Medieval Civic Festival Gräfenberg

Medieval in the heart of Franconian Switzerland

Gräfenberg is a town of 4,000 inhabitants in the district of Forchheim, on the eastern edge of Franconian Switzerland and at the transition to the Hersbruck Alb. The historic old town with its cohesive appearance, the market square, and the town wall provides an ideal backdrop for a medieval festival. Since 2010, the association Mittelalterliches Bürgerfest Gräfenberg e.V. has been using this setting for a festival that has now become a fixture in the Franconian medieval scene.

Three Days of Time Travel

The Civic Festival runs from Friday evening to Sunday evening. The old town around the market square is transformed into a medieval setting — stalls with craftsmen, camp life with tent encampments, a main stage, and several smaller performance areas. Visitors experience the Middle Ages as a live performance: not historical reconstruction to observe, but an interactive experience.

Program Highlights

The Civic Festival follows a proven structure:

• Live Medieval Music — Medieval bands such as Vera Lux, Deus Vult, Ignis Fatuu, Zackenflanke, or Draco Faucium (rotating lineups)
• Historical Crafts — Printing, papermaking, rope making, pottery, blacksmithing
• Camp Life — historical tent encampments with reenactment groups
• Archery — shooting range for visitors
• Spectacular Fire Show on Saturday evening
• Children's Theater and interactive activities
• Ecumenical Medieval Church Service on Sunday morning
• Historical Wedding Procession in medieval attire on Sunday
• Medieval Cuisine — stick bread, suckling pig, mead, Franconian beer

Admission and Character

Friday evening is traditionally free admission. Moderate day tickets are charged on Saturday and Sunday (typically €9 per day, reduced €4, weekend pass €14 / €6). This makes the festival affordable for families from the region.

8th Edition 2026

The Civic Festival was first held in 2010. The 8th edition will take place in 2026 — the edition has been slightly shifted in date due to a break during the Corona years.

Atmosphere and Significance

What distinguishes the Gräfenberg event from a pure medieval market is its close integration into the old town itself: instead of taking place on a festival ground on the outskirts of the city, everything happens directly between the historic houses, in front of the town church, and on the market square. This creates a uniquely authentic atmosphere — Gräfenberg is one of the most beautifully preserved small old towns in Franconia.