St. Leonhardsfest Stödtlen

St. Leonhardsfest Stödtlen — the Volksfest of the Virngrund

The St. Leonhardsfest in Stödtlen is one of the largest and most traditional village festivals in the Württemberg Virngrund (Ostalbkreis, Baden-Württemberg). Stödtlen is located in the northeast of the district, in the border area between Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. The festival has been held for decades on the third weekend in August (Friday to Monday) and attracts around 10,000 visitors annually from the Ostalbkreis, northwestern Bavaria, and the entire region to Stödtlen.

The Rotochsenfestbier — a Special Festival Beer

A special feature of Stödtlen is the Rotochsenfestbier specially brewed for the Leonhardsfest: Since 2016, it has been created specifically for this festival with 5.3% alcohol content, is slightly maltier and darker than a normal Helles, and tastes according to festival beer tradition. On the opening day, a liter is offered at the opening price of €4.80 — a homage to the old festival prices.

The Culinary Highlights

In addition to the festival beer, roast mutton is the main feature of the festival cuisine — a tavern classic of the Virngrund, freshly prepared in a warm kitchen and served with potatoes and sauerkraut. Also, grilled dishes, Swabian snacks, and sweet specialties. Several club stands cook, pour, and serve simultaneously — supported by the festival committee of the municipality with the local clubs.

Music and Program

Live bands and music associations provide the atmosphere on all four days. Traditional regular guests include the Virngrund-Musikanten (Friday and Sunday), the Aberland Casanovas (Saturday), the Musikverein Röhlingen (Monday), and the SBS Quintett (festival finale). Sunday morning is dedicated to the solemn festival church service in honor of Saint Leonard, the patron saint of farmers and livestock. On Monday evening, there is a fireworks display to conclude the festival.

Stödtlen and the Virngrund

Stödtlen is a small Virngrund community with around 1,800 inhabitants in the northern Ostalbkreis, on the border with Bavaria. The municipality belongs to the Limes Straße — the Rhaetian Limes runs through the municipality, with remnants of the Roman border wall in the vicinity. The Leonhardsfest is by far the largest festival of the year and brings together villages from the surrounding area such as Röhlingen, Ellwangen, and Tannhausen.