Kinderzeche Dinkelsbühl

A Heritage Festival with a Historical Occasion

The Kinderzeche represents a story that everyone in Dinkelsbühl knows: in May 1632, during the Thirty Years' War, Lore—the tower keeper's daughter—and other children are said to have persuaded the Swedish Colonel Sperreuth to spare the city. Whether the event happened exactly as history records or is a legend, it has been part of Dinkelsbühl's identity since the 17th century. The festival play and the procession bring the narrative to life annually.

The Historical Festival Play

The core of the Kinderzeche is the historical festival play "Die Kinderzeche," performed in the Schranne. 1,100 participants—children, young people, and adults from Dinkelsbühl—create the performances. Seven official shows are spread across the ten-day festival program. The Boys' Band of Dinkelsbühl, in their historical costume, accompanies the play and the procession musically.

Free Imperial City, Swedish Camp, and Procession

During the festival week, the old town recreates itself: Free Imperial City scenes are set up in various locations, and a Swedish camp with tents, guards, and reenactment actors is established outside the city gates. The highlight is the grand procession on Sunday (July 19, 2026), with thousands of participants in historical costume, cavalry units, flag bearers, fanfares, and floats—marching through the medieval old town with its defensive city gates and towers.

Volksfest and Festival Tent

In addition to the historical reenactment, the Kinderzeche also includes a classic fairground section. The large festival tent with catering, amusement rides, and food stalls on the fairground complement the program. Thus, the festival appeals to both history enthusiasts and families looking for a classic fairground experience.

UNESCO Status and 400 Years in 2029

The Kinderzeche was added to the UNESCO Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Germany in 2016—placing it on par with Cologne Carnival, the Swabian-Alemannic Carnival, and the Horse Festival in Bad Kötzting. The 400th anniversary will be celebrated in 2029.

Dinkelsbühl — Free Imperial City in Romantic Franconia

Dinkelsbühl is a district town with around 11,800 inhabitants in the district of Ansbach, administrative region of Middle Franconia, state of Bavaria. It is located on the Romantic Road, one of Germany's most famous tourist routes. The almost completely preserved medieval old town with its half-timbered houses, city walls, and 17 gates and towers is considered one of Europe's most beautiful medieval towns.