Walberlafest Kirchehrenbach
Traditional mountain festival on the Ehrenbürg in the Franconian Switzerland
About Walberlafest
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A Festival on the Holy Mountain of Franconia
The Walberlafest is celebrated on the plateau of the Ehrenbürg, which is popularly known as the "Walberla". The distinctive double mountain above the village of Kirchehrenbach is considered a landmark and the "holy mountain" of Franconian Switzerland and is located in the Forchheim district of Upper Franconia, Bavaria. Its unique location high above the Wiesenttal valley makes the festival one of the most extraordinary folk festivals in the region.
Tradition and Programme
The event traditionally begins with the raising of the Maypole by local clubs, followed by the tapping of the first beer keg. On the festival Sunday, a church service is held at 9:30 a.m. at the Walburgis Chapel on the summit. Throughout the festival days, guests can expect Franconian beer from several regional breweries, hearty specialities, stalls, and a convivial atmosphere among locals and visitors from the entire region.
A Community Festival of Two Municipalities
The Walberlafest is organised jointly by the municipalities of Kirchehrenbach and Leutenbach, whose municipal boundaries meet on the mountain. It is one of the most popular festivals in the region and attracts thousands of hikers and festival visitors during the May season.
Natural Area with Responsibility
- Mountain festival on the plateau of the Ehrenbürg (Walberla)
- Franconian beer from several regional breweries
- Maypole raising, beer tapping, and mountain service
- Location in a sensitive nature reserve
As the festival takes place in a sensitive nature reserve, arrival and behaviour must be particularly considered. The Walberlafest uniquely combines Franconian festival culture, tradition, and nature experience.
Walberlafest — edition 2026
The Walberlafest 2026 will take place from Thursday, April 30 to Sunday, May 3, 2026, on the Ehrenbürg near Kirchehrenbach. Since May 1, 2026, falls on a Friday, the festival's opening with the beer tapping has been moved forward to Thursday, meaning the festival will exceptionally last four days.
On Thursday, festivities begin around 5 p.m., with the local clubs raising the Maypole around 6 p.m., followed by performances by children's and youth groups and the beer tapping. On Friday, May 1, the festival day begins at 9:30 a.m. with a festive church service. On Sunday, May 3, a service will be held at 9:30 a.m. at the Walburgis Chapel.
Programme Walberlafest 2026
Programme 2026
- Thu, April 30, from 5 p.m. – Festival opening, approx. 6 p.m. Maypole raising, performances by children's and youth groups, beer tapping (until 11 p.m.)
- Fri, May 1, 9 a.m.–11 p.m. – 9:30 a.m. Festive church service, festival with Franconian beer and specialities
- Sat, May 2, 10 a.m.–11 p.m. – Festival, conviviality, stalls
- Sun, May 3, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. – 9:30 a.m. Service at the Walburgis Chapel, winding down
Highlights Walberlafest 2026
- Four festival days instead of the usual two
- Maypole raising by local clubs
- Beer tapping by Mayor Anja Gebhardt
- Mountain service at the Walburgis Chapel on the summit
- Franconian beer from several regional breweries
Prices Walberlafest 2026
Practical information — Walberlafest
Getting There
By car from Nuremberg via the A73 in about 40 minutes to Kirchehrenbach, from there a walk of about 3 km to the plateau. By train to Kirchehrenbach and then on foot; bus and shuttle services will be provided on festival days. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
Admission
Free entry to the festival grounds; food, drinks, and beer available at the stalls on site.
Note
The festival takes place in a sensitive nature reserve. Please use the paths and follow the organisers' instructions.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Walberlafest al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Walberlafest
Ehrenbürg (Walberla)
Ehrenbürg (Walberla), 91356 Kirchehrenbach