Zeltkirwa Weiherhammer
Traditional Upper Palatinate Zeltkirwa at the end of October
About Zeltkirwa Weiherhammer
Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Zeltkirwa Weiherhammer al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
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.
Zeltkirwa Weiherhammer — edition 2026
The Zeltkirwa Weiherhammer 2026 is organized by the Kirwaverein Weiherhammer e.V. and takes place on the last weekend of October: from Friday, October 23rd, to Tuesday, October 27th, 2026, at the Weiherhammer festival grounds. The entire village is dedicated to the Kirwa. In the marquee, brass band music and live music create the atmosphere, and traditionally, free beer is served at the start. The Kirwa couples in traditional costume, accompanied by Kirwateens and Kirwakids, carry the custom through all generations. The highlight is the 'Austanzen des Kirwabaums', where the 'Oberkirwapaar' is determined. The Kirwaverein Weiherhammer e.V. will publish the detailed daily program.
Programme Zeltkirwa Weiherhammer 2026
Schedule of the Zeltkirwa 2026
- Friday, October 23rd — Kick-off of the Zeltkirwa, marquee entertainment with live music.
- Saturday, October 24th — Marquee with brass band and party music, meeting of the Kirwaleit.
- Sunday, October 25th — Festive church service, Frühschoppen, in the afternoon the grand 'Austanzen des Kirwabaums' by the Kirwa couples.
- Monday, October 26th & Tuesday, October 27th — Festival conclusion with Frühschoppen and free beer tradition.
Accompanied by the junior groups Kirwateens and Kirwakids. Detailed program from the Kirwaverein Weiherhammer e.V.
Highlights Zeltkirwa Weiherhammer 2026
Prices Zeltkirwa Weiherhammer 2026
Practical information — Zeltkirwa Weiherhammer
Getting There
The festival grounds are located in Weiherhammer in the Neustadt an der Waldnaab district. By car via the A93 (exit Weiden-West or Weiherhammer) or the A6, then follow signs to Weiherhammer. By train to Weiherhammer station on the Weiden–Neukirchen line; the festival grounds are within the village.
Dates
The Zeltkirwa traditionally takes place on the last weekend of October, from Thursday to Monday. 2026: October 23rd to 27th.
Admission and Free Beer
Admission to the Zeltkirwa is free; standard charges apply for food and drinks within the marquee. Free beer is traditionally served at the opening. The 'Austanzen des Kirwabaums' is open to the public.
On Site
Large marquee with catering, brass band music, and live music. Early arrival is recommended for the 'Austanzen' on Sunday. Current program details are available from the Kirwaverein Weiherhammer e.V.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
Max. 5 photos, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Spotted an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Each suggestion is reviewed by our team before being published.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Zeltkirwa Weiherhammer al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Where it takes place Zeltkirwa Weiherhammer
Festplatz Weiherhammer
Festplatz, 92729 Weiherhammer