St. Jakobi-Kirchweih (Warm Kerwa) Küps

A Summer Kirchweih in Upper Franconia

Küps is a market town in the Kronach district in the extreme north of Upper Franconia, on the border with Thuringia. With around 7,700 inhabitants, Küps is one of the larger municipalities in the Frankenwald foothills. The market town maintains two Kirchweih traditions – one in summer (St. James) and one in autumn – affectionately known in the vernacular as "Warm Kerwa" and "Cold Kerwa".

Patronage of St. James

The "Warm Kerwa" is the patronage of St. James' Church in Küps. The patronal feast day falls on July 25th; it is celebrated on the nearest weekend. In 2026, this will be July 26th – Sunday will be the main Kirchweih day.

Antique and Flea Market Around the Town Hall

The hallmark of the Küps summer Kirchweih is the antique and flea market, which is set up around the town hall on Kirchweih Sunday. Hundreds of exhibitors set up their stalls in the streets – a mix of genuine antiques, vintage finds, flea market classics, bric-a-brac, and handicrafts. The event attracts collectors from all over the Frankenwald and beyond.

Festival Operations with Upper Franconian Flair

In parallel with the market, classic Kirchweih festival operations are underway: a festival tent with live music, catering with Upper Franconian sausages, Schäufele (pork shoulder), and beer from the surrounding breweries (the Frankenwald region is one of the densest brewery regions in Europe). Families will find carousels and smaller rides; in the evening, there is dancing in the festival tent.

Frankenwald Foothills and Kronach District

Küps is located in the foothills of the Frankenwald, a sparsely populated low mountain range on the Bavarian-Thuringian border. Those planning the summer Kirchweih as a day trip can easily combine their visit with a trip to the Rosenberg Fortress in Kronach or a hike in the Frankenwald.