The Erlanger Bergkirchweih is the world's oldest beer festival, held annually at Whitsun since 1755. Since 2026 it is officially recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Free State of Bavaria. The festival lasts twelve days and takes place at the historic rock-cut cellars on the Burgberg in Erlangen.
At a Glance
- Since 1755 — over 270 years of tradition
- Dates: Whitsun — Thursday before Whit Sunday to the following Tuesday (12 days)
- Location: Burgberg, Erlangen — 15 min walk from the city centre
- Character: Cellar festival — no tents, historic cellar areas under old trees
- Entry: Free — you pay only for food and drink
- Rail: Erlangen is 15 min from Nuremberg by S-Bahn
What Makes the Berg Different
Erlangen locals say "zum Berg" (to the Berg) and mean the Bergkirchweih. It is not a tent festival in the Oktoberfest sense. It is a cellar festival: beer is served from historic cellar installations on the Burgberg hill, the tables stand under old trees on the slopes above the cellars, and the atmosphere is considerably more relaxed than a classic folk festival with marquees and brass bands.
Several breweries operate their own cellar areas on the Burgberg. Different cellars, different beers — a contrast to events that serve only one brewery's product.
History
The first documented Bergkirchweih was held in 1755. Erlangen is a university city — the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität has shaped the atmosphere of the Berg for generations. The festival is for everyone, but it has a relaxed, slightly intellectual tone that sets it apart from a pure sing-along event.