Thüringer Schäfertag Hohenfelden
Thuringia's largest Schäfertag in the historic open-air museum by the Hohenwarte reservoir
About Schäfertag Hohenfelden
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Sheep Farming Tradition Revived at the Open-Air Museum
The Thüringer Schäfertag combines two strengths: the unique ambiance of the Thüringer Freilichtmuseum Hohenfelden and the still-living sheep farming tradition of Central Germany. The museum features around 30 historic farmhouses, barns, bakehouses, and a village green from several centuries of Thuringian agriculture. On this day, the museum village is populated by real shepherds, sheep, and sheepdogs — the historical backdrop meets present-day practice.
Sheep Shearing, Sheepdog, Sheep Herding
The program includes the classic sheep farming disciplines: live sheep shearing (comparing modern electric shears with historical hand shears), sheepdog demonstrations with Border Collies and Altdeutsche Hütehunde (Old German Herding Dogs), sheep herding across the museum green, and competitions among shepherds for skill and speed. In addition, there will be wool processing on spinning wheels and looms, felt workshops for adults and children, and dyeing with natural plants — the entire value chain from live sheep to finished garment is made visible.
Market, Performances, Culinary Delights
Complementing the main sheep farming program, there is a market with around 80 exhibitors: sheep products (pelts, wool, yarn, felt, sheep's milk soap), regional foods (lamb sausage, sheep's cheese, honey), traditional crafts (basket weavers, hat makers, blacksmiths). The stage features a rotation of folk music, marching bands, and demonstrations. For children, there's a petting zoo, pony rides, and sheep petting areas. The open-air museum provides catering with traditional Thuringian cuisine.
Thüringer Freilichtmuseum Hohenfelden — Thuringia's Largest
The Thüringer Freilichtmuseum Hohenfelden is located in the Weimarer Land district in the state of Thuringia, on the shore of the Hohenwarte reservoir and within sight of Kapellendorf Castle. It is the largest open-air museum in Thuringia — over 12 hectares feature around 30 historic buildings from the 17th to 19th centuries, relocated here from all over the state. Farmhouses, barns, a bakehouse, a historic school, a mill, and a village green showcase rural life from past centuries. The Schäfertag is one of about 15 major events held annually — the highlight is certainly also the Thüringer Käse- und Schmankerl-Markt in September.
Schäfertag Hohenfelden — edition 2026
33rd Schäfertag at the Open-Air Museum
On August 1, 2026, the Thüringer Freilichtmuseum Hohenfelden will transform into the center of Central German sheep farming. Over 1,000 sheep of various breeds, dozens of shepherds, spinners, felt artists, sheepdog handlers, and around 80 exhibitors will populate the historic museum village.
Program
Live sheep shearing, sheepdog demonstrations, sheep herding across the museum green, wool processing on spinning wheels and looms, a market with sheep products and regional culinary delights. Stage program with folk music and marching bands.
Programme Schäfertag Hohenfelden 2026
Program Highlights 2026 — 33rd Thüringer Schäfertag
- 9:00 AM — Start: Museum grounds open; first sheepdog demonstrations with Border Collies and Altdeutsche Hütehunde on the museum green
- 10:00 AM–1:00 PM — Live Sheep Shearing: Sheep shearing demonstrations comparing modern electric shears and historical hand shears; several shepherds demonstrate in parallel
- 11:00 AM — Sheep Herding: Large sheep herding through the museum village; sheepdogs in competition
- Market continuously 9:00 AM–4:00 PM: Around 80 exhibitors with sheep products (pelts, wool, yarn, felt, sheep's milk soap), regional foods (lamb sausage, sheep's cheese, honey), traditional crafts
- Workshops: Felting, spinning, dyeing with plants — for adults and children
- Stage Program: Folk music, marching bands, dialect performances
- Family Program: Petting zoo, pony rides, sheep petting areas; catering with Thuringian cuisine
- 4:00 PM — Event concludes
The updated 2026 program will be published shortly before the Schäfertag on freilichtmuseum-hohenfelden.de.
Highlights Schäfertag Hohenfelden 2026
- Over 1,000 sheep of various breeds in the historic museum village
- Live sheep shearing with electric and historical shears
- Sheepdog demonstrations and sheep herding
- Around 80 market stalls with sheep products and regional culinary delights
- Workshops in felting, spinning, and natural plant dyeing
Prices Schäfertag Hohenfelden 2026
Admission according to museum tariffs. Food, drinks, and market goods are paid for separately at the stalls.
Practical information — Schäfertag Hohenfelden
Date 2026
Saturday, August 1, 2026, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Location
Thüringer Freilichtmuseum Hohenfelden, Im Dorfe 63, 99448 Hohenfelden.
Getting There
By train: Weimar station, then bus to Hohenfelden or by car. By car: A4 exit Weimar, then L1057/L2155 towards Kranichfeld/Hohenfelden. Parking available directly at the museum.
Admission
Exact admission price for 2026 still being finalized — typically €10–€15 for adults, €5–€8 for concessions, children under 14 often free. Family tickets available.
Tip
Combine your visit with the Hohenwarte reservoir (water sports, boating, hiking), Kapellendorf Castle (medieval history), or a classical music tour in Weimar. The open-air museum requires at least half a day — arriving early is worthwhile.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Schäfertag Hohenfelden al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Schäfertag Hohenfelden
Thüringer Freilichtmuseum Hohenfelden
Im Dorfe 63, 99448 Hohenfelden