Erlangen – Bergkirchweih 2027

The Bergkirchweih 2027 takes place on the Burgberg from 13 to 24 May. For twelve days, beer cellars beneath old trees come together with rides, stalls, Franconian food and traditional events. Here you can find out what has already been officially confirmed for the 272 edition and which details are yet to be announced.

Bergkirchweih 2027: dates and opening times

The dates have been officially confirmed: Bergkirchweih 2027 begins on Thursday, 13 May, and ends on Monday, 24 May 2027. The official tourism information gives the ceremonial tapping of the beer barrel at 17 on opening day. The operating hours for Bergkirchweih 2026 are a guide for planning: 10–23, and from 9:30 on Sundays and public holidays. Special opening hours 2027 will be added once officially announced.

The exact serving and music end times at the individual cellars, as well as any different hours on Sundays and public holidays, have not yet been confirmed. Check the city's official event page again shortly before your visit.

Bergkirchweih 2027: festival site on Erlangen's Burgberg

The festival takes place along An den Kellern street on the Burgberg in 91054 Erlangen. The site brings together the showmen's area, beer cellars serving food and drink, and terraces. The official tourism information reports around one million visitors a year. The organiser is the City of Erlangen, Property Office, Markets and Fairs Department.

Unlike a flat fairground, Bergkirchweih is set on a hillside. Comfortable shoes will help you on the paths and steps. There is no single festival tent at its centre; instead, the atmosphere comes from the cellars, beer gardens, serving areas, rides and stalls.

Rides and line-up

According to the official tourism information, carousels, other rides, lottery stalls and shooting galleries are an essential part of Bergkirchweih. The rides for adults, circular rides, walking rides and children's rides that will actually come to Erlangen for 2027 have not yet been announced. The city's current line-up of rides relates to 2026, so it is not being presented as the programme for 2027.

Specific ride prices have not yet been announced either. The official tourism information says that the second Thursday is family day, with discounts of at least 50 per cent on many rides and reduced-price offers at numerous food stalls. Which businesses 2027 will take part and what conditions apply will be announced later.

Beer cellars, festival areas and food

The historic rock cellars are a defining feature of the festival. Before refrigerators and ice machines were available, Erlangen breweries stored their beer with natural ice in the tunnels beneath the Burgberg. Today, you can enjoy the typical Franconian beer-garden atmosphere on the terraces and in the food and drink areas above or in front of the cellars.

The traditional offerings include festival beer, Franconian food and international takeaway options. The specific landlords, cellars, serving areas, booking methods, breweries, menus and prices for 2027 have not yet all been published. Later, make reservations only through the official contact details for the relevant cellar.

The history and importance of the “Berch”

The history began on 21 April 1755. At that time, the council of Erlangen's Old Town decided to move the traditional Whitsun market to the Burgberg. This grew into Bergkirchweih, which in Erlangen is usually simply called “Berch”. The city describes the 2027 edition as the 272. Bergkirchweih.

Since 2026, Bergkirchweih has been officially recognised as intangible cultural heritage. Its special atmosphere comes from the combination of the church fair, the beer-cellar tradition and the travelling fairground. The historic cellars are not just a backdrop; they are a visible part of Erlangen's beer history.

Events, family day and finale

Several traditional highlights have already been announced for 2027. The official tourism information lists the ceremonial beer-barrel tapping on opening day, family day on the second Thursday, the Berg service at Erichkeller on the second Sunday, and the ceremonial burial of the beer barrel on the final day of the festival. At this closing event, the last barrel is symbolically buried; traditionally, visitors say goodbye with white handkerchiefs and the song “Lili Marleen”.

The detailed music programme for the cellars, exact times for special events, other activities and any fireworks have not yet been announced. The city has also announced that the newly elected Berg Queen will officially accompany the 2027 edition for the first time.

What makes Erlangen's Bergkirchweih special in 2027

A newly elected Berg Queen will also accompany this traditional church fair for the first time in 2027. This gives the 272 edition a new ambassador. The city also provides information about free public transport in the city centre. So it is worth travelling by bus or train, especially on busy weekends.

You can also find more fairs in the funfair calendar. Further information: Official organiser's website.

Note: The opening hours listed for each day follow the operating model 2026; the city may set different operating hours 2027.