Kirmes Hirstein

Hirstein — a village with kirmes tradition

Hirstein is one of the seven districts of the municipality of Namborn in the St. Wendel district. With around 800 inhabitants, it is one of the medium-sized villages and has a particularly active club scene, celebrating its Kerb („Kirmes” in Saarland dialect) as one of the central local festivals of the year. The date at the end of July — usually the last weekend of July — has remained unchanged for generations.

Three to four days of festivities

The Hirsteiner Kerb traditionally lasts from Friday to Monday (Kerb Monday). Showmen set up classics like bumper cars and the flyer ride, supplemented by changing new attractions — in 2024, for example, a bungee trampoline for children and adults. Local clubs — Sportclub Hirstein, Volunteer Fire Brigade, Music Association — take care of catering and set up the festival tent and outdoor area.

High mass and Frühschoppen on Sunday

Like all Saarland patron saint kirmes, Hirstein follows the classic Sunday ritual: 10 a.m. High Mass in the parish church, followed by Frühschoppen with the music association, lunch at the club stalls, coffee and cake in the afternoon, and dancing in the festival tent in the evening. Kerb Monday is Family Day with reduced ride prices.

In the Schaumberger Land and on Bostalsee

Hirstein is located in the Schaumberger Land, one of the most characteristic low mountain landscapes of Saarland. Visitors to the Kerb can combine their stay with a hike up the Schaumberg (568 m, the „holy mountain” of Saarland), a swim in the Bostalsee (20 minutes by car), or a visit to the Wendelinus Basilica in St. Wendel.

Saarland dialect and club life

Visitors to Hirstein immerse themselves in the local club life, characterized by the Saarland dialect. The Kerb is pure local festival — not organized by a professional event company, but by families who have been organizing it together for decades. That's exactly what makes it so appealing.