32nd Original Johanngeorgenstadt Schwibbogenfest with Miners' Parade

The World's Largest Freestanding Schwibbogen

Johanngeorgenstadt in the Erzgebirgskreis district (state of Saxony) is located in the Western Ore Mountains on the Czech border, about 100 km southwest of Dresden. The mining town was founded in 1654 by Protestant Bohemian miners who emigrated from Joachimsthal (now Jáchymov) for religious reasons — the name 'Johann Georgen Stadt' honors Elector Johann Georg I of Saxony, who permitted its founding. The town developed into a productive silver and later tin mining town, whose mining tradition remains formative to this day. Its landmark is the giant freestanding Schwibbogen on the Platz des Bergmanns — with over 6 meters in height and a 25-meter span, it is the largest of its kind in the world. The Schwibbogen is an 18th-century Ore Mountains invention: originally forged from iron, intended as a light source for miners, later made of wood and adorned with Christmas motifs. The Johanngeorgenstadt version in monumental size makes the structure an attraction throughout the entire Advent season.

Days of Traditional Crafts

The Schwibbogenfest is officially titled 'Days of Traditional Crafts' and focuses on traditional Ore Mountains folk art and crafts: Schwibbogen makers display their workshops, Räuchermann (incense smoker) turners work in front of an audience, pyramid builders demonstrate the assembly of a multi-tiered pyramid, lace makers weave intricate patterns, and incense cone manufacturers provide insights into their production processes. This craft component distinguishes the Schwibbogenfest from a pure Christmas market — it is a blend of market, craft exhibition, and mining tradition.

Miners' Parade and Procession

The highlight is the miners' parade on Saturday, December 12th, 2026, around 1:45 PM: Members of the Ore Mountains mining brotherhoods march in historical miner uniforms with mining musicians through the town and ceremonially enter the Platz des Bergmanns. The uniforms are meticulously crafted replicas: black miner's coats with silver buttons, pit hats with candle holders, mining picks, and mallets. The mining musicians play the 'Steigerlied' ('Glück Auf, der Steiger kommt'), the unofficial anthem of the Ore Mountains mining community. It is not folklore, but living association tradition — many participants belong to mining brotherhoods that have been dedicated to preserving mining culture for generations.

Market with Pavilion Entertainment

During the two days, a small Christmas market populates the Platz des Bergmanns. Stalls offer Schwibbogen, Räuchermänner, wooden figures, bobbin lace, pyramids, mulled wine (Glühwein), Saxon Stollen, and Ore Mountains specialties such as Buttermilchgetzn (buttermilk fritters) and Klitscher (potato pancakes). A central pavilion hosts the program — performances by school choirs, brass quartets, and accordion players. The 'Heimatstube' (local history museum) directly on the square opens a special exhibition on the history of Johanngeorgenstadt's mining and Schwibbogen tradition.

Getting There and Neighborhood

Johanngeorgenstadt is located directly on the Czech border — a walk across the bridge leads to Potůčky in the Czech Republic, where the Ore Mountains walk can be continued. By train from Zwickau via Aue to Johanngeorgenstadt (Erzgebirgsbahn). By car: A 72 (Hof–Chemnitz), exit Hartenstein, then B 169 to Aue, continue on B 283 to Johanngeorgenstadt. Sturdy footwear is recommended due to often wintry road conditions.