Kirchweih Fabrikschleichach

A Village in the Steigerwald

Fabrikschleichach is one of 19 districts of the municipality of Rauhenebrach in the southern Haßberge district. The village is located in the middle of the Steigerwald Nature Park, a wooded low mountain range between Bamberg and Würzburg, known for its beech forests, wildcat populations, and quiet rural atmosphere. With the construction of a mirror glass factory in the 18th century (hence the name "Fabrik"schleichach) and the parish of St. Kilian and Companions, the village has its own history and identity.

The Parish of St. Kilian and Companions

The church is dedicated to the Franconian missionaries Kilian, Kolonat, and Totnan — the three patrons of the Diocese of Würzburg, who according to tradition suffered martyrdom in Würzburg in the 7th century. Today, Fabrikschleichach belongs to the parish community Heilig Geist Rauhenebrach, based in Untersteinbach, which comprises several Steigerwald parishes. The Kirchweih on the second weekend of September is one of the most important community dates in the parish year, alongside the patronal festival and Corpus Christi.

Course of Events and Customs

As with most parish fairs in Lower Franconia, the festival service, Frühschoppen, and a communal lunch form the core of the event. It is less about a Volksfest character and more about commemorating the church consecration and the cohesion of the parish. In recent years, the Kerwa (Kirchweih) has been jointly organized by local clubs and parish council members.

Location and Surroundings

Rauhenebrach, with its districts Untersteinbach, Karbach, Fabrikschleichach, Falsbrunn, and many more, is a popular starting point for hiking and cycling in the Steigerwald Nature Park. The Steigerwald high-altitude hiking trails pass directly by Fabrikschleichach, as does the Hochrhön cycle path. The quiet location and the dense network of village inns make the region an underestimated destination between the major tourist magnets of Würzburg, Bamberg, and Bayreuth.

In the Municipality's Event Calendar

The Kirchweih is listed in the official event calendar of the municipality of Rauhenebrach (rauhenebrach.de), as well as on the parish community's website. Dates are updated annually and follow the rhythm of the church year — usually the weekend around the second Sunday in September.