Frundsbergfest Mindelheim - Munich

[floatright][/floatright]The Frundsbergfest has become one of the largest historical festivals in Germany. Since 1853, Mindelheimers have held celebrations every three years to commemorate the renowned German medieval knight and landowner, Georg von Frundsberg. Frundsberg was born in Mindelheim in 1473 and retained his principle seat there until 1528.

The celebration largely takes place in the walled 'old' town, and involves over 2000 participants, many of whom dress up in medieval costume - for 10 days, the town 'returns' to the Middle Ages. There are plays, 'lichtspiele', processions, concerts, crafts, farmers markets, “Gaukeley and danzerey� (which I think means general bacchanalia), and lots more besides. Beer and food (even medieval-style pigs on spits) are plentiful.

I went there for the last two festivals (in 2000 and 2003), and had a top day out, just walking around soaking up the 'medieval' atmosphere, watching the processions, partaking of a few olde customs, and drinking beer. I was amazed at how much effort went into it all - better than anything similar I've seen in the UK.

It's best to go on either Sunday when they have the main procession (which includes loads of animals, flag-wavers, pike-bearers, knights, monks, archers, maidens etc...)...

Tickets to get into the Old Town for the festival cost €4 (you can buy them in advance or on the day). You have to buy tickets if you want to view the procession from a seated position on one of several stands, and if you want to see certain other events.

Getting there:
There are hourly trains to Mindelheim from München Hbf or Pasing, and the journey takes about an hour. It's a 15-minute walk from the station to the old-town.
If you're travelling by road, take the A96 from München towards Lindau, and Mindelheim is well sign-posted (the journey time from München centre is a little over an hour).

I think we might go to this tomorrow...since Assfest is right next to it. (also, make sure to go to the castle there, very cool castle...and a great restaurant in it, too) Anyone else going to this?

oh, and: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georg_von_Frundsberg as this is an english forum...

Note : the festival starts on 30th June.

The castle is pretty cool, and you don't have to pay to walk around it, and the castle restaurant does indeed serve great large-portioned, good-value 'gutbürgerlich' food.

oh, Duh, yeah, I'll still go...end of the month, haha

This sounds really great--but do you think it would be baby carriage friendly? How crowded does it get?

I'm so proud that my home town in featured on Toytown Munich!!! I've lived in London for the last 15 years though and the reason I sometimes visit the site is that my husband has worked in Munich since November and we're thinking about moving there.

Anyway, in answer to your question, it does get pretty crowded but a baby carrier is probably better than a pram or buggy.

Friday and Saturday nights are quite good too, but the procession on the two Sundays is a must.

Enjoy!

Would'nt it be nice if people would start putting the dates of the events instead of driving out there only to find out it is 2 weeks away.

The date is there, unless it was added after your posted just now: 30.Jun to 9.Jul.2006

The date has always been there (as have the numerous links to external websites).
Wouldn't it be nice if people took time to read posts (and spell) properly.

Nevermind Erdingtown, now you can give us details of how long it took you to drive. What the drive was like and how silly you feel!

The triennial Frundsbergfest is taking place this year from 26th June to 5th July.

There's even a repeat re-enactment of the battle of Peutelstein (1511), despite last time one of the artillery-men having a finger or two torn off by a canon ball .

More info (in English) at http://www.frundsbergfest-mindelheim.de/en .

Can you clarify the prices? http://www.frundsbergfest-mindelheim.de/en...s-a-preise.html
How much can you see for just the entrance to the market? 17 Euros is pretty pricey...

Wait, never mind, now I see that Spielen, lachen, etc. is actually some sort of show&concert. So does that mean that most of the action is available for 4 Euros, apart from the big parade? How is parking? is it worth it to go on parade day or is it impossibly crowded for people with small children? I am wondering if I should propose meeting up there with my inlaws who live near Lake Constance, it would be a good halfway point, but we would both need to drive.

€4 Euros let you get through the tower gates into the old town and to the market / activities (like crossbow firing etc, for which you have to pay extra IIRC). It also lets you watch the parade (although this passes around outside the town walls anyway... so you could just watch the parade and pay nothing).
I reckon you could find parking within 10-20 minute walk of the town centre, especially on the Sunday. Parade day is probably to be avoided if you have prams, but I don't recall it being too crowded for small children - guess much will depend on the weather.
Forgot to mention too, don't take small children to the battle re-enactment - it's damn loud - and take ear-plugs if you're an adult.

We did go yesterday and enjoyed it, decided to avoid the crowds with the parade on Sunday. We had no trouble parking on a side street close very close to the pedestrian area. My four year old was absolutely fascinated by everthing and the two year old had fun too...