Kirwa Windischeschenbach with the Historical Fire Brigade

Windischeschenbach — Capital of Zoigl Beer

Windischeschenbach in the Neustadt an der Waldnaab district is considered the World Capital of Zoigl Beer — an ancient home-brewed beer tradition that is still alive here and in few other places in Bavaria. The small town with just under 5,000 inhabitants is located in the northern Oberpfälzer Wald, in the Stiftland region on the border with the Czech Republic. It is known for its five Zoigl breweries, the Zoigl Museum, and the annual civic festival 'Das Fest'.

The Kirwa — Patron Saint's Day of Mary's Birth

The Windischeschenbach Kirwa is traditionally celebrated on the Sunday after the Nativity of Mary (September 8). In 2026, this Sunday falls on September 13. The festive framework spans the entire weekend, with the central festival Sunday on the town square.

What makes the Windischer Kirwa unique — the Historical Fire Brigade

Since 2018, the Historische Feuerwehr Windischeschenbach e.V. has organized an extraordinary special show for the Kirwa: around 30 historical fire engines from Bavaria are presented on the town square. These include vehicles from the fire brigades of Nuremberg, Eggenfelden, Donauwörth, and the Oberpfalz region itself. A converted Magirus-Deutz with a built-in beer tap is the star of the collection.

Schedule — Saturday and Sunday

Saturday

• 11:00 AM: Start of the oldtimer tour from Autohof Bergler in the Neuhaus industrial area.
• 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM: Show of historical vehicles in the old town of Weiden.
• Evening: Live music at the inn 'Zum weißen Schwan' — the classic Kirwa meeting point for the Windischer people with dance bands.

Sunday — Main Festival Day

• From 11:00 AM: Exhibition of historical fire engines on the Windischeschenbach town square.
• From 1:00 PM: Street musicians on the town square, playing Franconian-Bohemian and Upper Palatinate tunes.
• Throughout the day: Festival operations, beer stands serving Zoigl beer, bratwurst, and food from local restaurateurs.
• Evening: Festival wind-down at 'Zum weißen Schwan' with live music.

Zoigl Beer and Upper Palatinate Tradition

What distinguishes the Windischer Kirwa from comparable Kerwa festivals is not only the Historical Fire Brigade but also the Zoigl beer: during the Kirwa days, several Zoigl home breweries (recognizable by the hanging Zoigl star) are open on their own. The beer, brewed collectively in the communal brewery, is then served by individual citizens in their own Zoigl taverns — an Upper Palatinate tradition unique in this form.