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ANSBACH, Germany (July 26, 2019) — “Was ist los in Franken?” details off-post community events and activities occurring throughout the Franconian region.
Herbstvolksfest – Nürnberg
The Nürnberg Fall Fest is one of the largest and nicest fests in Bavaria; visitors will find plenty of fun rides, beer tents and food stands, as well as an entertainment program for everybody. The fest from Aug. 23 to Sept. 8 is located on the Dutzendteich (Bayernstrasse). Details are available at www.volksfest-nuernberg.de
Pumpkin Festival in Ludwigsburg
The annual pumpkin festival on Ludwigsburg’s castle grounds (Marbacher Strasse 10, 71640 Ludwigsburg, Germany) is open Aug. 30 to Nov. 3. Visitors can expect spectacular works of art created from 450 000 pumpkins and gourds, or admire more than 500 variations of the vegetable. Culinary delights like pumpkin soup, burgers or strudel can be tried on site. For more details, visit www.kuerbisausstellung-ludwigsburg.de/en or https://www.facebook.com/kuerbisausstellung
Open House at the Exotic Animal Sanctuary in Ansbach
The mini zoo for rescued tigers and other exotic animals in Ansbach-Wallersdorf is hosting their monthly open house on Sunday, Sept. 1 from 1 to 5 p.m. Guided tours take place every full hour. Visitors will be well taken care of with beverages and food. Admission is free, but donations are always welcome. To learn more, visit https://www.facebook.com/Raubtier-und-Exotenasyl-AnsbachWallersdorf-eV-281469090873
Reichsstadt-Festtage – Rothenburg
The Reichsstadt-Festtage or Imperial Days in Rothenburg ob der Tauber Sept. 6 through 8 celebrate the history of the old Imperial city. Every century is represented with its unique clothing and stories. The festival includes many different events and performances; highlights are the Meistertrunk, the historical Shepherd’s Dance, a torch parade of participants and fireworks. To learn more, go to https://www.rothenburg.de/tourismus/kunst-kultur/jahreshoehepunkte/reichsstadt-festtage
Burggrabenfest zu Nürnberg
The Burggrabenfest in Nürnberg is a medieval fest for the whole family, taking place Sept. 6 through 8 in the city moat below the castle (Hallertor). Show fights, medieval camp life and fire spectacles bring the middle ages back to life. Young knights can spend their energy on a knight’s playground, try their talent with balancing on a rope or compete with bow and arrow.
Opening hours are Friday 2 – 11 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free under three years of age, 5 euros at age 3 – 11 and 8 euros for 12 years and above; family tickets are available, too. For more information go to https://tourismus.nuernberg.de/erleben/events/feste-maerkte/news/mittelalterliches-burggrabenfest/
Flea Market in Nürnberg
Germany’s largest flea market, the Trempelmarkt in Nürnberg takes place twice a year; this fall it will take place on Sept. 6 and 7; more than 4000 vendors are offering their junk and treasures on and around the Hauptmarkt on Friday afternoon and all day Saturday. Taking public transportation is recommended, since parking will be very limited. To learn more, visit http://www.nuernberg.de/internet/marktamt/trempel.html or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tf7_k7G5Nn0&fbclid=IwAR2WLgviQpNTYWLi-5mUXZR68V-ZsqMQq7jrk-7hinFRg2ngkq5AweL7vkw
Guided English tour of Ansbach
The Ansbach tourist office is offering a guided tour in English. The very knowledgeable tour guide will take participants around town and talk about more than 1250 years of history, including Baroque style facades and hidden Renaissance inner courtyards, the former Markgrave´s Royal Chapel, a crypt with its 25 sarcophaguses and the Baroque Synagogue. The tour starts at the horse sculpture Anscavallo at Schlossplatz (across from the Residenz castle) Sept.7 at 5 p.m. The 90-minute tour costs 6 euros per person. To learn more, contact the Ansbach Tourist Office at 0981-51-326 or akut@ansbach.de.
