Spalter HopfenZupferFest and Saumarkt

The Hop Town Celebrates Its Heritage

Spalt in the Roth district is one of Germany's most important hop-growing communities and bears the nickname "Hopfenstadt" (Hop Town). The HopfenZupferFest and the Saumarkt are the festival that keeps this centuries-old hop tradition alive. It is part of the "Hopfiges Wochenende" (Hopping Weekend) in Spalt.

HopfenZupferFest at the Kornhaus

On Saturday, the Historisches Kornhaus (Historical Granary, also home to the HopfenBierGut museum) is the focus. The highlight is the HopfenZupferWettbewerb: participants compete in hop picking; the fastest person will be named "Spalter Master of Hop Picking". Before that, the new Hop Queen will be inaugurated in the afternoon and will subsequently open the competition. Accompanying events include hop-themed guided hikes, brewery tours, BeerYoga, and a children's program.

Historical Saumarkt at the Veit-Haus

On Sunday, the historical Saumarkt (Sow Market) takes place in Gänsgasse at the Veit-Haus. It commemorates the "HopfenBloder-Zeit", the traditional period when harvest workers celebrated after the hop harvest. Regional specialties and folk songs characterize the market – a vibrant piece of Spalt's local history.

Location in Middle Franconia

Spalt is located in the Roth district in the state of Bavaria, in the Franconian Lake District between Brombachsee and Rothsee. The hop gardens around the town shape the landscape – the HopfenZupferFest makes this heritage tangible once a year.

For Whom?

• Friends of Franconian customs and hop tradition
• Beer and enjoyment enthusiasts (brewery tours, HopfenBierGut)
• Families and visitors to the Franconian Lake District