Bergkirchweih 2026: a review

For twelve days, Erlangen's Burgberg was once again a meeting place for generations, groups of friends and guests from near and far: The 271st Erlangen Bergkirchweih once again showed why it is one of the most popular folk festivals in Bavaria and has also been officially recognized as intangible cultural heritage since this year. In mostly sunny weather and summery temperatures, numerous visitors flocked to the "Berg". Only on the second Bergkirchweih Sunday were there brief interruptions due to isolated rain showers and thunderstorms. Overall, the Kirchweih presented itself as an attractive family festival with a great mountain atmosphere.

The fairground attracts people (Photo: Press office)

Kirchweih brings people together and connects generations

Jörg Volleth, who was able to open the Bergkirchweih for the first time as the newly elected Lord Mayor, was out and about at numerous appointments and events on the festival grounds throughout the entire festival period: "The Bergkirchweih is the heart of our Erlangen festival year. It brings people together and connects generations. I would like to thank everyone whose commitment has helped us to experience twelve peaceful and happy festival days."

Community, identification and joie de vivre

Konrad Beugel, Head of Economic and Financial Affairs and responsible for the Bergkirchweih event, also looks back on the past twelve days with satisfaction: "Everyone was talking about the Bergkirchweih this time - on the one hand because of the reports on song lyrics and on the other - and unfortunately this was neglected - that the Bergkirchweih is now also a recognized cultural heritage site. The award as cultural heritage belongs to the many generations of Erlangen residents as well as the festival hosts and showmen who keep this tradition alive. In 2026, the Bergkirchweih has once again shown how much community, identification and joie de vivre it contains. Thank you to my team in the Property Office and everyone else, from the blue light organizations to the showmen and festival hosts, that we were once again able to celebrate a cheerful and very peaceful festival."

First mountain queen elected for the Bergkirchweih 2027

A special highlight of this year's Bergkirchweih was the presentation of the first Mountain Queen for the Bergkirchweih 2027. 21-year-old Leonie Ott was presented as the winner of the public online voting at the Erich-Keller on Sunday. The new Mountain Queen will represent the Bergkirchweih as an ambassador in future and attend official events around the "Berch".

Outlook

As we all know, anticipation is the greatest joy: the 272nd Erlangen Bergkirchweih will take place from May 13 to 24, 2027. The newly elected Bergkönigin will then officially accompany and represent the Kirchweih for the first time.