Remlinger Eierlauf

A custom since 1738

The Remlinger Eierlauf dates back to 1738. At that time, Countess Dorothea Renata von Castell-Remlingen exempted the farmers from the 'Hubeier' – an egg tax to be paid in kind – and transferred the right to the village youth, with the obligation to organize a folk festival (Volksfest) on Easter Monday. On this occasion, the lads developed a competition that has been held uninterruptedly ever since – with the exception of the two World Wars. It is organized by the Burschenschaft Remlingen in the Würzburg district.

How the Egg Run works

On Easter Monday morning, the lads go from house to house collecting eggs, drinks, money, and snacks. After a communal meal, a procession with a brass band leads to the sports field. Two competitors are chosen by lot: the runner (blue-white sash) and the collector (red-white sash). The runner sprints to a stone about two kilometers away and back, smashing an egg there. The collector must simultaneously collect 75 eggs, laid out in a line at intervals of two shoe lengths (approx. 62 cm), one by one, and place them in a basket. Whoever completes their task first wins – and gets free drinks all day.

Procession, Competition, and Dance

The competition traditionally begins around 2:30 PM after the assembly at the market square. In the evening, from 6 PM onwards, the day concludes with a dance event that creates a lively atmosphere in the village. Only young, unmarried, reputable lads aged 16 and over from Remlingen are eligible to participate.

Living Franconian Folk Culture

The Remlinger Eierlauf is known far beyond the region and is an impressive example of how a custom from the 18th century remains alive today. It combines Easter tradition, village cohesion, and sporting competition – a fixed date in the traditional calendar of Lower Franconia.