Westernstadt Merkendorf
Medieval old town becomes the Wild West in the Franconian Lake District
About Westernstadt Merkendorf
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Where Western romance meets Franconian Krautstadt
The Westernstadt Merkendorf is one of the most original old town festivals in Middle Franconia. The concept: The medieval, completely preserved town wall and the historic squares of the "Krautstadt" become the backdrop for an authentic Western staging every two years. Merkendorf, located in the Franconian Lake District and belonging to the district of Ansbach, is one of the few fully walled town ensembles in Bavaria – and thus the perfect setting for such a town festival.
Two Stages, Line Dance, and Country
During the two festival days, country, Western, and honky-tonk bands play on two stages – traditionally the Saloon Stage and the Jailhouse Stage. Previous editions have featured artists such as Rock n Rodeo, Tom Rascal & The Lakeland Cowboys, Andy Nickel, Boots On!, Steve Morgen Band, Countryholics, and Line Dance Bang. Dance performances, line dance workshops, and interactive formats attract a diverse audience from the region and beyond.
What Visitors Can Expect
- Two-day free old town festival in Western style
- Two live stages with country and Western bands
- Line dancing in several locations
- Western market, sales stands, and costumed performers
- Gold panning for children, family-friendly supporting program
- Western church service on Sunday morning
- Catering by local clubs and restaurateurs
Krautstadt and Franconian Lake District
Merkendorf, the "Historic Krautstadt," looks back on over 800 years of history. In the late Middle Ages, cabbage cultivation (sauerkraut) shaped the town – and its unique cabbage industry history is still remembered today. Located directly on the Großer and Kleiner Brombachsee lakes, Merkendorf is one of the charming attractions in the Franconian Lake District. The Westernstadt, held every two years, is now arguably the most well-known town festival of the municipality.
Westernstadt Merkendorf — edition 2026
With the Westernstadt Merkendorf 2026, the third edition of the biennial old town festival begins. On Saturday and Sunday, bands from the country, Western, and honky-tonk spectrum will perform on two stages. The official opening is on Saturday at 1:45 PM. On Sunday, July 12, the festival weekend begins at 10:00 AM with a Western church service, before the festival activities continue across the board.
The program includes saloon atmosphere, Western market stalls, gold panning for children, and catering by local clubs and restaurateurs. For two days, the historic "Krautstadt" becomes the Franconian version of the Wild West.
Programme Westernstadt Merkendorf 2026
Saturday, July 11, 2026
- 1:45 PM Official opening of the Westernstadt
- Live concerts on Saloon Stage and Jailhouse Stage (incl. Loose Moose, PEZ & Band, Boots On!)
- Line dance sessions in the old town
- Western market and catering by local clubs
Sunday, July 12, 2026
- 10:00 AM Western church service
- Live program with Steve Morgen Band, Countryholics, Line Dance Bang
- Family program: Gold panning for children, Western market stalls
Highlights Westernstadt Merkendorf 2026
- Third edition of the biennial old town festival
- Two live stages with country and Western music
- Western church service on Sunday morning
- Line dancing, gold panning, costumed performers
- Free admission to the historic "Krautstadt"
Prices Westernstadt Merkendorf 2026
Free admission. Food and drinks are paid for at the participating clubs and restaurants. Sources: westernstadt-merkendorf.de, countryhome.de.
Practical information — Westernstadt Merkendorf
Getting There
Merkendorf is located between Ansbach and Gunzenhausen, easily accessible via the A 6 (Lichtenau exit) and the B 13. Nearest train station: Triesdorf (approx. 2 km), well-connected to Nuremberg–Treuchtlingen. Parking is available on the outskirts of town with signage to the festival grounds.
Admission
Free admission. Food and drinks are paid for at the local clubs and restaurants.
Accommodation
Numerous holiday apartments in the Altmühl-Mönchswald region and around the Brombachsee lake. Early booking is recommended, as the festival attracts many visitors from outside the area.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Westernstadt Merkendorf al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Westernstadt Merkendorf
Historische Altstadt Merkendorf
Marktplatz 1, 91732 Merkendorf