Kronacher Freischießen
The largest Volksfest in the Frankenwald – the "fifth season" in Kronach
About Kronacher Freischießen
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Since 1588 – the fifth season in Kronach
With its origins in 1588, the Kronacher Freischießen is one of the oldest folk festivals in Germany and is considered the "fifth season" by the citizens of Kronach. The Kronach Marksmen's Society has been organizing the festival for over 400 years without any significant interruptions. In 2026, the 437th edition will take place from August 13th to 23rd – eleven days of full operation on the Schützenplatz in the Upper Franconian fortress town.
The largest Volksfest in the Frankenwald
With eleven festival days, several stages, a huge amusement area, and the traditional marksmen's procession, the Kronacher Freischießen is the largest Volksfest in the Frankenwald. Three stages cover the entire musical spectrum from brass music to rock and pop. The festival tent offers classic Volksfest atmosphere with live bands, Maßkrüge (liter steins), and Franconian specialties. In addition, there is a large amusement area with rides and carousels for the whole family.
The Marksmen's Procession and the King's Proclamation
The heart of the Freischießen is the marksmen's tradition. Highlights include the grand marksmen's procession on the first weekend, the marksmen's competition, and the festive proclamation of the new marksmen's king in the festival tent. These rites connect the folk festival with the history of the town and its marksmen's society – the marksmen are not just a folklore element in Kronach, but a living institution.
Kronach – the undefeated fortress town
Kronach, located in northern Upper Franconia at the foot of the Frankenwald, is famous for its completely preserved Rosenberg Fortress, which was never captured during the Thirty Years' War despite severe sieges. With just under 17,000 inhabitants, the town is a typical Franconian medium-sized town with a distinct identity – the Freischießen is one of the central moments of identification for the people of Kronach.
Safety at the festival grounds
Like all major folk festivals, the Kronacher Freischießen has a designated weapons and knife ban zone. Carrying knives of any kind (including picnic and pocket knives) is prohibited in the entire festival area – a measure that has also been introduced at many other Bavarian folk festivals in recent years.
Kronacher Freischießen — edition 2026
The 437th edition of the Kronacher Freischießen 2026 spans eleven festival days. Traditionally, it begins with the grand marksmen's procession, followed by a festival week with Volksfest atmosphere in the festival tent, live music on three stages, and an amusement area with rides and carousels. The Kronach Marksmen's Society organizes the festival with over four centuries of experience.
Highlights include the marksmen's competition to determine the new marksmen's king and the festive proclamation in the festival tent. The children's parade and special family days ensure that the festival appeals to all age groups. The music stages offer a wide spectrum, from traditional brass music to rock and pop – a festival with dramatic diversity.
Programme Kronacher Freischießen 2026
Program 437th Kronacher Freischießen 2026
- Thursday, August 13, 2026 – Opening
Festival opening in the evening, beer tapping ceremony, first concerts on the stages. - Friday/Saturday, August 14/15, 2026 – Grand Marksmen's Procession & First Festival Weekend
Grand Schützenauszug (marksmen's procession) through the town, festival tent operation with live music, fully active amusement area. - Sunday, August 16, 2026 – Festival Sunday
Morning pint with brass music, family day in the amusement area. - Weekdays August 17–21, 2026
Daily program in the festival tent, concerts on the three stages, marksmen's competition. - Saturday, August 22, 2026 – Second Festival Weekend
Grand festival evening with live bands, amusement area fully open. - Sunday, August 23, 2026 – King's Proclamation & Closing
Festive Proklamation des Schützenkönigs (proclamation of the marksmen's king) in the festival tent, festival Sunday, closing in the evening. - Children's Parade on one of the weekdays (exact date in the official program)
Detailed daily program and bands: kronacher-freischiessen.de.
Highlights Kronacher Freischießen 2026
- 437th Edition since 1588 – one of Germany's oldest folk festivals
- Grand Schützenauszug (marksmen's procession) by the Kronach Marksmen's Society
- Festive Proklamation des Schützenkönigs (proclamation of the marksmen's king)
- Three music stages from brass music to rock
- Children's Parade with family program
- Large amusement area with rides and carousels
- Eleven festival days – the "fifth season" in Kronach
Prices Kronacher Freischießen 2026
Free admission. Food and drinks in the festival tent at usual Volksfest prices (Maß Bier approx. €11–€12, Hendl approx. €14–€16). Rides at market prices, children's discounts on family day.
Practical information — Kronacher Freischießen
Getting there
By car: Take the A73 exit Kronach, then follow signs for the city center and Schützenplatz. Shuttle buses run from the train station to the festival grounds. By train: Kronach station on the Lichtenfels–Saalfeld line.
Admission
Festival grounds are freely accessible. Food and drinks in the festival tent at usual Volksfest prices.
Note
Weapons and knife ban zone throughout the festival grounds – picnic and pocket knives are prohibited.
Accommodation
Hotels in Kronach and the surrounding Frankenwald region. Book early due to festival dates.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Kronacher Freischießen al mejor precio.
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