Zeltkirwa Weiherhammer

Upper Palatinate Kirwa Customs

In the Upper Palatinate, the Kirwa is far more than just a folk festival — it is a living tradition. In Weiherhammer, in the district of Neustadt an der Waldnaab, the Kirwaverein Weiherhammer e.V. has been organizing the Zeltkirwa for over ten years. The association has made it its mission to preserve the Kirwa tradition with its dances, the Kirwabaum, and the community of the Kirwaleit (Kirwa participants) and pass it on to the next generation. The motto "Oh Kirwa lou niad nou!" — the plea for the Kirwa to never end — perfectly captures the village's connection to the festival.

The Kirwa Couples and the 'Austanzen'

The heart of the Zeltkirwa are the Kirwa couples in traditional costume. They are accompanied by their own junior groups — the Kirwateens and Kirwakids — ensuring that the custom is passed down through all generations. The highlight is the 'Austanzen des Kirwabaums': accompanied by brass band music, the couples dance around the decorated Kirwabaum until the 'Oberkirwapaar' (main Kirwa couple) is determined. This custom attracts visitors from all over the region.

Schedule of the Zeltkirwa

The Zeltkirwa traditionally runs from Thursday to Monday. It opens with Frühschoppen and free beer — free beer is traditionally served at the start. The weekend features a festive church service, marquee entertainment with live music, and the grand 'Austanzen'. Sunday, with the 'Austanzen des Kirwabaums', marks the emotional peak before the festival concludes on Monday.

Weiherhammer in the Upper Palatinate

Weiherhammer is located in the Neustadt an der Waldnaab district within the Upper Palatinate Forest Nature Park, characterized by forests, ponds, and its historical iron hammer tradition. The Zeltkirwa is one of the most important festivals of the year and a unifying element for the village community. A visit can be well combined with a hike in the Upper Palatinate Forest or an excursion to Weiden in der Oberpfalz.