Name: Bavarian-Bohemian Säumerfest Grainet 2026
Start: 2026-07-18T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-07-19T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Rund um die Nikolauskirche Grainet

Säumerfest Grainet

About Säumerfest Grainet

The Bavarian-Bohemian Säumerfest in Grainet brings the history of the historic salt trade between Bavaria and Bohemia to life every year in mid-July. For two days, the area around St. Nicholas Church transforms into a medieval camp for the Säumer (salt carriers). The highlight is the historic Säumer procession with salt merchants, distinguished guests, and citizens from the Bohemian town of Prachatitz in medieval attire. A cross-border cultural and traditional festival in the Bavarian Forest.

Dates 18 Jul — 19 Jul 2026

Venue Grainet (09272)

Prices Free

Status Confirmed

Edition 2026

Säumerfest Grainet — edition 2026

The Bavarian-Bohemian Säumerfest 2026 will take place on Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19, 2026, in Grainet. For two days, medieval life of the salt merchants will come alive around St. Nicholas Church, with a historic Säumer procession and camp culture.

On July 18 and 19, 2026, Grainet will once again transform into a medieval Säumer town. Around St. Nicholas Church, the salt merchants will set up their camp, and traditional camp life will begin – and visitors are invited to participate.

The festival opens on Saturday with a hike by the Säumer. The highlight is the historic Säumer procession with the entry of the salt merchants, accompanied by the Grainet brass band, distinguished guests, and guests from the Bohemian town of Prachatitz in medieval attire.

Highlights Säumerfest Grainet 2026

The historic Säumer procession with salt merchants and Bohemian guests from Prachatitz, as well as the medieval camp life around St. Nicholas Church.

Programme Säumerfest Grainet 2026

Saturday, July 18, 2026

Opening with the Säumer hike
Setting up the Säumer camp around St. Nicholas Church
Start of traditional camp life, hands-on activities for visitors

Sunday, July 19, 2026

Historic Säumer procession — Entry of the salt merchants with the Grainet brass band, distinguished guests, the mayor, and citizens from Prachatitz in medieval attire, jesters, and common folk
Camp life, crafts, and catering around St. Nicholas Church

Note: The detailed hourly program will be published by the Säumerverein Grainet shortly before the festival.

Prices Säumerfest Grainet 2026

Free admission. Food, drinks, and individual offerings for a fee.

Practical information

Practical information — Säumerfest Grainet

Getting There

Grainet is located in the Freyung-Grafenau district in the Bavarian Forest. By car via Freyung or Waldkirchen. Festival grounds around St. Nicholas Church in the town centre.

Admission

Free admission; food, drinks, and individual offerings for a fee.

Date

Annually in mid-July, Saturdays and Sundays. Opening on Saturday with the Säumer hike, Säumer procession as the highlight.

History of the Goldenen Steig Brought to Life

The Bavarian-Bohemian Säumerfest in Grainet commemorates the historic significance of the location on the "Goldenen Steig" (Golden Trail) trade route. Along this long-distance trade route, incredible quantities of salt travelled from Passau via Waldkirchen and Grainet over the Haidel ridge to the salt-poor region of Bohemia from 1010 to 1706. Grainet is located in the Freyung-Grafenau district, in the state of Bavaria, within the Bavarian Forest.

Two Days of Medieval Life Around St. Nicholas Church

For two days, visitors experience medieval life around St. Nicholas Church. The Säumer set up their camp, traditional camp life begins – and guests can participate. Crafts, camp culture, and a historic atmosphere characterise the festival.

The Historic Säumer Procession

The absolute highlight is the historic Säumer procession: the entry of the salt merchants, accompanied by the Grainet brass band, distinguished guests, the mayor, and citizens from the Bohemian town of Prachatitz in medieval attire, along with colourful jesters and common folk. The festival opens on Saturday with a hike by the Säumer.

European Understanding Across Borders

Since 1991, the towns of Prachatitz and Grainet have revived this history through their joint salt festivals – a symbol of European unity across borders. The festival fosters German-Czech friendship and shared cultural heritage.

Grainet am Haidel in the Bavarian Forest

The holiday region of Grainet am Haidel is nestled in the natural landscape of the Bavarian Forest. The Säumerfest combines this charming environment with living history, making the location a special destination in the Freyung-Grafenau district.