Kirchweih Gollhofen

Gollhofen — Franconian Village with a Thousand-Year Tradition

Gollhofen is a small municipality in the Neustadt a.d.Aisch-Bad Windsheim district in Middle Franconia, whose place name was already documented in 741. With its long history and archaeologically significant location, Gollhofen is one of those Franconian villages where tradition is still a lived reality. The annual Kirchweih Gollhofen is the convivial highlight of the village calendar — a mix of church, inn, customs, and club life.

Middle Franconian Kerwa Tradition

The Middle Franconian Kirchweih differs from the large Kerwas of Franconia (Bamberger Sandkerwa, Erlanger Bergkirchweih) due to its rural tranquility and its deep roots in village life. In Gollhofen, the Kirchweih is celebrated over several days, from Thursday to Tuesday — "Kerwadienstag" (Kirchweih Tuesday) is a tradition. The program alternates between religious highlights, convivial inn evenings, and events tied to local customs.

Program in Detail

Festive Church Services in St. John's Church

The religious framework is provided by St. John's Church with festive services on Sunday and Monday. On Sunday, the youth procession with a church sermon also takes place — the young villagers walk through Gollhofen in festive attire.

Inn Operations at Gasthaus zum Stern

The heart of the secular Kirchweih is the Gasthaus zum Stern. Here, people celebrate, eat, and drink — Schlachtschüssel (a traditional pork dish), Franconian specialties, inn music. The people of Gollhofen and their guests sit together at the long tables, old acquaintances greet each other, and first-generation sons-in-law are integrated.

Marksmen's Parade and Citizens' Shooting on Tuesday

A Franconian specialty is the Kerwadienstag with bell ringing, marksmen's parade, and citizens' shooting. The Gollhofen marksmen thus maintain an old tradition that brings the village together.

Carousel and Volksfest at Kettenbrunnen

A small carousel and folk festival area at Kettenbrunnen complements the program for families and children. Football events also take place at the sports club — the Franconian village society in its entirety.

Tradition Despite Major Construction

Extensive infrastructure work is currently underway in Gollhofen — electricity, water, sewage, fiber optics, district heating until the end of 2026. However, the municipal council has clearly decided: the Kirchweih will be celebrated as usual. Visitors are asked to use the designated detours and support local businesses (butchers, inns, farm shops).

Worth a Trip

Anyone who wants to experience an authentic Middle Franconian village Kirchweih — far from mass tourism — is in the right place in Gollhofen. Here, the villagers celebrate themselves, their traditions, and their faith. Those who celebrate respectfully as guests will become part of the community in Gollhofen, at least for a weekend.