Erlanger Bergkirchweih - Information and interesting facts

Further information can be found on the official website of the Erlangen Bergkirchweih.

The tapping of the beer at the Erlangen Bergkirchweih traditionally takes place on the first day of the festival. It always takes place at 17 p.m. on the Thursday before Pentecost weekend. The honor of tapping the first keg goes to the current mayor of Erlangen.

Bergbier is very popular among connoisseurs. A special "Festbier" (festival beer) is produced especially for the Bergkirchweih (mountain church fair). But beware: its alcohol content is slightly higher than that of the Helles or Kellerbier.

The first Erlangen Bergkirchweih originated on the occasion of the Erlangen Whitsun Market and was first held at the Altstädter Schießhaus (Old Town Shooting Hall) in 1755. Today, the Bergkirchweih always lasts 12 days, starting on the Thursday before Whitsun.

At Erlangen's beer cellars, you're allowed to bring your own "mountain picnic." Many die-hard mountain fans do just that, strolling around the grounds, buying Franconian delicacies at various stalls or bringing treats from home. A traditional table is then set up on checkered tablecloths, with "Brotzeitbrettla" (snack boards), and, of course, a freshly tapped liter of mountain beer.

The Bergkirchweih is easily accessible by bike, and you can use a guarded parking lot or other bicycle parking spaces nearby. Bringing and using bicycles, e-scooters, or similar vehicles is prohibited on the grounds. Of course, those arriving by bike should observe the applicable blood alcohol limit. Furthermore, e-scooters are prohibited from parking in the city center and on the Burgberg hill for the entire duration of the Bergkirchweih.

The second Thursday at the Erlangen Bergkirchweih is Family Day. This means all rides cost half the regular price.

Of course, these items are not allowed on the castle grounds. This includes, among other things, weapons.

Bringing glass bottles, including small bottles of liquor and alcoholic beverages, is prohibited.

The traditional folk festival also includes a traditional mountain church service. This usually takes place on the last Sunday of the Bergkirchweih (mountain church fair).

Dogs are not allowed on the premises, except for assistance dogs.

The local transport ticket for your Bergkirchweih visit! This way, you can travel by public transport without the stress of finding a parking space.

More information about the VGN Kärwa ticket

The very last song played every year on the last day of the mountain festival is "Lilli Marleen" by Lale Andersen, played in all the cellars. After 12 days of the Bergkirchweih (mountain church fair), everyone is sad that the fifth season in Erlangen is already over. So, everyone sings along at the top of their lungs, waving a white handkerchief in farewell. At the same time, the last barrel is ceremoniously (symbolically) buried. A truly goosebump-inducing experience and a must-see for all Erlangen residents and all true mountain fans!

If you're traveling to the Bergkirchweih by car, please pay attention to the special signs along the town's access roads. Bus parking is available in the large parking lot near the train station. From there, it's approximately 1,5 km to the Bergkirchweih grounds.

Please also note our tips for Arrival in Erlangen.

The Bergkirchweih has 11.000 seats. However, even these can be full. Therefore, we recommend booking in advance directly with the beer cellars or avoid rush hour. During the week and in the mornings, the Bergkirchweih is often less busy.

There is a contact point for girls and women who feel unsafe, have lost their group, or need help getting home safely. The Protestant Community Center B11 on Bayreuther Straße is open from May 25 to June 5, from 17 p.m. to midnight. The emergency number is 24/0157 32 43 92.

More information about Safe Space

Although the Kirchweih festival is characterized by its beer garden atmosphere, there are also various covered seating options in the cellars or beer tents in case of bad weather. Sturdy footwear is strongly recommended whatever the weather.

The mountain beer is stored on-site in the cellars and then served primarily from stone mugs. Freshly tapped and at the perfect temperature, it is then poured into the mugs. Entla's Keller beer mugs, featuring changing motifs, immediately became sought-after collector's items. Since 1990, these artistically designed annual beer mugs have been available as a piece of applied art, designed by renowned regional artists, guests, or children.

Many Bergkirchweih guests meet at the "T" (signpost) in Erlangen's local dialect. This is where the "Bergstraße" (mountain road), leading to the Burgberg (castle hill), and the "An den Kellern" (an alleyway) road, leading past the beer cellars, intersect.

These are generally prohibited. It's best to leave them at home.

Visitors are instructed to use only the toilet facilities on site.

Are you looking for a hotel room for your stay in Berch? Our Tourist information Erlangen will be happy to advise you!