Köhler- und Schwämmklopferfest Neustadt am Rennsteig 2026

Crafts from the Thuringian Forest

The Köhler- und Schwämmklopferfest in Neustadt am Rennsteig is one of the most unusual folk festivals in Thuringia. It celebrates two old, almost forgotten crafts of the Thuringian Forest: Köhlerei (charcoal production in earth kilns) and Schwämmklopferei (processing of the tinder fungus / Fomes fomentarius into tinder, historically used for making fire). In 2026, the festival runs from June 5th to 7th on the festival meadow in Neustadt.

Schwämmklopfer in Green Traditional Dress

The Schwämmklopfer present themselves in green traditional dress — the historical work clothing of tinder fungus collectors. In a large cauldron, the tinder fungus is boiled on the festival meadow; through traditional knocking (Klopfen), the inner layer of the fungus is processed into soft, flammable tinder. This technique was used intensively until the 19th century — tinder was the match of the Middle Ages. The Thüringer Rennsteigverein Neustadt e. V. has been reviving this forgotten tradition for decades, making it tangible for visitors.

Charcoal Burning and Folk Festival

Parallel to the Schwämmklopfen, charcoal burners (Köhler:innen) demonstrate the setup and smoldering of a charcoal kiln (Köhlermeiler) — wood is slowly burned over days in the absence of air to produce charcoal. In addition, the festival offers a classic folk festival program: live music, bratwurst, regional specialties, a festival tent, and dancing, as well as family activities. The festival combines ethnological interest with folk festival fun — a rare and remarkable mix.

Rennsteig and Neustadt

Neustadt am Rennsteig is a district of the municipality Großbreitenbach in the Ilm-Kreis district (state of Thuringia). The village is located directly on the Rennsteig, the famous ridge hiking trail, at an altitude of around 700 meters in the Thuringian Forest. This location shapes its identity: forest, wood crafts, charcoal burning, and mushroom gathering — all geographically given. Arrival via A71 highway, Ilmenau exit, then B88 and L1054.