Kirchweih Kirchehrenbach

A Kirwa at the Foot of the Walberla

The Walberla (officially „Ehrenbürg") is the distinctive table mountain in the heart of the Fränkische Schweiz — a rocky plateau offering views over the entire Wiesenttal region. At its southern foot lies the municipality of Kirchehrenbach in the Forchheim district. The annual Kirchweih is one of the showcases of the vibrant Franconian Kirwa tradition.

Two Kirchweihen Per Year

A special feature of Kirchehrenbach: The municipality celebrates two Kirchweihen per year — the first on the first Sunday in May as part of the Walberlafest (one of the most famous Volksfeste in the Fränkische Schweiz), the second on the last Sunday of August as the „normal" parish Kirchweih. Both occasions are organized separately; while the May Kirchweih is more tourist-oriented, the August Kirwa retains the character of a classic village festival.

Madla zamspilln, Baam aufstelln, Betzn austanzen

The typical Franconian customs are still alive in Kirchehrenbach: „Madla zamspilln" — the young men choose their dance partners the evening before through a traditional game; „Baam aufstelln" — raising of the Kirwa tree by the young men's team; „Betzn austanzen" — the traditional closing dance, where the Kirwa couples dance until exhaustion, the last couple standing wins the „Betzn" (dance prize). These customs clearly distinguish the Franconian Kirwa from the Upper Bavarian Kirchweih.

Anniversary Year 2026 of the Municipality

The Kirchehrenbach Kirchweih 2026 concludes the municipality's anniversary year. In the run-up to 2026, several anniversary events took place; the Kirwa at the end of August symbolically marks the end of the year's festivities. The Walberla tourism website (walberla.de) has already announced the end of August date for Kirchehrenbach in 2026.

Kirchehrenbach in the Forchheim District

Kirchehrenbach is a small Upper Franconian municipality in the Forchheim district with around 2,300 inhabitants. It is located in the Wiesenttal on the B 470, about 20 minutes east of Forchheim. The main attraction of the municipality is the Walberla; the Walberla hiking trail and the May Kirchweih are regional visitor magnets.