If you have ever been to the Mariahilfbergfest in Amberg, you surely remember the good food and special, friendly nature. There is a good chance you found it different from other German festivals and hope to go there again. Get ready, it’s coming soon.

Known to locals as simply the “Bergfest,” there is more than ample food and drink as it has a lively yet laid-back atmosphere. There is no band with loud music and there is no singing. It has a “community feel,” as a time just for relaxing and enjoyment of good conversation with company and friends. Drunken rowdiness is not tolerated.

Photo by: Mark Swearengen

The festival is held on the grounds of the Maria Hilf Kirche, a church located on a prominent hill known as the Mariahilfberg on the outskirts of Amberg. It takes place during the week which includes July 2, the Christian day of Mariä-Heimsuchung (Visitation of the Virgin Mary). This year it will be held from June 30 through July 8.

History of the Mariahilfbergfest

The Bergfest traces its origin to the year 1634 when Amberg was suffering terribly from the plague, sometimes called the Schwarze Tod, or Black Death. By August of that year, the number of deaths from the plague had increased to nearly 40 per day.

Nothing could be done to eradicate the disease. People were praying for mercy. The Jesuit rector of Amberg, Father Caspar Hell, advised citizens to create a special chapel on the prominent hill north of the town, so the existing watchtower on the hill was hastily converted to a chapel. A painting of the Virgin Mary was carried up the hill in a procession of praying citizens and placed in the makeshift chapel in September. People were soon walking daily up to the chapel to pray for relief from the plague.

The disease subsided and was gone only a few months later. It was considered a miracle, and people continued to walk up to the chapel to view the painting of the Virgin Mary and offer prayers of thanks. Belief in the miracle soon began to call Pilger (pilgrims) to the chapel to ask for help and healing of diseases.

Construction of a church began on the hill in 1697. Completed in 1703, it became a destination of pilgrimages of remembrance and prayer for relief from disease and hardship. The church became known as the Walfahrtskirche Maria Hilf (Pilgrimage Church of Mary’s Help).

As the number of pilgrims increased, local citizens and merchants began providing food and drinks for the visiting pilgrims. Pilger Bier and Pilger Bratwurst were served abundantly.

Photo by: Mark Swearengen

The Festival Today

Today the Bergfest, which evolved from the divine rescue of the citizenry in 1634 and the feeding of pilgrims, brings people to the church and festival from throughout the Oberpfalz and Franken regions. Opening day begins with a church service, followed by the enjoyment of great food and drink.

Here and there you may see the slogan “Der Berg Ruft,” which can mean the Bergfest is calling you. It can also be considered a reflection on 1634 when people felt a call of a miracle from the chapel and painting of the Virgin Mary.

When you go to the Bergfest, you will find the parking lot of the church filled completely with food stands from all of the local butcher stores, cheese stores and bakery shops. The eight breweries of Amberg and neighboring towns will all be there, including Bruckmüller, Kümmert, Schloderer, Sterg and others. Nearly 9000 liters of beer are often consumed in one full day, depending on weather and number of visitors.

The bratwurst, the bread and cheese are all wonderful. Be sure to visit the Käse Alm or other cheese stands to try the Bavarian cheese specialties known as Obatzda and Käse Salat. They pair nicely with a Brezel, Brötchen or other good German bread items from the bakery stands.

Photo by: Mark Swearengen

Then, go to the Hottner, Siegert or other stands for some of the best bratwurst of the Oberpfalz region. Estimates put the daily bratwurst consumption at nearly 48,000.

Be sure to try the mackerel. These are smoked slowly over an open fire and served complete, head to tail, and have a mild salty taste.

You can drive to the Bergfest and park in secure fields near the church for a small fee. Many people walk to the event, while some take a special bus that runs from the Amberg Bahnhof all the way to the top of the hill.

However you get there and whatever you do, you will surely find the Mariahilfbergfest an experience to remember.