Keschdefeschd Annweiler am Trifels

The Keschdefeschd Annweiler am Trifels is one of the most popular autumn festivals on the Südliche Weinstraße. It is entirely dedicated to the chestnut – in the local dialect, Keschde – which grows in large numbers in the forests around Annweiler. The combination of sandstone soils, a mild climate, and extensive mixed forests makes the Pfälzerwald the largest contiguous region for sweet chestnuts north of the Alps.

A Whole Town in Chestnut Fever

On the two festival days around October 3rd, the center of Annweiler transforms into a stage for the Keschde. Stalls with chestnut specialties line the squares and alleys: Kastaniencreme (chestnut cream) and Kastanienhonig (chestnut honey) as spreads, Kastanienlikör (chestnut liqueur) as a digestif, Kastanienbratwurst (chestnut sausage) as a main course, along with Kastanien-Chutney (chestnut chutney), chestnut chocolate, and pasta made from chestnut flour. In addition, there are classic freshly roasted chestnuts sold in bags.

Annweiler and the Trifels

Annweiler am Trifels, with just under 7,500 inhabitants, is one of the oldest towns in the Palatinate and has been closely associated with the imperial Trifels Castle since the Middle Ages. The imperial regalia of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation were kept in the castle towering above the town in the 12th and 13th centuries; Richard the Lionheart was also temporarily imprisoned here after his return from the Third Crusade. The backdrop of a medieval townscape, half-timbered houses, and views of the castle provide a special setting for the Keschdefeschd.

Accessible and Family-Friendly

The festival is designated as accessible, allowing wheelchair users and visitors with mobility impairments to stroll through the town center without obstacles. Families will find activities for children among the stalls. In addition to the culinary offerings, hiking clubs offer guided walks into the chestnut forests, often with tastings directly in the groves.