Kirchweih Wolframs-Eschenbach

A Kirchweih within medieval walls

Wolframs-Eschenbach is one of the smallest towns in Bavaria and, with its intact medieval town walls, old market square, and early Gothic parish church, a tourist gem of the Franconian Lake District. The town honors Wolfram von Eschenbach, the great medieval German poet of Parzival, with its name. Once a year, on the third weekend in August, this special setting becomes the scene of one of Middle Franconia's most vibrant Kirchweihen.

Beer Tapping, Maypole Raising, and Kerwabuam

On Friday evening, an opening concert in the market square and a procession to the festival tent by the pond traditionally kick off the event, followed by the beer tapping by the mayor. On Saturday afternoon, the Kerwabuam and Kerwamadli (Kirchweih boys and girls) raise the Kirchweih pole in the old tradition – a lengthy, choreographed ritual with poles, considerable physical effort, and plenty of Franconian beer. Inside the festival tent, bands like Zefix heat up the crowd, while outside the amusement park with carousels, shooting galleries, and candy stalls is in full swing.

Vintage Car Rally and Church Market

Sunday brings quieter highlights: a festive church service and morning pint in the forenoon, the vintage car rally at midday, which finishes in Wolframs-Eschenbach – hundreds of historic vehicles roll through the gates and line the Kirchweih mile. In addition, the Church Market opens with crafts and culinary stalls around the Liebfrauenmünster.

The Cult Fireworks to Conclude

For many, the highlight is Monday evening: around 10:30 PM, pyrotechnician Franz Rathgeber sets off his famous Kirchweih fireworks over the pond, considered by collectors to be one of the most beautiful Kerwa fireworks in Franconia. Before that, there's the family afternoon with reduced prices for seniors and children, and afterwards, the festival tent winds down with the party band Zefix. On Tuesday morning, the town is quiet again – until next August.