Kirchweih Markt Berolzheim

Kirwa in Markt Berolzheim

Markt Berolzheim is a small market municipality with around 1,100 inhabitants in the Weißenburg-Gunzenhausen district in the Bavarian district of Middle Franconia. Its location on the edge of the Hahnenkamm mountain range and just a few kilometers from the upper Altmühltal valley makes it a typical Franconian market town with market rights dating back to the late Middle Ages – today characterized by agriculture, commuters, and club life. The annual Kirchweih is one of the central local festivals in Markt Berolzheim.

A Classic Franconian Village Kirwa

Unlike the large city Kirweihen (e.g., in Fürth, Bad Windsheim, Spalt), the Berolzheim Kirwa is a compact village festival: The focus is on the festival tent with festival beer service and a local festival band, complemented by a manageable number of amusement rides – swing boat rides, a children's carousel, shooting galleries, and candy stalls have provided a familiar folk festival atmosphere for decades. The program appeals equally to families, young people from neighboring communities, and long-time residents of Berolzheim.

Tradition and Customs

The Kirwa follows the typical Middle Franconian customs structure: A Kerwabaum (Kirwa tree) is erected in front of the festival tent. On Sunday, a Kirchweih church service takes place in the Protestant parish church of St. Maria, followed by a festival procession through the village. In the late Sunday evening, the Kerwabaum is danced down by the Kirwaleute (Kirwa organizers) – the actual conclusion of the Kirwa. Franconian sausages, Krenfleisch (boiled meat with horseradish), and the regional festival beer characterize the culinary offerings.

Markt Berolzheim — Location and Character

Markt Berolzheim is located on the B466 federal road between Treuchtlingen and Heidenheim am Hahnenkamm, about 25 kilometers south of Gunzenhausen and 15 kilometers north of Pappenheim. Its location at the transition from the Franconian Jura to the Altmühltal valley also makes it a starting point for hikes on the Hahnenkamm – festival visitors often combine their Kirwa visit with a tour through the Altmühltal Nature Park.

In the Calendar of Altmühl Franconian Kirchweihen

The Berolzheim Kirwa fits into the dense schedule of Altmühl Franconian Kirchweihen, which take place in almost every village in the region from June to November. In a supra-regional comparison, it is rather small, but all the more authentic – free from tourist crowds, supported by local club life and the municipal administration.