Kirmes Oechsen

Autumn Kirmes in a Rhön Half-Timbered Village

Oechsen is a small municipality in the Wartburgkreis on the edge of the Thuringian Rhön, known for its ensemble of half-timbered houses and the St. Laurentius Church. Once a year, in autumn, the clubhouse on the edge of the village becomes the festival grounds: the Kirmesgesellschaft Oechsen organizes the annual kirmes, a village festival that brings generations together for a long weekend.

Kirmes Dance, Frühschoppen, Lumpenball

The program follows the classic village kirmes of the Rhön: on Friday or Saturday evening, opening with dance music (Kirmestanz), on Sunday morning Frühschoppen with brass music and hearty cuisine, in the afternoon children's kirmes with games and a carousel, and finally an oldies party with Lumpenball (costumed ball) and surprises. Coffee and cake are served all day, baked by the women of the village clubs.

Village Clubs as Organizers of the Kirmes

The Kirmesgesellschaft Oechsen is the organizer of the kirmes, supported by SV «Grün-Weiß» Oechsen, the MC Oechsen-Rhön (motorcycle club), and the entire village community. Besides club festivals, the kirmes is the most important date in the village calendar and an occasion for former Oechsen residents to return to their families.

Rhön — Land of Open Vistas

Oechsen is located in the Wartburgkreis district in the state of Thuringia, on the border with Hesse and not far from Bad Salzungen. The Rhön — a biosphere reserve and «Land of Open Vistas» — offers hiking opportunities and views around Oechsen. Those arriving for the kirmes can combine the long weekend with a hike in the Hohe Rhön, a visit to the Wasserkuppe, or a short trip to Bad Salzungen.