Oettingen Jakobi-Kirchweih with Fischerstechen

Oettingen — Small Former Residential City

Oettingen in Bavaria is a small but architecturally impressive town in the Swabian district of Donau-Ries — the center of the former county of the same name. The historic old town with its castle, market square, and St. Jakob parish church has been largely preserved from the 16th-18th centuries and makes Oettingen one of the most beautiful small town centers in Southern Germany. The Jakobi-Kirchweih derives its name from St. Jakob parish church — Patron Saint James the Greater, feast day July 25th.

Festival Opening on the Market Square

Like many Bavarian Volksfeste, the Jakobi-Kirchweih begins with the ceremonial opening by the mayor on Friday. Tapping of the first keg, welcome by dignitaries, procession to the festival grounds. The staging follows the grammar of Bavarian folk festivals.

Fischerstechen — The Spectacular Sunday Custom

What makes the Oettingen Jakobi-Kirchweih unmistakable is the Fischerstechen on Sunday: two opponents stand on boats in the Wörnitz river, facing each other, equipped with long padded poles. They try to push each other off the boat into the water with a well-aimed thrust. Whoever stays dry wins. The custom dates back to the medieval tradition of the fishermen's guilds and is performed today by traditional costume associations on the river. Spectacular, fun, and at the same time the highlight of the festival week.

Dirndlspringen — The Second Sunday Custom

Complementing the Fischerstechen is the Dirndlspringen: a jumping competition where young women in full traditional costume (Dirndl) jump against a fabric curtain or over a specified distance. This is also a traditional custom rooted in the costume association — and another occasion for audience applause on Sunday.

Wörnitz River, Water, Boats — The Town on the River

Oettingen is located directly on the Wörnitz, the main river of the Donau-Ries region. This waterside location is not just decoration but part of the festival's content: the Fischerstechen takes place in the Wörnitz, boats are part of the festival scenery, and on Saturday evening, according to the town's website, there will be a "spectacle on the water" with a boat parade and fireworks. The town consistently uses its topographical peculiarity as a festival backdrop.

Festival Tent and Amusement Rides

Alongside this is the classic Volksfest inventory: a festival tent with beer service and live music, amusement rides and carousels for families, and food stalls serving pork roast, bratwurst, and pretzels. On Sunday, there will be a Darts tournament in the festival tent. On Monday, July 28th, a cabaret evening will conclude the festival week.