Bergkirchweih

Bergkirchweih is an annual beer festival and funfair held in Erlangen, Germany, starting on the Thursday before Pentecost. For twelve days, locals and visitors gather in one of Europe's largest open-air beer gardens to celebrate with music, traditional outfits, and Bavarian hospitality.

• Held in Erlangen, Germany since 1755
• Twelve days of beer, music, and fun under chestnut and oak trees
• Opening ceremony features free beer from the first tapped barrel
• Iconic Ferris wheel marks the festival grounds
• Ends with the song 'Lili Marleen' and the symbolic burial of a beer barrel

What it is

Bergkirchweih, affectionately called 'Berch' by locals, is a lively beer festival and travelling funfair in Erlangen, Germany. Each year, the city transforms into a vibrant hub of celebration, with beer cellars, amusement rides, and food booths stretching along a kilometer-long road. The festival is a cherished tradition, marking what many residents call the 'fifth season,' and draws crowds from Erlangen and beyond. It is a time when friends and families gather under the shade of elm, chestnut, and oak trees to enjoy music, hearty food, and the camaraderie that defines Bavarian festivity.

Where it comes from

The Bergkirchweih dates back to 1755, making it one of the oldest beer festivals in Bavaria—predating Munich’s Oktoberfest by over half a century. Its roots lie in the local brewing tradition, with beer cellars originally serving as storage and cooling spaces for Erlangen’s breweries. Over time, the event grew from a local gathering into a major festival, now considered one of Bavaria's 'great five' folk festivals. The customs and rituals, such as the ceremonial tapping and burial of beer barrels, have been passed down through generations, preserving the unique character of the celebration.

How it is celebrated

The festival opens with the 'Anstich,' a ceremony where the mayor taps the first beer barrel at a chosen cellar, and free beer is shared with the crowd. For twelve days, visitors fill the long wooden benches beneath leafy trees, enjoying live music from various bands, dancing, and sampling local brews and foods. Many attendees wear traditional Bavarian or Franconian outfits like Lederhosen and Dirndl, adding to the festive atmosphere. The iconic Ferris wheel towers over the grounds, serving as a landmark and gathering point. A popular tradition is the 'Kastenlauf,' where groups carry or pull a crate of beer on their way to the festival, aiming to finish it before arrival. The festival ends with the song 'Lili Marleen,' as locals sing and wave tissues while the last beer barrel is symbolically buried.

Joining in

To experience Bergkirchweih, head to Erlangen’s northern district, where the festival grounds stretch for about a kilometer. Expect bustling crowds, lively music, and a welcoming atmosphere whether you come in casual clothes or traditional dress. The main events, including the opening Anstich and the closing ceremony, are open to all, and there are plenty of food stalls and amusement rides to explore. Arriving early can help you find a seat in the vast open-air beer garden, and joining in the singing and dancing is encouraged for all visitors.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Bergkirchweih, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Bergkirchweih on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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