Name: Sonnwendfeuer Geroldsgrün 2026
Start: 2026-06-20T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-06-21T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Ortsteile Langenbach, Steinbach und Hirschberglein

Sonnwendfeuer Geroldsgrün

About Sonnwendfeuer Geroldsgrün

The Midsummer Bonfires (Sonnwendfeuer) in the districts of Langenbach, Steinbach, and Hirschberglein in Geroldsgrün are among the oldest living traditions in Upper Franconia. At the summer solstice at the end of June, local associations light traditional bonfires in prominent locations above the Franconian Forest, often on ridges or at the edge of the woods. The Sonnwendfeuer is a pagan-Christian mixed tradition, combining the solstice, St. John's Day, and centuries-old customs of the Franconian Forest. Catering and convivial gatherings are part of the event.

Dates 20 Jun — 21 Jun 2026

Venue Geroldsgrün (09475)

Prices Free

Status —

Edition 2026

Sonnwendfeuer Geroldsgrün — edition 2026

The Sonnwendfeuer in the Geroldsgrün districts of Langenbach, Steinbach, and Hirschberglein in 2026 will traditionally take place on the weekend around the summer solstice. The exact date will be set by the respective local associations at short notice (usually the Saturday before or after June 21). The municipality of Geroldsgrün has officially confirmed the date as a recurring traditional event. Woodpiles will be built in the days before the festival and lit at dusk.

The 2026 edition continues the long-standing tradition in the three districts. The exact dates and times will be announced by the respective associations (fire brigades, marksmen's clubs, sports clubs, village communities) about 4–6 weeks before the event on their respective websites or local notices.

For first-time visitors to the Sonnwendfeuer in the Franconian Forest: wear weatherproof clothing (evening temperatures in the high forest can drop below 10 degrees Celsius even in June), sturdy shoes (the bonfire sites are often on ridges outside the village center), a flashlight (for the way back in the dark), and possibly a chair or blanket.

Highlights Sonnwendfeuer Geroldsgrün 2026

Three parallel Sonnwendfeuer in Langenbach, Steinbach, and Hirschberglein, living Franconian Forest traditions for the summer solstice, catering by local associations, authentic village atmosphere.

Programme Sonnwendfeuer Geroldsgrün 2026

Scheduled Course of Events on the Day

Afternoon — Construction of the bonfire sites by local associations, final preparations
Early Evening — Refreshments at the festival stands, village community gathering
At Dusk (approx. 9:30–10:30 PM) — ceremonial lighting of the Sonnwendfeuer, often with a short address
Observation of the fire, convivial gathering
Musical accompaniment (live band or music ensemble, depending on the district)
Winding down in the late evening hours

The Three Districts

Langenbach — Sonnwendfeuer on the traditional ridge
Steinbach — Sonnwendfeuer at the edge of the forest
Hirschberglein — Sonnwendfeuer in a prominent location

Organizers

Local associations of the respective Geroldsgrün districts (fire brigades, marksmen, village communities)
Current dates: geroldsgruen.de

Prices Sonnwendfeuer Geroldsgrün 2026

Free admission. Refreshments at the festival stands at association prices – grilled sausages, draft beer, lemonade, sometimes cake. Proceeds go to the respective association treasuries.

Practical information

Practical information — Sonnwendfeuer Geroldsgrün

Getting There

Geroldsgrün is located in the Hof district, in the northern Bavarian Franconian Forest. By car via the A9 (Berlin–Nuremberg, exit Naila/Selbitz) and country roads. By train to Marxgrün or Naila, then bus or taxi.

Admission

Free admission. Refreshments at association prices – grilled sausages, beer, lemonade. The proceeds go to the respective association treasuries.

Districts

The Sonnwendfeuer take place simultaneously in the districts of Langenbach, Steinbach, and Hirschberglein. Those who wish to visit all three should be prepared for a hike or a scenic drive through the Franconian Forest.

A Pagan-Christian Mixed Tradition

The Sonnwendfeuer (also Sommersonnenwendfeuer or Johannisfeuer) is one of the oldest European folk customs. Originally of pagan origin – a fire ritual for the summer solstice celebrating the sun at its highest point – the custom was Christianized by the Catholic Church in the Middle Ages and linked to St. John's Day (June 24). This is how what we know today as a developed German tradition emerged: an evening bonfire near the summer solstice, uniting community, faith, and hope for the harvest.

The Tradition in Geroldsgrün

Geroldsgrün is located in the northern Franconian Franconian Forest, on the border with Thuringia. Three districts maintain the Sonnwendfeuer tradition: Langenbach, Steinbach, and Hirschberglein. Each district has its own traditional bonfire site, usually in a prominent location above the valley – so the fire is visible from afar and in sight of the fires of surrounding communities.

The Evening's Course

The bonfire is usually lit on the Saturday before or after June 21 (the solstice). The local associations build a large woodpile over several days – sometimes several meters high, with upright logs and carefully stacked brushwood. At dusk, the fire is lit, often with a short address by the local mayor or association chairman. The associations provide refreshments – grilled sausages, draft beer, lemonade for children, sometimes cake. A live band or music ensemble provides the atmosphere.

The Sonnwendfeuer as a Traditional Ritual

Unlike commercially staged fire events, the Sonnwendfeuer in Geroldsgrün are genuine community traditions – supported by fire brigades, marksmen's clubs, sports clubs, and district-specific folklore groups. This gives the event its authentic character: no admission fees, no stage shows, but a traditional gathering of the village residents and their guests around the blazing summer fire.

Geroldsgrün and the Franconian Forest

Geroldsgrün is a market town in the Hof district of Upper Franconia, in the northern Bavarian Franconian Forest. The municipality comprises numerous districts spread across the hilly forest region between Hof and the Thuringian border. Tourism and forestry shape the region. The Sonnwendfeuer is one of the most important traditional dates in the annual calendar.