Niederländertreffen Pappenheim

Historical Festival in the Altmühltal

The Niederländertreffen Pappenheim combines the preservation of historical tradition with a town festival atmosphere. For several days, costume and history associations, the town of Pappenheim, and local initiatives commemorate the historical connections between the former imperial knighthood and the northern Netherlands. The namesake reference is deeply rooted in the town's history – the Counts of Pappenheim were Imperial Marshals, influential at several European courts.

Procession to the Castle

The highlight of the festival is the solemn procession through the old town to the Pappenheim Castle, visible from afar on the ridge above the Altmühl. The parade starts on Sunday morning in the town, winds through the historic alleys, and ends at the castle, where participants and the public gather for the traditional Mayenpredigt – a historical form of sermon that is still held on only a few occasions in this region.

VANtastische Begegnung

On Saturday, the VANtastische Begegnung takes place in the Stadtvogteigasse – an open programme block with musical performances, socialising, and community gathering. The name plays on the Dutch prefix "van" and the vibrancy of this informal neighbourhood festival.

Pappenheim — Imperial City in the Altmühltal

Pappenheim, a small town with around 4,000 inhabitants in the district of Weißenburg-Gunzenhausen (Bavaria), is one of the most beautiful historical places in the Altmühltal Nature Park. Pappenheim Castle, the New Palace, and the Romanesque-Gothic St. Gallus Church shape the townscape. For centuries, the town was the seat of the Counts of Pappenheim, who played a prominent role in the Holy Roman Empire as Imperial Marshals. The Niederländertreffen is one of several events with which the town makes its rich history tangible.