Name: Kirchweih Pilgerndorf 2026
Start: 2026-06-04T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-06-08T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Gasthaus / Dorfplatz Pilgerndorf

Kirchweih Pilgerndorf

About Kirchweih Pilgerndorf

Pilgerndorf, a district of the town of Hollfeld in the Franconian Switzerland, celebrates its traditional Kirchweih every year on the Sunday after Corpus Christi. For four to five days, from Corpus Christi until the following Monday, the Pilgerndorf inn becomes the centre of the village community: a festive opening service, the erection of the decorated Kirchweih tree by the local lads, festive evenings with Franconian beer, delicacies and dancing – a piece of living Upper Franconian tradition in the district of Bayreuth.

Dates 04 Jun — 08 Jun 2026

Venue Hollfeld (09472)

Prices Free

Status Confirmed

Edition 2026

Kirchweih Pilgerndorf — edition 2026

The Pilgerndorf Kerwa 2026 runs from Thursday, June 4th (Corpus Christi) to Monday, June 8th. Opening with a festive service, erection of the Kirchweih tree by the Pilgerndorf lads, festive evenings in the inn with live music, and a concluding festival Monday with the 'Auspflanzen'. Free admission.

The 2026 Kirchweih follows the firmly established rhythm of the village Kerwa: festival begins on Corpus Christi Thursday with a service and subsequent lunch service at the inn, main festival day on the Sunday after Corpus Christi (June 7th), concluding on Whit Monday with the traditional 'Auspflanzen' (dismantling) of the Kirchweih tree.

The event is organised by the Pilgerndorf village community in cooperation with the inn and the town of Hollfeld. Registration not required, admission free.

Highlights Kirchweih Pilgerndorf 2026

Erection and 'Auspflanzen' of the Kirchweih tree by the lads, festive service, Franconian Kerwa atmosphere at the Pilgerndorf inn.

Programme Kirchweih Pilgerndorf 2026

Thursday, June 4th, 2026 (Corpus Christi) – Opening

Morning — Festive service and Corpus Christi procession
From 11:30 AM — Opening service at the Pilgerndorf inn, lunch menu
Erection of the Kirchweih tree by the Pilgerndorf lads

Friday, June 5th, 2026 – Inn Evening

From 5:00 PM — Kirchweih operations at the inn
Live music, snacks, Franconian beer

Saturday, June 6th, 2026 – Festival Evening

From 5:00 PM — Kirchweih evening at the inn with dance music
Classic Franconian festival cuisine

Sunday, June 7th, 2026 – Kirchweih Sunday (Main Festival Day)

Festive service in the morning
Lunch menu at the inn, festive gathering of the village community
Afternoon coffee and cake
Evening festival conclusion with music

Monday, June 8th, 2026 – Conclusion

Traditional 'Kirwa Monday' with small inn operations
'Auspflanzen' of the Kirchweih tree by the lads in the evening

Prices Kirchweih Pilgerndorf 2026

Free admission on all days. Food and drinks at the inn at usual prices: Schäufele/Kerwagans €14–€18, beer 0.5 l €3.80–€4.20, wine from €4. Cash recommended.

Practical information

Practical information — Kirchweih Pilgerndorf

Getting There

Pilgerndorf is located about 4 km from Hollfeld in the Bayreuth district. Arrive via the B22 from Bayreuth or Bamberg, then follow the signs to the village. Parking is limited; travel by bicycle or on foot is recommended.

Admission

Free. Food and drinks at the inn and stalls.

Inn Operations

Festival operations in the inn / at the village square on all days, from midday on festival days.

Kirchweih in the Franconian Switzerland Style

The Kirchweih in Pilgerndorf is one of many examples of a typical Franconian Kerwa: a small village community, a traditional inn, a decorated Kirchweih tree (Kirwasbaam) and a four-day festival that significantly shapes the annual rhythm of a small place. Pilgerndorf belongs to the town of Hollfeld and is located in the northern Franconian Switzerland, right in the middle of beech forests, karst plateau and dry valleys.

Date Following Corpus Christi

Like many village Kirchweihen in the Franconian Switzerland, the Kerwa in Pilgerndorf is celebrated on the Sunday after Corpus Christi – in 2026, this will be on June 7th, with the eve starting on Thursday, June 4th (Corpus Christi), and concluding on Whit Monday. The date has been firmly established for generations and is based on the Catholic festival calendar.

Kirchweih Tree, Inn, Young Men's Association

The focus is on the Pilgerndorf inn, which serves as an indoor festival tent during the Kerwa. In front of the inn or in the village square, the Kirchweih tree, decorated with colourful ribbons, traditional dolls and fir branches, is erected by the Pilgerndorf lads – a central ritual of every Franconian Kerwa. Over the festival days, there are dance evenings, music with local bands, raffles and the typical 'Auspflanzen' (dismantling) on the last day.

Pilgerndorf and Hollfeld

Hollfeld has around 5,500 inhabitants and is located in the north of the Bayreuth district. The region is famous for its caves, rocks and more than 70 breweries in the surrounding area. Those who come to the Kerwa in Pilgerndorf will also discover one of the most charming corners of Upper Franconia, ideal as a starting point for hikes.