Kirchweih Hiltpoltstein
Matthäus-Kerwa under the Castle in the Franconian Switzerland
About Hiltpoltsteiner Kerwa
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The Matthäus-Kerwa as the Main Kirchweih
The Kirchweih Hiltpoltstein is a traditional Matthäus-Kerwa: It is celebrated on the Sunday around September 21st, the name day of the Apostle Matthew. If St. Matthew's Day does not fall on a Sunday, the festival moves to the following Sunday. The Kerwa is the main Kirchweih of the market town of Hiltpoltstein and takes place in the historic town center directly under the castle ruins.
A Franconian Kerwa by the Book
In Franconian Switzerland, the "Kerwa" is much more than a religious commemoration of the consecration of the parish church. It classically runs from Thursday to Tuesday and follows a fixed schedule: beer tapping on the first evening, festive church service on Sunday morning, festival procession with traditional groups on Sunday afternoon, dancing in the inn and in the festival tent. Franconian beer from the surrounding breweries is tapped on-site, served with bratwurst, Schäuferla (pork shoulder), sauerkraut, and Pressack (head cheese). The young men – the "Kerwasburschen" – actively participate in the festival, parade through the village with music, and carry out the traditional Kerwabaumaufzug (raising of the Kerwa tree).
Six Kirchweihen in the Market Area
Hiltpoltstein is a typical Franconian collection market with several districts – and each district maintains its own Kerwa. The Kerwa season is spread over the summer as follows: Almos on the 2nd Sunday in July, Möchs on the 3rd Sunday in July, Kappel and Wölfersdorf on the second to last Sunday in August, Großenohe on the 1st Sunday in September, and finally the main Kirchweih in Hiltpoltstein itself on the St. Matthew's Day Sunday. Those living in the market area therefore have a Kerwa within reach almost every summer Sunday.
Hiltpoltstein and its Castle
The market town of Hiltpoltstein is located in the Forchheim district on the northwestern edge of Franconian Switzerland, picturesquely situated under the Hiltpoltstein castle ruins on a dolomite rock. The castle dates back to the 12th century and provides a special backdrop for the Kerwa. Hiltpoltstein is also known for its small Christmas market "in the shadow of the castle" on the first weekend of Advent.
Hiltpoltsteiner Kerwa — edition 2026
In 2026, St. Matthew's Day (September 21st) falls on a Monday. The Hiltpoltsteiner Kerwa will therefore follow the classic multi-day structure of Franconian Kirchweihen, with the festival focus on the weekend before and the festival day itself on St. Matthew's Day. The Kerwa is typically opened on Thursday evening, the festival procession with the Kerwasburschen takes place on Sunday, and the Kerwa concludes on Tuesday. The exact times and detailed program will be announced by the market town of Hiltpoltstein in due course via hiltpoltstein.de.
Those who want to experience the entire Kerwa season in the market area can spend the whole summer in Hiltpoltstein: Almos in July, Möchs in July, Kappel and Wölfersdorf in August, Großenohe in September, and finally the main Kirchweih in Hiltpoltstein itself.
Programme Hiltpoltsteiner Kerwa 2026
Schedule of the Main Kirchweih 2026
- Thursday, September 17th — Beer tapping, opening of the festival tent season with brass band music
- Friday, September 18th — Festival evening with Franconian dance music
- Saturday, September 19th — Raising of the Kerwabaum by the Kerwasburschen, Kerwa dance in the inn
- Sunday, September 20th — Festive church service, morning pint, festival procession with traditional groups in the afternoon
- Monday, September 21st (St. Matthew's Day) — Kerwa day with Franconian delicacies
- Tuesday, September 22nd — Kerwa dance and festival finale
In addition, the small Kirchweihen in the districts spread throughout the summer (Almos, Möchs, Kappel, Wölfersdorf, Großenohe). Current program details available from the Hiltpoltstein Market Administration.
Highlights Hiltpoltsteiner Kerwa 2026
- Matthäus-Kerwa directly under the Hiltpoltstein castle ruins
- Classic Franconian Kerwa tradition with Kerwasburschen and Kerwabaum
- Festival procession on Sunday through the historic town center
- Franconian beer and delicacies from Franconian Switzerland
- Six Kirchweihen spread throughout the summer in the market area
Prices Hiltpoltsteiner Kerwa 2026
Free admission. Food and drinks, as well as dance events on-site, are subject to charges.
Practical information — Hiltpoltsteiner Kerwa
Getting There
Hiltpoltstein is located between Nuremberg, Bayreuth, and Franconian Switzerland, accessible via the A9 motorway (Hormersdorf exit). Parking is available in the town.
Admission
Admission to the festival grounds is free. Food, drinks, and festival tent evenings are subject to charges.
Date
St. Matthew's Day is September 21st. The Kerwa is celebrated on the Sunday around this date. If it shifts, it's on the following Sunday.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Hiltpoltsteiner Kerwa
Marktplatz Hiltpoltstein
Marktplatz, 91355 Hiltpoltstein