Schdaaimicher Körmes — Kirchweihfest Steinbach-Hallenberg

A Kirmes with over 370 Years of History

The Schdaaimicher Körmes has been celebrated in Steinbach-Hallenberg since the 17th century — in 2023, the festival marked its 368th edition. The annual Kirchweih is deeply rooted in the identity of the town and attracts thousands of guests from the Schmalkalden-Meiningen district and the Thuringian Forest every year. The Steinbacher Kirmesverein e.V. organizes the festival with great volunteer effort.

Five Days of Festivities

Unlike most Kirmessen, the Schdaaimicher Körmes lasts for five days — from Thursday evening to Monday midday. This allows tradition to flourish: on Friday evening, the ceremonial Kirmesantrunk in the Museumsgarten with the Evangelischer Posaunenchor Steinbach-Hallenberg, accompanied by Kreuzbergbier and regional specialties. On Saturday, the Ständchenbringen — a tradition where the Kirmesburschen and -mädchen (fair lads and lasses) parade through the town and sing in front of houses. In the evening, a children's disco and a grand concert in the festival tent.

The Festive Parade on Sunday

The emotional centerpiece is the grand festive parade on Sunday afternoon at 2:00 PM (after the church service). All clubs in the municipality — fire department, sports clubs, marksmen, traditional costume groups, music clubs — march with decorated floats through the town center. Afterwards, there is a family afternoon with brass music in the festival tent.

Festfrühschoppen on Monday

The conclusion on Monday is the Festfrühschoppen with lunch — a typical South Thuringian-Rhön element, where generations come together once more to round off the festival.

Steinbach-Hallenberg as a Location

The town is located at the transition between the Thuringian Forest and the Rhön, in the Schmalkalden-Meiningen district. It has around 5,500 inhabitants and is known for its glassblowing tradition, its beautiful location on the Hasel river, and its proximity to hiking areas such as Inselsberg, Großer Beerberg, and Rennsteig. Visitors to the festival can combine their stay with hikes in the Thuringian Forest or a visit to the historic glassworks.