Wearing Dirndl to Bergkirchweih Festival | How to Style?

Springtime in Germany bursts with more than blooming flowers, chirping birds, and fresh foliage. Between April and May, there are tons of festivals held in Germany, and Bergkirchweih is amongst the prominent celebrations. Bergkirchweih is older than the OG Oktoberfest, but the former festival inherits many customs and traditions from later. 

Both begin with the mayor tapping the keg, and the dirndl is the evident women's dress code at both events. The Bavarian women are seen at Berch, as the locals call it, dressed in one of the trending pieces. 

Dirndl’s Co-relation with Bergkirchweih

The Volksfest Bergkirchweih has been around since 1755. The venue for this annual event is Erlangen, Bavaria, which is held for 12 days around Pentecost. Over a million visitors flood the city, which is wild for a place with only 117,806 residents.

The festival begins with the "Anstichis" opening ceremony, performed by the Mayor at a different cellar every year. People gather in traditional attire, with a majority of women in dirndl dress. This springtime festival promises beer, food, and good times to the local community. The event has long tables, carnival rides like a giant Ferris wheel, live bands, and stalls with pretzels, sausages, and more. 

It ends with a symbolic burial of the last beer barrel in the cellar where the next iteration of  Bergkirchweih is planned.  Dirndls are a big part of the scene. You can spot all the trending dirndl dress designs at the festival, in correlation with it being a traditional outfit suitable for folk festivals like Bergkirchweih.

Bergkirchweih at a Glance

• When- June (12 days)

• Where-Erlangen, Bavaria

• Average Visitors- Over 1 million people 

• Highlights- Keg-tapping, Ferris wheel, Kastenlauf

• Dress Code- Lederhosen, Dirndl, or something festive

Befitting Dirndl Styles for Bergkirchweih 

The dirndl is the heart of folk festival fashion. It’s a traditional dress with a history of hundreds of years, just like the festival. Some modern dirndl styles, with the hint of Bavarian roots, befit the Bergkirchweih. 

Single-Color Outfits

All-one-color dirndls are quite popular. The dress, apron, and blouse match in shades like forest green, cherry red, or pale peach. It’s a clean, modern look that pops. You’ll spot these unified outfits all over Bergkirchweih, looking sharp without trying too hard. Some of the color recommendations for monochrome dirndls for Berch are;

• Blue

• Yellow

• Green 

• Pink

• Patels

Cotton and Satin Fabrics

Organic cotton dirndls are a top pick for every spring and summer festival. It’s comfy, breathable, and perfect for sunny June days when the Berch Volksfest is held. Satin is also trending for its sheen, smooth, and glossy surface. Both fabrics suit the festival’s outdoor setting and are comfortable for the June weather.  

Simple Silhouettes

Fancy details are out. Plain dirndls with smooth lines are in. Many have easier-to-manage buttons down or a zip closure bodice instead of laces. These traditional wears come with an understated silk apron or subtle embroidery. These no-fuss dirndls feel contemporary and work well for the folk festival’s busy vibe.

Sheer Blouses and Balloon Sleeves

Blouses are stealing the show. Sheer fabrics with lace details are a hit, especially with modern necklines. Balloon, long, and cap sleeves—there are many options catering to different tastes. Pair these with a satin dirndl for a bold and delicate mix that’s perfect for Bergkirchweih.

Jewelry and Accessories

Light accessories are trending for Volksfest like Bergkirchweih. A thin chain necklace or stud earrings with traditional accents, like an Edelweiss flower pendant, are enough. Satin or cotton hairbands are popular, especially with loose waves or a low bun. For shoes, stick to flat pumps, Mary Janes, or simple ballet flats. 

How to Wear a Dirndl at Bergkirchweih

The Bergkirchweih festival is nonstop fun, dancing, eating, and wandering between beer tents. Pick a dirndl with a knee-length skirt for easy movement. Cotton is ideal for warm afternoons; satin is for warmth during the chilly nights. Wear flats or sturdy shoes to handle the festival’s gravel paths and crowded areas.

Coordinate your blouse and apron with the dress. A neutral blouse pairs well with a vibrant dirndl for balance. Skip heavy jewelry to avoid losing it on rides or in crowds. June weather can flip, so bring a light cardigan or trachten jacket just in case.

Wrapping Up!!

Bergkirchweih is a one-of-a-kind Volksfest, 55 years older than the world’s famous Oktoberfest, and the dirndl makes it unforgettable. The folk festival in Germany celebrates the same rich thread with which the dirndl dresses are woven. These events only deserve the trending Bavarian women's outfits, like a single-color look, cotton or satin fabrics, and simple, clean cuts. These dresses are incomplete without a sheer blouse, with modern necklines and trending sleeve options befitting different personalities. Go vibrant or neutral, and keep accessories minimal.

Soak the beer, music, and Bavarian energy in style, wear a trendy dirndl dress to Bergkirchweih for an authentic German feel.