Summer Festival at the Franconian Open-Air Museum Bad Windsheim

ℹ️ Event discontinued. The Summer Festival at the Fränkisches Freilandmuseum Bad Windsheim was last held in its traditional form in 2024. Since then, the museum has reorganized its summer program, and this festival is no longer offered. You can find the museum's current event schedule at freilandmuseum.de.

The largest open-air museum in Southern Germany

With over 130 original historic buildings spread across approximately 45 hectares, the Fränkisches Freilandmuseum Bad Windsheim is the largest open-air museum in Southern Germany. Farmhouses, mills, barns, workshops, breweries, and even an entire synagogue—all relocated from across Franconia and meticulously reconstructed. Located in the district of Neustadt an der Aisch-Bad Windsheim (Bavaria, 91438), the museum preserves the rural architectural heritage of Franconia from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.

The Summer Festival — A Retrospective

Until 2024, the Summer Festival saw the entire museum come to life. Harvesting was demonstrated in the fields using historic tools and machinery—from hand scythes to steam-powered locomobiles chugging across the grounds in clouds of white smoke. Artisans were at work in every building group: clog makers, saddlers, wheelwrights, and weavers demonstrated their traditional crafts. The highlight of each festival day was the craft parade, showcasing all the trades throughout the museum grounds.

Tradition and Scholarship

Behind the festive, community-oriented atmosphere lay a serious scientific institution: architectural researchers, restorers, and folklorists document and share the history of Franconian rural life and construction. This work remains the heart of the museum experience all year round.

Today: A New Summer Program

Following the reorganization, the Fränkisches Freilandmuseum now hosts different summer formats. Opening hours, admission prices, and the current event calendar can be found at freilandmuseum.de.