Event Details
Welcome to the Erlanger Bergkirchweih 2027
From 13 to 24 May 2027, the Erlanger Burgberg comes alive once again as the setting for one of the world's oldest and most beloved folk festivals. The Erlanger Bergkirchweih, affectionately known as „der Berch", has been drawing visitors to the Franconian university city of Erlangen since 1755, welcoming over one million guests each year. Since early 2026, the festival has officially been recognised as part of Bavaria's Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Spread across twelve days around the Whitsun holiday, the festival takes place on the slopes of the Burgberg, where 15 historic beer cellars open beneath old chestnut, oak and linden trees adorned with lanterns. Entry to the entire grounds is free of charge.
Highlights
- Traditional barrel tapping ceremony on 13 May 2027 at 5:00 PM at the Henninger Keller
- 15 historic beer cellars and a festival tent on the Burgberg slopes
- Live music on five stages throughout the festival
- Family Day with at least 50% discount on fairground rides (traditionally held on the second Thursday)
- Fairground rides and attractions across the site
- Traditional mountain church service on the final Sunday
- Ceremonial beer burial with "Lili Marleen" on the final evening (24 May, just after 11:00 PM)
- Free entry; no ticket required
Program & Opening Hours
The beer cellars open daily at 10:00 AM, and at 9:30 AM on weekends and public holidays. All cellars and vendors close at 11:00 PM. Visitors who want to continue the party can head into Erlangen's city centre for the unofficial After-Berg at one of the many bars and clubs.
Live music is performed on five different cellar stages throughout all twelve festival days. A full program with artists and set times is published by the City of Erlangen in the weeks before the festival.
The Beer Cellars
The heart of the Bergkirchweih is its network of historic rock cellars, where beer has been stored and served for centuries. All 15 cellars are open during the festival. Those more interested in beer than fairground rides follow a local tradition: at the famous „T" junction in the centre of the grounds, they turn left toward the cellars. These regulars are known affectionately as „Linksabbieger" (left-turners).
Admission & Prices
Access to the entire festival site is completely free. No ticket or reservation is needed. Only food and drinks at the stands and cellars are paid for. In 2026, a one-litre Maß of beer cost between €14.00 and €14.50 depending on the cellar. Exact 2027 prices will be announced shortly before the festival opens.
Visitor Tips
- Arrive by S-Bahn or regional train to Erlangen Hauptbahnhof; the festival grounds are within easy walking distance.
- Free shuttle buses operate within the city centre during the festival to marked stops near the grounds.
- Book accommodation in Erlangen well in advance as hotels fill up quickly during the festival.
- Take advantage of Family Day for reduced ride prices and discounted food.
- Dogs are not permitted on the festival grounds (assistance dogs excepted).
- Do not miss the final evening's beer burial ceremony with "Lili Marleen" – a uniquely moving Franconian tradition.
