Kaufbeuren and the surrounding villages are well known for events which have historical background.
One of the best known is the so called "Tänzelfest". This should not to be missed it if you visit Kaufbeuren in July.
This spectacle is performed by over 1500 children and refers to the visit of Kaiser Maximilian in the year 1497.
This visit was a big event for Kaufbeuren and the complete town welcomed him. The nobility put their most expensive cloths on, and the celebration included all kind of competitions.
The champion of the boy's shooting competition received a chain and trousers from the visiting Kaiser.
This was an exceptional honor. Children in historical costumes and many citizens bring this time and other events back to life every year.
Use the links below to watch some videos which will give you an impression of the "Tänzelfest". Listen to the performances of the boys bands.
The "Tänzelfest"
"Kaiser Maximilian" - many thanks to "Superanton" and Wikipedia
Kaufbeuren
Visit the historic downtown of Kaufbeuren and ask for a guided tour. As far as I remember there is no charge involved.
If you can't join such a tour, become an explorer and do it on your own as we did. You will not become lost. Just watch for eye catching motifs and go for it.
Take pictures of the old town wall which dates back to the 12th century and the towers which have survived centuries.
Enter churches and be awed by the magnificence of the entire grandeur though people were poor when they were built
Many thanks to "Dark Avenger" and Wikipedia
Many thanks to "Tilman" and Wikipedia
St. Blasiuskirche, built in the 15 th century
St. Blasius - many thanks to "Tilman" and Wikipedia
City hall - many thanks to "Lokilech" and Wikipedia
- many thanks to "Ulrich Batzer" and Wikipedia
- many thanks to "LoKiLeCh" and Wikipedia
Neu-Gablonz is a new settlement which became a part of Kaufbeuren. It was founded after the end of WWII by German refuges from former Czechoslovakia.
Gablonz was world famous for the production of costume jewelry. This old tradition was re-born in Neu-Gablonz.
It is worth to visit some of the small companies and see their displays. Our customers loved what we brought to Canada.
Despite the competition from Asia you can still visit small companies in Neugablonz who design and manufacture this kind of jewelry.
Watch the video "Tänzelfest Kaufbeuren 2010 - Opening ceremony - We Are The World":
Watch the video "Knabenkapelle Kaufbeuren Zapfenstreich 2010":
Watch the video "Tänzelfest - Knabenkapelle Kaufbeuren Taufe 2009 ":
Many thanks for some of the pictures to the Tourist Board of Bavaria and involved communities