Nordhalbener Kerwa
The cult Kirchweih of the Frankenwald with pub singing and festival parade
About Nordhalbener Kerwa
Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Nordhalbener Kerwa al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
The Cult Kirchweih of the Frankenwald
Nordhalben in the Upper Franconian district of Kronach has made a name for itself far beyond the region with its Kerwa. It is commonly referred to as the "Cult Kirchweih of the Frankenwald" – a title that the market town, with just under 1,500 inhabitants, has earned through decades of tradition, a uniquely young program, and the dedication of the Kerwa society.
Kerwamaala and Kerwabuum
The organizers are the Kerwamaala (young women) and Kerwabuum (young men) – traditional youth groups that have carried the festival for generations. They organize the Kerwa rounds through the village, pull the Kerwa float, sing the Kerwa serenades, and ensure the unmistakable character of the festival. A Kerwa like from a picture book of Franconian customs.
The Pub Singing – The Festival's Identity
The Kerwa pub singing with the Frankenwaldverein in the Fliegerhalle is the identity of the festival. Here the whole village comes together, traditional songs are sung, accordion and brass music enhance the atmosphere, and the Kerwa boys and girls perform their dances. Anyone who wants to experience the Frankenwald authentically will find it here.
Program Structure
The Kerwa classically spans five days from Thursday to Monday. Thursday begins with the festive opening: meeting at the church at 6 p.m., festival parade with the marching band to the Dreschhallenplatz, opening by the 1st Mayor Michael Pöhnlein. Friday, traditional "Kerwarunde" with the Kerwa float through the streets. Saturday, first round of Kerwa serenades and football matches in the afternoon. Sunday, the festive church service at 9:45 a.m. with a church procession. Monday, the second round of serenades. In addition, bar service, hut fun at the ski lodge, showmen, and food stalls.
Frankenwald and Location
Nordhalben is located in the Upper Frankenwald near the Bavarian-Thuringian border, in the Frankenwald Nature Park. The hilly low mountain range landscape with forests, meadows, and the Köstelberg mountain in the background forms the backdrop. The Kerwa traditionally falls in late September or early October – a last big festival before winter, with the first cooler evenings and a correspondingly atmospheric mood in the pubs.
Nordhalbener Kerwa — edition 2026
Kerwa 2026 in Nordhalben
The Nordhalben Kerwa Society invites you to the big Kirchweih festival from October 1 to 5, 2026. Dates officially confirmed on nordhalben.de. The program structure follows decades of tradition: opening on Thursday, four more festival days with pub singing, festival parade, and all classic Kerwa customs.
What awaits visitors
Kerwamaala and Kerwabuum lead the festival, the Nordhalben marching band sets the pace, and the Frankenwaldverein organizes the pub singing. In addition, showmen and food stalls at the Dreschhallenplatz, bar service in the inns, hut fun at the ski lodge, and a festive church service on Sunday.
Programme Nordhalbener Kerwa 2026
Thursday, October 1, 2026 – Opening
- 6:00 PM — Meeting at the parish church
- Festival parade with the Nordhalben marching band to the Dreschhallenplatz
- Official opening by 1st Mayor Michael Pöhnlein
- Evening — Beer service, atmosphere in the festival tent
Friday, October 2, 2026 – Kerwarunde
- Afternoon — Traditional Kerwarunde with Kerwa float through the streets
- Live music in the pubs
Saturday, October 3, 2026
- First round of Kerwa serenades with the marching band
- Afternoon — Kerwa football matches
- Evening — Hut fun at the ski lodge
Sunday, October 4, 2026 – Festive Church Service
- 9:45 AM — Festive church service with church procession
- Afternoon — Kerwa pub singing with Frankenwaldverein in the Fliegerhalle
Monday, October 5, 2026 – Closing
- Second round of Kerwa serenades
- Winding down in the pubs
Detailed program with band performance times will be published on nordhalben.de and the Kerwa Facebook page.
Highlights Nordhalbener Kerwa 2026
- Kerwa pub singing with Frankenwaldverein in the Fliegerhalle
- Festival parade with the Nordhalben marching band
- Kerwamaala and Kerwabuum as bearers of tradition
- Hut fun at the ski lodge
- 5 days of Cult Kerwa in the Frankenwald
Prices Nordhalbener Kerwa 2026
Admission to all events is free. Food and drinks on site. Showmen and food stalls at the Dreschhallenplatz, bar service in the inns at usual festival prices.
Practical information — Nordhalbener Kerwa
Getting There
Nordhalben is located in the Kronach district, Upper Franconia. By car: A9 (Munich–Berlin) exit Berg or A73 exit Kronach Süd, then country road. Bus 8302 from Kronach.
Admission
Admission to all events is free. Food and drinks in the pubs, at the ski lodge, and on the Dreschhallenplatz at usual festival prices. Kerwa pub singing with Frankenwaldverein in the Fliegerhalle.
Accommodation
Inns and holiday apartments in Nordhalben and the surrounding area. Larger selection near Kronach or Steinbach am Wald. Early booking recommended during the Kerwa.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
Max. 5 photos, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Spotted an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Each suggestion is reviewed by our team before being published.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Nordhalbener Kerwa al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Where it takes place Nordhalbener Kerwa
Dreschhallenplatz und Wirtshäuser Nordhalben
Dreschhallenplatz / Ortsmitte, 96365 Nordhalben