Schnecke-Fescht Pfaffenweiler

A Wine Festival Institution in the Markgräflerland

The Schnecke-Fescht in Pfaffenweiler has been one of Baden-Württemberg's most traditional wine and village festivals since 1977. Pfaffenweiler is located in the Markgräflerland in the district of Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald, south of Freiburg im Breisgau – one of Germany's most renowned wine regions. In 2013, Die Welt am Sonntag named the Schnecke-Fescht among the three best wine festivals in Germany.

Snails and Wine — The Culinary Signature

The festival owes its name to an old Pfaffenweiler tradition: the consumption of vineyard snails. The culinary signatures are:

• Snails in herb butter
• Schneckenbrot – a Pfaffenweiler specialty
• Alemannic specialties from the 13 local clubs
• Markgräfler wines directly from Pfaffenweiler winegrowers

The Winegrowers' Courtyards as a Stage

The special feature of the Schnecke-Fescht is its backdrop: the 13 clubs set up their stands in the centuries-old winegrowers' courtyards, many dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. The courtyard gates are open, tables and benches are set up in the inner courtyards, and the wine is served directly from the courtyard. Additionally, there are stands along Kapellenstraße. This creates a decentralized festival landscape that extends throughout the entire historic village.

Schnaigerle Walk on Saturday

A Pfaffenweiler specialty is the Schnaigerle-Rundgang on Saturday afternoon: during this guided culinary walk, you can sample small portions of wine and food at various stations and get to know the Pfaffenweiler winegrowers personally. An educational and enjoyable start to the festival weekend.

Alemannic Costumes and Music

Each year, a costume group from the Markgräflerland showcases its traditional Alemannic attire – a program item that the festival has cherished for decades. Live music in the courtyards completes the picture: Alemannic folk music, jazz, acoustic bands, and small combos create a relaxed atmosphere.

13 Clubs — One Festival

The Schnecke-Fescht is a pure club festival. 13 local clubs – from the music association to the fire department and sports clubs – organize the festival together. The proceeds flow back into the clubs' activities, and the festival concept strengthens intergenerational community life in the village.