Kirchweih Gnotzheim

A Franconian Autumn Kirchweih in Altmühlfranken

The Kirchweih in Gnotzheim is a staple among Franconian Kirchweihen in Middle Franconia. The market town of Gnotzheim is located in the Weißenburg-Gunzenhausen district, right in the heart of the Altmühlfranken holiday region, nestled between the Hahnenkamm mountains, Brombachsee lake, and the Altmühl valley. For six days starting on the second weekend of October, the Kirwa shapes village life: the festival tent stands in the town center, carousels and swing boats line the streets, and the aroma of Krenfleisch (pork with horseradish), bratwurst, and candied almonds fills the entire market community.

The Kirwa-Bär — Gnotzheim's Mascot

The hallmark of the Gnotzheim Kirchweih is the Kirwa-Bär: a straw-covered figure that parades through the streets on the opening weekend, accompanied by the young Kirwaleute (Kirchweih participants) as they go from house to house. The custom dates back to the old Kirchweih traditions of Franconia: young men — the Kirwaboum — take charge of social life in the town for the festival week, present their Kirwamadla (Kirchweih girlfriends), fetch a Kerwabaum (festival pole) from the forest, and erect it in front of the festival tent. The Kirwa-Bär accompanies this tradition — collecting money and gifts for the festival fund and ensuring a boisterous atmosphere.

Six Days of Festivities — From Opening to Closing

The Kirchweih traditionally begins on the second Wednesday of October with the beer tapping, followed by a lively Festsamstag (Festival Saturday) and Festsonntag (Festival Sunday) with a grand festival tent program. Monday is Family Day, offering reduced prices at carousels and stalls. Tuesday focuses on Club Day in the festival tent, featuring performances by local clubs such as the fire department, sports club, and traditional costume groups. The event concludes with the Kehrausmontag (Closing Monday), where the Kirwaboum perform the traditional 'dancing off' of the Kerwabaum, ending the festival with a final dance.

Franconian Bratwurst, Krenfleisch, and Maßkrug

The culinary tradition of the Gnotzheim Kirchweih is deeply rooted in Franconian cuisine: bratwurst from a charcoal grill, Krenfleisch (boiled pork with horseradish), Schäuferla (pork shoulder), Hax'n (pork knuckle), and Sauerkraut. The festival tent serves Festbier from regional Middle Franconian breweries such as Schlossbrauerei Sandsee or neighboring breweries. In the afternoon, coffee and homemade Kirwa cake are served.

Gnotzheim — Market Rights Since 1372

The market town of Gnotzheim was granted market rights in 1372 by Emperor Charles IV. Today, the municipality has around 1,300 inhabitants; the old town hall on the market square serves as the administrative center. Gnotzheim is part of the Altmühltal Nature Park and is a popular starting point for holidays and hiking in the Hahnenkamm region. Alongside the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, the autumn Kirchweih is the most significant local festival in the market town's calendar.