Traditions and customs are as much a part of Berchtesgaden as the legendary Watzmann and the deep blue Königssee. With the spring awakening, the valley basin blossoms in its incomparable blaze of color. Many historical traditions and customs fill the calendar of events and invite our guests to join in the celebrations.
Even before spring has really picked up speed, the Berchtesgaden market is already kicking off a lively summer with the popular Ganghofer Sunday at the end of April with lots of entertaining offers and highlights. For example, the open Sunday on April 28 is a tribute to the famous Bavarian writer Ludwig Ganghofer, who had close ties to Berchtesgaden. A large stall market with regional handicrafts and local delicacies invites visitors of all ages to stroll, marvel and enjoy the town center of Berchtesgaden. Stall concerts, a cheerful parade through the market and much more ensure an incomparable atmosphere.
Guaranteed to put you in a good mood – maypole raising & dancing into May
The merry month of May starts with a veritable firework display of great events. It starts, of course, with dancing into May. But beware, on the night of May 1st, the Walpurgis witches are also out and about in Berchtesgadener Land and one or two restaurateurs from the market know a thing or two about the fact that on this night the seating often finds its way to the neighbor as if by magic.
The erection of the maypoles is also a big celebration in Berchtesgaden. These are carefully guarded in the weeks before the first of May so that they do not become the stolen property of the neighboring community and have to be bought back with a hearty snack. The raising of the maypole is a big party for the whole family every year and is celebrated with lively music and sporting activities, such as maypole scrambling. Of course, the young lads lend a hand with the erection themselves.
A little tip: Our guests can even watch the erection of the Berchtesgaden maypole on May 4th from our hotel terrace.
Mountain festival at Whitsun – the most important day for miners
For over 500 years, the Berchtesgaden miners have been celebrating an exuberant spring festival in Berchtesgaden. Whit Monday begins with a night-time wake-up call from the Christmas marksmen.
In the morning, the miners in their festive garb set off on a musical procession through the market. Many onlookers line the route and cheer on the cheerful miners. Tools such as mining irons, mallets and horns are shouldered with pride. The longest-serving miner receives a very special honor. He shoulders the “Bergmanndl”, the miners’ guild symbol.
Music is made on Monday night!
From June 3 to September 16, “Musi-Montag” traditionally brings a variety of musical styles to the Berchtesgaden market. Three bands from different musical genres ensure an entertaining start to the new week. Stand concerts by Berchtesgaden brass bands and performances by youth bands accompany the entertaining evening.
July 14 – Traditional costume and marksmen’s day
For many years, July 14 has also been noted in the weather calendar by St. Peter, as the sun always shines on this day. The traditional costume and marksmen’s day is one of the most important festive days in Berchtesgaden for many locals. On this day, the traditional costumers and marksmen celebrate “their day” with a large church service followed by a parade through the market town of Berchtesgaden.
From the assembly point at the tax office through the historic market to Luitpoldpark, visitors cheer on the numerous groups in their beautiful traditional costumes. Even the little ones have great fun running along and celebrating afterwards in the AlpenCongress. Traditional music and the odd yodel can be heard well into the evening.
August 3 – “Vogelwuid’s market festival”
On this day, the Berchtesgaden market is transformed into a spectacular music festival for young and old. From unknown newcomers to popular old hands, visitors can expect an incredible variety of street artists who demonstrate their skills unplugged and with a great deal of commitment. At the “Design Street Market by Freihändig”, you will also find all kinds of arts and crafts and unusual gift ideas. And countless bar and street food stalls provide the perfect festival atmosphere.
August 4 – Sunday open for business
The Salt Festival weekend on August 3 and 4 is not only celebrated with the “Vogelwuids Marktfest”. An open Sunday with a stall market and many attractions for the whole family transforms the town center into a huge treasure trove of great offers. Unusual gift ideas, regional handicrafts and culinary delicacies make for an inspiring potpourri that captivates the many young and old visitors every year.
August 23 – Berchtesgaden lights up
And yet another summer festival attracts many visitors from near and far to Berchtesgaden every year. The event “Berchtesgaden leuchtet” (Berchtesgaden shines) lets the historic facades in the pedestrian zone shine in many bright colors. Stores beckon with great offers and street artists, DJ & Co. provide an entertaining atmosphere.
Early morning pint and veal sausage breakfast
The calendar of events is packed full of great offers. However, there is something very special that is hardly ever included in the calendar and yet is an absolute “must-do” when visiting Berchtesgaden. A detour to the Frühshoppen and Weißwurst breakfast at Gasthaus Neuhaus. It is not uncommon to find yourself in an illustrious group of cheerful locals who like to spontaneously start playing music and make the day something very special for all guests.
Did you know?
Even though the sun still pampers us with its full power in August, from August 24th, “St. Bartholomew’s Day”, the alpine farmers already herald the end of the alpine summer. On this day, the dairymen start to make the “Fuikln” and “Latschenbosch’n” with which the cows are decorated for the cattle drive in the fall. From mid-September to the beginning of October, the animals gradually leave their summer pastures and return to their home stables in the valley.
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Familie Hettegger
Maximilianstraße 2
D – 83471 Berchtesgaden
Telefonnummer:
+49 8652 9799-0
Mailadresse:
[email protected]
