"The Berg (mountain) is calling!" is a common phrase in the beer city of Erlangen every year at Pentecost. That is when one of the most beautiful and oldest folk festivals in the world The Erlangen Bergkirchweih (Bergkirchweih) attracts around one million visitors annually and transforms the grounds around the castle hill into a joyful gathering with music, beer, dancing, fun, and games. With its charm and atmosphere, it enchants young and old, from near and far.
The Erlangen Bergkirchweih
One of the most beautiful and oldest folk festivals in the world! The Oktoberfest in Munich may be bigger and more famous, but the Erlangen Bergkirchweih is older – a full 55 years old – and also more traditional and much more cozy. The world's oldest beer festival attracts around one million visitors every year. With its charm and atmosphere, it captivates young and old from near and far. Let yourself be enchanted!
But let’s go back in time: On April 21, 1755 The councillors of the Erlangen Old Town Magistrate decided to move the traditional Whitsun Market from the Old Town to the Burgberg. Thus, the Erlangen Bergkirchweih was born. When Erlangen's mayor Thursday before Pentecost Since the first barrel was tapped at Henninger Keller at 17 p.m. sharp, the "5th season". Under magnificent old chestnut trees decorated with lanterns, guests can enjoy cool festive March beer from stone mugs, Franconian specialties and dishes from all over the world. Carousels and other rides, lottery and shooting booths provide variety. On the last day, the Bergkirchweih is traditionally concluded with the Beer funeral The festival hosts and helpers march through the crowd with shovels, pickaxes, a priest (aka one of the hosts), and a last barrel of festival beer to bury it. Waving white handkerchiefs, the visitors bid farewell to the "Berch" to the song "Lili Marleen".
Overview of the cellars and festival tents
Why do people sit in the cellars in Erlangen? Simply put: Before the invention of refrigerators and ice machines, Erlangen beer could be kept cool year-round in the cellar tunnels thanks to natural ice. Today, this popular festival beer is enjoyed in a typically Franconian beer garden atmosphere in one of the many cellars and festival tents.
For Table reservations Please contact the beer cellars directly. We have created a list of beer cellars that accept reservations in advance.
Organization and organizer
City of Erlangen
Property Office
Department of Markets, Church Festivals
91052 Erlangen
Telephone + 49 9131 86-2855