Day of the Open Monument
Once a year visitors can enter sites that are normally not open to the public; Germany-wide communities host the “Tag des offenen Denkmals” as part of the European Heritage Days on the second Sunday in September every year. Ansbach lets people get a glimpse of the inside of Herrieden Tor, the church towers of St. Ludwig and St. Johannis or the Synagogue, just to mention a few. This year the event takes place Sept. 8; to learn more, visit https://www.tag-des-offenen-denkmals.de/
Fall Market in Nürnberg
The Nürnberg “Herbstmarkt” takes place on the main market place (Hauptmarkt) downtown Sept. 12 through 29; vendors sell household goods, pottery, clothes and arts and crafts. Opening hours are daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. To learn more, visit https://www.nuernberg.de/internet/marktamt/herbstmarkt.html
Altstadtfest – Nürnberg
The traditional Altstadtfest downtown Nürnberg, scheduled for Sept. 11 through 23, is one of the most popular highlights in the Franconian event calendar. The Hans-Sachs-Platz and Insel Schütt turn into fest grounds with wooden huts that offer local culinary specialties; the entertainment program includes cultural and traditional events, like the Fischerstechen, an event that includes boats on the river and people with long poles pushing each other off these boats. Program details and other information can be found at www.altstadtfest-nue.de
Beer & Brats in Ansbach
Beer and bratwurst are the staples at an Ansbach event called Bier & Brodworschd downtown Sept. 13 through 15. Franconian beer specialties are paired with Ansbach Bratwurst in a temporary beer garden in front of Gumbertus church from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. To learn more, visit https://www.facebook.com/CitymarketingAnsbach/
Ansbach Wochenmarkt moved
The Wochenmarkt Ansbach is a typical German market featuring fresh goods like vegetables, flowers, meats, home-made noodles or ice cream, fresh-baked bread, cheeses and other dairy products. The vendors are often farmers from the area, who sell their own products. Due to construction on Martin-Luther-Platz the market has moved around the corner to Reitbahn. It takes place twice a week, Wednesday and Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (except German holidays).
Kirchweih Herrieden
The traditional Herrieder Kirchweih takes place on the Festplatz, just outside the city gate, the Storchenturm, along the Altmühl River, Sept. 13 through 16. The opening ceremony starts with a concert on Marktplatz on Friday at 6:45 p.m., followed by the tapping of the first keg by the mayor at 7:15 p.m. inside the fest tent. Fest rides and vending booths complete the Kirchweih experience.
Oktoberfest in Munich
The Oktoberfest in Munich – the original Oktoberfest – is one of the most famous events in Germany and is the world’s largest fair with more than 6 million people from around the world attending every year. It started out as a royal wedding celebration in October 1810, when Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen; the fields, where the celebration took place, were named Theresienwiese (“Therese’s Meadow”) in honor of the crown princess.
The Oktoberfest, also known as the “Wies’n,” takes place on Munich’s Theresienwiese on Sept. 21 to Oct. 6. The midway is open daily from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. (30 minutes longer on the weekends); the beer tents have the same opening hours, but the last beer will be served an hour before closure.
Official family days with reduced prices are Tuesdays from noon to 6 p.m. Since there is no parking anywhere close to the location, visitors are encouraged to come to town by train or take advantage of the park & ride system and leave their vehicle at a public transportation stop outside of the city, using the subway (U-Bahn) to get there.
Security concept: The security concept of the Oktoberfest is based on decades of experience and constantly reviewed. There will be a “security fence” along open stretches as well as a ban of back packs and larger bags; smaller bags are subject to search. Strollers are only allowed on weekdays until 6 p.m.; completely forbidden are items like glass bottles, gas spray cans or knives. On the busier days, like the weekends, visitors are advised to refrain from bringing small children.
For more information about the Oktoberfest go to www.oktoberfest.de/en
Michaelis Kirchweih in Fürth
The Michaelis Kirchweih in Fürth Sept. 28 through Oct. 9 is Bavaria’s largest street Kirchweih fest. Special event highlights include a street fun run and the harvest thanksgiving parade. To learn more about the fest program and other details, visit www.michaeliskirchweih.de
Medieval days at Freilandmuseum
The historical outdoor museum in Bad Windsheim is hosting medieval days Sept. 30 through Oct. 3, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; more than 70 volunteers demonstrate everyday life in the old houses, including old crafts, personal hygiene, cooking or entertainment. To learn more, visit https://freilandmuseum.de
Tag der deutschen Einheit – German Holiday, October 3
The Day of German Unity (Tag der Deutschen Einheit) on Oct. 3 is a nation-wide holiday in Germany. It is the national day of the Federal Republic of Germany, commemorating the anniversary of German reunification in 1990, when the hopes for a united Germany were finally fulfilled after decades of separation. Every year a different city hosts the national celebration. As usual, all stores and businesses will be closed for the day; many communities celebrate with a local ceremony. www.tag-der-deutschen-einheit.berlin.de
Pottery Market in Nürnberg
Ceramic and earthen pots and kitchen ware are for sale at the Töpfermarkt in Nürnberg at the Hauptmarkt Oct. 5 and 6. To learn more, visit www.nuernberger-toepfermarkt.de
Open House at the Exotic Animal Sanctuary in Ansbach
The mini zoo for rescued tigers and other exotic animals in Ansbach-Wallersdorf is hosting their monthly open house on Sunday, Oct. 6 from 1 to 5 p.m. Guided tours take place every full hour. Visitors will be well taken care of with beverages and food. Admission is free, but donations are always welcome. To learn more, visit https://www.facebook.com/Raubtier-und-Exotenasyl-AnsbachWallersdorf-eV-281469090873
Orchard Day in Burgbernheim
Burgbernheim is celebrating “Streuobsttag,” an orchard day, Sunday, Oct. 12 & 13, starting at 11 a.m. on Kapellenberg; a festive church service at 10 a.m. in the chapel precedes the market opening. During the day, farmers offer regional products, beekeepers and basket weavers show of their crafts and pomologist identify old apple varieties. A petting zoo with sheep and designated children’s area make the event attractive for the whole family. Highlights include sheep shearing (3 p.m.) and a raffle drawing (4 p.m.). As usual, there will be plenty of food and beverages available. To learn more, visit http://www2.burgbernheim.de/Startseite/Rathaus-Buergerservice/Veranstaltungskalender/Streuobsttag/K549.htm
Apfelmarkt in Fürth
The apple market in Fürth in the Stadtpark (Hans-Schiller-Allee) is scheduled for Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can find out almost everything there is to know about the regional fruit, and sample Franconian dishes and beverages made from apples, pears and more. Experts in tree cutting or basket weaving show off their skills, children are entertained with games and craft projects. https://www.rund-um-fuerth.de/veranstaltungen/fuerth/fuerther-apfelmarkt/
Lebkuchenmarkt in Nürnberg
The Lebkuchen, a type of gingerbread, is a trade mark of Nürnberg. The city hosts a Lebkuchen market to celebrate the delicacy Oct. 25 through Nov. 13 on the plaza in front of Lorenzkirche. Opening hours are 11 a.m. through 8 p.m. daily.
