Kirchweih Gerolfingen
Hesselberg-Kirchweih with festival service, church tour and Franconian Schlachtschüssel
About Gerolfinger Kirchweih
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A Classic Hesselberg-Kärwa
Gerolfingen is located in the Ansbach district in Middle Franconia, at the southern foot of the Hesselberg, the highest mountain in Middle Franconia (689 m). With just under 1,200 inhabitants and several districts (Aufkirchen, Gerolfingen, Irsingen), the municipality is characterized by agriculture and crafts. The Kirchweih here is not a folk festival with amusement rides and a festival tent, but a traditional Kärwa in the Middle Franconian style: festival service, church tour, community life, and culinary tradition in the inns.
Festival Service, Church Tour, and Community Spirit
The highlight on Sunday is the festival service in the parish church of Aufkirchen with a brass choir and festive musical accompaniment. Afterwards, the church communities offer a tour of the church — an opportunity to learn more about the medieval wall paintings, the baroque inventory, and the history of the parish. The church communities organize a varied program during the Kirchweih week with concerts, coffee and cake in the parish hall, and volunteer activities.
Franconian Schlachtschüssel as a Festival Week
A special feature of the Hesselberg-Kärwa is the culinary festival week in the local inns. Throughout the entire Kirchweih week, the innkeepers offer special Kirchweih menus, especially the classic Franconian Schlachtschüssel — a festive meal consisting of Schlachtsuppe (a clear broth), Wellfleisch (cooked pork), blood sausage, liver sausage, Stadt- or Bauernwurst (types of sausage), and sauerkraut. Anyone who wants to experience real Franconian home cooking for Kirchweih is in the right place.
Hesselberg and its Kärwa Tradition
The Hesselberg is not only a geographical but also a cultural focal point of the region. Around it, the villages maintain their Kirchweihen on their own patron saints' days — Gerolfingen usually in October. These Kärwen are less touristy than the big city festivals, but precisely for that reason, more authentic. Those who know the Hesselberg as a hiking destination can combine their Kirchweih visit with a climb — the summit offers one of the widest panoramas in Middle Franconia.
Gerolfinger Kirchweih — edition 2026
The Kirchweih in Gerolfingen 2026 runs as a classic Middle Franconian Hesselberg-Kärwa. The festival service on Sunday, October 11, in the Aufkirchen parish church forms the spiritual highlight. Accompanied by the brass choir and with festive liturgy, it opens the Kirchweih.
Afterwards, the church communities offer a tour of the house of worship, providing insights into the history and furnishings of the parish church. Coffee and cake in the parish hall and communal meals in the local inns characterize the afternoon and evening. Throughout the entire Kirchweih week, the innkeepers serve the classic Franconian Schlachtschüssel — Schlachtsuppe, Wellfleisch, blood sausage, liver sausage, sauerkraut — as well as other Kirchweih specialties.
Programme Gerolfinger Kirchweih 2026
Kirchweih Gerolfingen 2026 — Sunday, October 11
Sunday, October 11, 2026
- Morning — Festival Service in the Aufkirchen parish church, with brass choir and festive liturgy
- Following — Church Tour of the house of worship: wall paintings, baroque inventory, history of the parish
- Afternoon — Coffee and homemade cake in the parish hall, communal meals in Gerolfingen's inns
- Concerts and internal community program (depending on the year)
Kirchweih Week (Mondays to Sundays around the festival Sunday)
- Classic Franconian Schlachtschüssel in Gerolfingen's inns: Schlachtsuppe, Wellfleisch, blood sausage, liver sausage, Stadt- or Bauernwurst, sauerkraut
- Other Kirchweih specialties and festive menus (reservations recommended)
- Gastronomic program in local pubs (including Gasthof Lotter)
The current program for 2026 will be published shortly on gerolfingen.de and by the Hesselberg Tourism Association. Contact: Sandra Reichert, Tel. +49 9854 9797-78.
Highlights Gerolfinger Kirchweih 2026
Prices Gerolfinger Kirchweih 2026
Practical information — Gerolfinger Kirchweih
Getting There
Gerolfingen is located about 50 km southwest of Nuremberg, 80 km east of Stuttgart. By car via the A6 (exit Aurach), then via Wassertrüdingen and Wittelshofen to Gerolfingen. By train to Wassertrüdingen station, then by bus or taxi. Parking is available in the village center and at the inns.
Admission and Program
Admission to the festival service, church tour, and all church events is free. Meals in the inns are at usual pub prices. Advance telephone reservation is recommended for the Schlachtschüssel menus.
Tips
Detailed program for 2026 will be published shortly on gerolfingen.de or by the Hesselberg Tourism Association. For current information: Sandra Reichert, Aufkirchen 50 (Rathaus), Tel. +49 9854 9797-78. Combine your Kirchweih visit with a Hesselberg hike in the morning — the panorama tour rewards you with a wide view over the Ries and the Wörnitztal.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Gerolfinger Kirchweih al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Gerolfinger Kirchweih
Gerolfingen am Fuß des Hesselbergs
Aufkirchen, Gemeinde Gerolfingen, 91726 Gerolfingen