Waldfest Motten

Tradition in the Döllau Valley

Motten is located in the north of the Bad Kissingen district on the border with Hesse, in the heart of Bavarian Rhön and transitioning into the Rhön Biosphere Reserve. The village belongs to the Lower Franconia region of the Free State of Bavaria. The local Musikverein „Döllautaler« Motten e.V. takes its name from the Döllau valley, a tributary of the Sinn river that flows through Motten. The Waldfest is the musical summer highlight of the association, which also organizes church music, concert evenings, and performances at local and club festivals in the region throughout the year.

Kohlheppe Festival Grounds — Open-Air at the Forest Edge

The venue is the Kohlheppe festival grounds on the outskirts of Motten, nestled in the forest of the Rhön hillside. A covered area provides shelter during changeable summer weather — the typical Rhön weather conditions — while the adjacent forest edge offers shade and an atmosphere that clearly distinguishes it from urban folk festivals. Those arriving by car can park in the designated meadows; many visitors come from the village and neighboring communities of Burkardroth, Oberbach, Kothen, and Wildflecken on foot or by bike.

Brass Music from All Over the Rhön

Throughout the weekend, various brass bands and associations from the Rhön and Lower Franconia perform — besides the hosts from Motten, regular performers include music associations from Kothen, Greußenheim, and Frankenheim, as well as friendly bands from the Fulda region. The repertoire reflects the South German brass music tradition: Bohemian-Moravian marches, polkas, and waltzes, complemented by modern concert pieces and pop arrangements. Sunday morning traditionally features the Frühschoppen — breakfast beer, Weißwurst, and live music in a relaxed atmosphere.

Franconian Cuisine and Festival Beer

At the Motten festival stands, classic Franconian specialties are served: Rhöner Bratwurst, Schäufele, fries, and of course, the characteristic Rhön ham, as well as coffee and cake in the afternoon. Rhönland beer and beer from regional Lower Franconian breweries are served fresh on tap.

Family Festival in the Biosphere Reserve

The Waldfest Motten is a typical Rhön village festival: approachable, familial, without grand show effects, but with the warm charm of an active music association that plays for its home region all year round. Those who wish to combine their festival visit with a hike in the Rhön, perhaps to the nearby Schwarzenberg or Heidelstein, will find the Rhön Biosphere Reserve ideal — hiking trails start at the edge of the village.