Waldhambach Kochlöffelkerwe

Palatinate Kerwe Tradition in a Palatinate Forest Village

Waldhambach has around 700 inhabitants and is a typical Palatinate Forest village: surrounded by forests, shaped by forestry, and boasting an active community. The Kochlöffelkerwe is the most important social event of the year, continuing a tradition that is still kept alive in many parts of the Palatinate – with the Kerwepredigt (Kerwe sermon), Kerwerede (Kerwe speech), catering by local clubs, and a dance evening.

Barrel Tapping with 30 Liters of Free Beer

The Kochlöffelkerwe opens on Friday, July 3rd, 2026, at 6 PM with the traditional barrel tapping ceremony. A hallmark of the Waldhambach Kerwe: the first 30 liters of beer are free. Those who arrive early get their first glass at a bargain – a custom that reliably gets the opening atmosphere bubbling and immediately brings the Kerwe community together.

Village Community Center as Festival Venue

The Waldhambach Village Community Center is the venue for the indoor events, while the outdoor area features a festival tent, bar, stage, and food stalls. Palatinate specialties – Saumagen (stuffed pig's stomach), Bratwurst (fried sausage), Leberknödel (liver dumplings), Flammkuchen (tarte flambée) – complement the gastronomic offerings. Live music fills the evenings, and Sunday traditionally focuses on the family-oriented Kerwe.

Wasgau and Palatinate Forest

Waldhambach is located in the Wasgau region, the southern part of the Palatinate Forest, nestled within the Palatinate Forest-Northern Vosges Biosphere Reserve. Its location between Annweiler and Pirmasens, at the entrance to the Dahn Rock Country, makes it an ideal starting point for hikes to the region's characteristic sandstone formations.