Consumenta Nürnberg
The Consumenta, a large consumer’s fair, takes place at the Nürnberg Messezentrum Oct. 26 through Nov. 3; visitors can find lots of information about technology, real estate, cooking and baking, pets, horses, creative hobbies, new inventions, and much more. Opening hours are daily 9:30 a.m. through 6 p.m. To learn more, visit www.consumenta.de
All Saints Day marks holiday in Bavaria
Allerheiligen (All Saints Day) is a Christian day to remember all saints, martyrs and deceased. Following “All Hallows’ Eve” (better known as Halloween), it is observed Nov. 1 every year in Baden-Württemberg, Bayern, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Rheinland-Pfalz and Saarland, as well as in Austria and Italy.
Rothenburger Lichterlauf
The Rothenburger Lichterlauf, a race in and around the torch-lit city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, takes place Nov. 3, with children’s races, one for hobby runners and a main race. Start and finish point are at the Marktplatz in Rothenburg. For more information visit www.rothenburgerlichterlauf.de
Kneipenjagd Ansbach
Local pubs and restaurants are hosting a “Kneipenjagd” (pub crawl) in Ansbach Nov. 2; live bands play in different locations in town. One ticket buys admission for all locations and live bands all night long; tickets bought in advance (Brückencenter or participating pubs) cost 11 euros, others are 13 euros.
Martin’s Day – A German tradition
Martinstag or Martini Nov. 11 commemorates St. Martin (ca. 317-397), Bishop of Tours, one of the most revered European saints. The best-known legend connected with Saint Martin is the dividing of the cloak; Martin, then a soldier in the Roman army, tore his cloak in two pieces to share it with a freezing beggar at Amiens. Later in life he became a bishop. Although Martinstag is a Catholic observance, German Protestants also consider Nov. 11 a special day, the christening day of the Protestant reformer Martin Luther (1483-1546). The protestant “Pelzemärtl” brings Franconian children little gifts.
Many towns and villages organize lantern parades for elementary school kids, complete with a St. Martin on horseback and a beggar. Often a small market is connected to the holiday (not a federal holiday). Very popular is also the traditional goose dinner on Martin’s Day.
For Carnival fans the day also marks the beginning of the Fasching season, starting exactly at 11:11 a.m. on Nov. 11.
Kathreinmarkt in Herrieden
The Kathreinmarkt in Herrieden on Sunday, Nov. 24, offers seasonal products as well as regional food and beverages. The Herrieden stores will also be open from 1 through 6 p.m.
Volksmarch Hiking Days
Volksmarches or “Internationale Wandertage” are a form of non-competitive physical fitness training, which takes the participants through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Germany. The walking distance varies from 5 to 10 or 20 kilometer routes on scenic trails through forests, along rivers and lakes or around historic sites. There is no set start time, but a window of time for hikers to start the route, and finish it at their own pace. Trails are typically marked well along the way. Many trails are stroller-friendly and provide great opportunity to explore the countryside. After the walk the local hiking clubs usually offer food and drink in a hall or tent, sometimes even at a half-way point. Avid hikers can get a hiking passport stamped each place they participate, and many clubs reward their visitors with a small token. To find local hikes, visit https://www.dvv-wandern.de/regionales-angebot/franken.html
The information on local host nation events is provided through the auspices of the USAG Ansbach Public Affairs Office (PAO). All details provided are for informational purposes only and are a representation of typical events conducted in the local community. The PAO grants no element of exclusivity to any outside agency or business and any reference to commercial or retail activities implies no endorsement or recommendation by the U. S. Army or its agencies. Participation in any event or activity described herein is strictly voluntary and should be done so only after careful advisement and consideration of the safety and security environment at each specific location.
