Kirchweih Worzeldorf

A Nuremberg District Kirchweih

The Kirchweih Worzeldorf is part of a series of around 40 district Kärwa that take place every summer in Nuremberg from the end of April to the end of September. They are the living heritage of the Franconian Kirchweih tradition, celebrated in the former village of Worzeldorf—now part of southern Nuremberg—with a festival tent, Kärwabaum, and amusement rides. In 2026, the festival weekend runs from Friday, July 31 to Tuesday, August 4.

What Defines a Nuremberg Kärwa

In Franconia—and especially in Nuremberg—the district Kirchweih follows a strictly traditional choreography:

• Erecting the Kärwabaum: A tall, decorated pole, similar to a Maibaum (Maypole), is erected in the center of the festival grounds—without machinery, using poles and human strength
• Betzn austanzen: A traditional dance where a "Betzn" (bouquet) is passed around among the young men—whoever holds it when the music stops wins
• Festival tent with Franconian catering: Schäuferla (pork shoulder), Bratwürste (sausages), Sauerbraten (marinated roast), Hefekrapfen (yeast doughnuts), Franconian beer
• Dance bands play in the festival tent
• Amusement rides: Carousels, shooting galleries, candy stalls, a small Ferris wheel
• Family Day often on Sunday

Worzeldorf — Southern Nuremberg

Worzeldorf was originally an independent Franconian village, incorporated into the city of Nuremberg in 1923. Today, it is a well-established district in the south of the city, with single-family homes, club life, and St. Andrew's Church dating back to the 14th century. The annual Kärwa keeps the old village tradition alive and is an important meeting point for generations.

The Kärwa Summer in Nuremberg

The City of Nuremberg manages around 40 district Kirchweihen through its Real Estate Office. Each district has its own Kärwa with its own identity—from the Gostenhof Kärwa to Mögeldorf and Worzeldorf. Anyone who wants to experience a Franconian Kärwa without the long journeys to the small villages of Middle Franconia will find a dense and authentic Kirchweih landscape in Nuremberg, right in the middle of the big city.