Stadtfest Ohrdruf

Ohrdruf — Residence and Bach Town

Ohrdruf is located about 30 kilometers southwest of Erfurt in the Gotha district, on the northern edge of the Thuringian Forest. The small town with around 9,000 inhabitants has a remarkable past: it was the residence of the Counts of Gleichen, Ehrenstein Castle still shapes the cityscape today, and Johann Sebastian Bach spent important years of his youth here from 1695 to 1700 as a half-orphan – with his older brother Johann Christoph Bach, who worked as an organist at the Michaeliskirche and gave the young Sebastian Bach his crucial musical impetus.

Stadtfest as a Historical Spectacle

The Ohrdruf Stadtfest draws on this rich history. The historical parade on Saturday afternoon — with about 1,000 participants in over 60 scenes — tells the town's history chronologically: from Saint Boniface (who founded Thuringia's first Benedictine monastery here in 724) through the Counts of Gleichen with the Ohrdruf City Guard, Johann Sebastian Bach with his brother, to the history of the Ohrdruf fire brigade and industry. It is one of the most elaborate historical reenactments that a German small-town festival has to offer.

Fireworks on Saturday Evening

The spectacular highlight is the grand fireworks display on Saturday at 10:00 PM — a colorful pyrotechnic show unfolds over the town center against the backdrop of the town church, Ehrenstein Castle, and the historic rows of houses. Visitors gather in the market square, in Gartenstraße, and on the town's viewpoints.

Stages and Program

Bands and artists perform on several stages on all three festival days — the main stage in the market square, a stage "An der Stadtmauer" in Gartenstraße, and smaller venues in the courtyards of the old town. The musical spectrum ranges from folk music to rock cover bands, from folk to Schlager. Food stalls, a craft market, and amusement rides complete the program.

Bach Traces in Ohrdruf

For those who want to add a cultural detour to their festival weekend: St. Michael's Church (where Bach played the organ and his brother worked as organist), Ehrenstein Castle with its town museum, and the historic market square are all within a 10-minute walk. Bach pilgrims from all over Germany and the world stop in Ohrdruf — the Stadtfest offers the opportunity to experience the town in full festival atmosphere.