the Main-Franconia region provide the musical accompaniment. Polkas, marches, folk music classics; in the evening, party bands create a lively atmosphere. In the festival tent, people sing, sway, and dance — and not just the older generation, but also the youth of Bergtheim, who actively shape the festival.

Customs: Pole Raising and Parade

Traditional program points include the pole raising on Saturday — the young men of Bergtheim erect the Kirchweih pole under guidance, a custom that helps shape the identity of the festival. On Sunday, the parade of the young men with floats moves through the village. A rural spectacle with traditional costumes, music, and the entire village community.

Between Würzburg and Schweinfurt

The central location between Würzburg (15 km south) and Schweinfurt (30 km north) makes Bergtheim a magnet for guests from both cities. Anyone who wants to experience the Franconian village festival in its most original form — far from mass tourism, with genuine Kirchweih traditions — will find it in Bergtheim.