Kirchweih Pinzberg

A Kerwa around the Walberla

The Kirchweih Pinzberg is one of the numerous Kerwa around the Walberla, the characteristic table mountain in the southwestern Franconian Switzerland. Pinzberg, a small municipality in the Forchheim district, traditionally celebrates its Kerwa on the second Sunday in September — thus on September 13 for 2026. The Kerwa tradition is one of the most vibrant folk traditions in Germany within the Franconian Switzerland and is not a tourist spectacle, but an expression of a dense village festival culture.

Madla zamspilln, Baam aufstelln, Betzn austanzen

Characteristic customs that distinguish the Franconian Kerwa from other Kirchweih traditions:

• Madla zamspilln — the young women come together, often with rounds and play scenes on the festival evening
• Baam aufstelln — the Kerwabaum is erected without machines, using poles and manpower, one of the oldest rituals of the Franconian Kerwa
• Betzn austanzen — a competitive dance: a bouquet (Betzn) is passed around among the young men, whoever holds it when the music stops is eliminated — the last one is the winner and leads the festival party

Festival Tent and Catering

The customs are accompanied by Franconian catering — Schäuferla, Bratwürste, Sauerbraten, Hefekrapfen, Franconian beer — and a dance band or brass music in the festival tent. The local clubs share the organization: the young men's club, the fire department, the parish, and traditional costume groups are the main organizers.

Pinzberg and Franconian Switzerland

Pinzberg is a municipality with around 1,500 inhabitants in the Forchheim district. It lies at the foot of the Walberla (Ehrenbürg), a 532 m high table mountain that is one of the iconic landmarks of Franconian Switzerland. The region is famous for its traditional breweries, caves, hiking trails, and Kerwa — beer density and festival culture are exceptionally high here.

Walberla Hike and Kerwa Weekend

Visitors to the Pinzberg Kerwa can combine the day with a hike up the Walberla — the ascent from the village to the plateau takes about 30 minutes, and from the top, there is a wide view over Franconian Switzerland, the Wiesenttal valley, and the Pegnitz floodplain. A combination of nature and tradition that is particularly charming in September.