Kirchweih Wallenfels

Franconian Kirchweih in the Franconian Forest

Kirchweih Wallenfels is a traditional Franconian parish Kirchweih, organized by the Wallenfels parish in cooperation with the town of Wallenfels. It follows the tradition of Upper Franconian Kirchweihen, which dominate the weekends in this region between the Franconian Forest and the Main Valley from summer to autumn.

Wallenfels — Town of Raftsmen

Wallenfels (Kronach district) is located in the heart of the Franconian Forest on the Wilde Rodach river. The small town has an old tradition as the town of raftsmen – timber rafting was a central source of income here until the 19th century. Today, gentle low mountain ranges, forests, and streams characterize the region's appearance.

Parish as Organizer

The Wallenfels parish organizes the Kirchweih as a parish community event. The program traditionally begins with the Kirchweih service in the parish church, followed by a procession and festival activities in the surrounding premises or in the festival tent. Catering is usually provided by local clubs.

What Makes a Franconian Kirchweih Special

Franconian Kirchweihen (in Franconian dialect, »Kärwa«) follow a fixed dramatic structure: on Friday or Saturday, the raising of the Kärwabaum (Kirchweih tree) as a visible sign, on Sunday the festive service and the traditional Kärwa procession of young men and women, on Monday the »Kerwaaustragen« (carrying out the Kirchweih) with the festival's conclusion. This tradition is maintained annually in Wallenfels.