Stupfericher Kerwe

Kirchweih in Karlsruhe's rural high-altitude district

Stupferich, the smallest in area but highest district of Karlsruhe, with around 3,000 inhabitants, has been celebrating its Kerwe for generations – the traditional Kirchweih on the third weekend in October. The venue is the Stupferich community center (Thomashofstraße) in the village center, supplemented by the neighboring sports grounds and the nearby St. Cyriakus church. The festival is considered the social highlight of the year for the high-altitude district and attracts not only Stupferich residents but also visitors from the surrounding Karlsruhe high-altitude districts of Hohenwettersbach and Wolfartsweier, as well as from neighboring Pfinztal.

Three days of festivities with program classics

Friday evening traditionally starts with the tapping of the first beer keg by the district mayor at 6 PM, accompanied by the Stupferich music club. Afterwards, the festival band takes over the main stage with a program of mood music and cover bands. Saturday is dedicated to families during the day – children's carousel, bouncy castle, face painting, games – and culminates in the evening with the famous 80s party: disco lighting, hits from Madonna to Falco, preferably in the community hall or on a festival stage. Sunday from 10 AM, Frühschoppen with Black Forest Vesper, lunch by the rural women's association, afternoon concert, and festival closing around 7 PM.

Stupferich club life

As with many smaller Karlsruhe districts, the Kerwe is organized entirely by local clubs: Bürgerverein Stupferich e.V., Musikverein, Sportverein FC Stupferich, Schützenverein, Liederkranz, CDU local association (responsible for the opening beer), Landfrauenverein (cake and lunch), St. Cyriakus church community. Catering is managed by the clubs – bratwurst and fries by FC, Maultaschen and farmer's ham by the Landfrauen, pizza and pasta at the Italian stand. Free admission.

Stupferich — Karlsruhe's highest district

Stupferich is located at an altitude of about 360 meters above sea level – higher than any other Karlsruhe district – on the ridge between Pfinztal and Albtal. Stupferich was only incorporated in 1975 as part of the Baden-Württemberg municipal reform; the place has retained its rural flair with scattered orchards, fruit trees, and a classic village center. The Kerwe is an expression of this self-image, balancing district identity with rural tradition.

Getting there and location

By bus line 47 from Durlach Turmberg to Stupferich Ortsmitte (10 minutes), check bus schedule – especially less frequent in the evenings. By car via the L 561 from Durlach or via the K 3537 from Pfinztal. Parking available at the sports grounds and in surrounding streets.