Kirchberg an der Jagst Town Festival and Medieval Market

Kirchberg Town Festival — Six Centuries of Town Rights

On February 28 and March 1, 2026, the Hohenlohe town of Kirchberg an der Jagst looks back at the granting of its town rights by Emperor Charles IV in 1373. On the historic Marktstraße, Frankenplatz, and Poststraße, the town center transforms into an authentic medieval setting for two days with over 60 traders, demonstrations, music, and acting. The Stadtfeiertag is one of the most traditional local festivals in the district of Schwäbisch Hall and a real insider tip for lovers of living history.

Götz von Berlichingen Opens

The official opening takes place on Saturday at 9:30 AM — as is tradition, in the presence of a costumed Götz von Berlichingen, the Swabian knight with the iron hand. His famous motto serves as a reminder that the Hohenlohe region was long under the influence of Franconian and Imperial knights. After the opening ritual, you can stroll through a bustling market.

Medieval Craftsmen and Traders

At the approximately 60 market stalls, you can watch pottery, blacksmithing, felting, basket weaving, woodturning, and other medieval crafts being demonstrated live. They sell what the craftspeople make themselves: hand-forged knives, leather goods, furs, mead, smoked sausages, honey, beeswax candles, wool blankets, bow wood, and more. The traditional sawmaster competition with a pit saw is also a regular part of the program and draws a large crowd.

Young Cattle Show and Cider Competition

A special feature of the Stadtfeiertag is the young cattle show — a tradition rooted in the town's agricultural history. Hohenlohe farmers present their young cattle (especially the Hohenlohe cattle breed), and a jury evaluates them based on criteria such as growth, care, and genetics. Simultaneously, a cider competition takes place, judging regional apple wines, pear ciders, and brandies.

Fire Finale and Atmosphere

The highlight of both days is the fire finale in the evening — fire-eaters, fire jugglers, and large bonfires bathe Frankenplatz in a magical light. With a cup of mead or a warm mulled wine in hand, you can experience the medieval atmosphere most intensely. The program is complemented by jesters, music groups playing hurdy-gurdy, bagpipes, and shawms, as well as ballad singers.

Kirchberg and the Hohenlohe Region

The small town of Kirchberg an der Jagst is located in the north of the district of Schwäbisch Hall in Baden-Württemberg, at the transition from the Hohenlohe region to Franconia. With around 4,300 inhabitants and an almost completely preserved historic town center — including the town wall, castle, and town gates — Kirchberg offers the perfect backdrop for the Stadtfeiertag. From Frankenplatz, you overlook the deep Jagst valley with its typical scattered orchards.