Spring Kickoff: Georgiritt and Sword Dance

The cultural starting shot in Traunstein is fired every year on Easter Monday with the Georgiritt and the historic Sword Dance. This tradition has been listed as intangible cultural heritage in Germany since 2016 – a badge of honor for living customs in Traunstein.

According to city practice, the sword dance begins at the town square in the morning (often around 9:30 am), the procession rides out from 10:00 am; a second sword dance performance traditionally follows in the afternoon (often around 2:00 pm). The two performances ensure that as many visitors as possible can experience the dance in peace. Exact times are published shortly before Easter each year.

Insider Tips for the Georgiritt

• Arrive early – the old town around the town square fills up quickly.
• Slightly elevated standing spots with a view of the town square offer a good view of the riders' procession and sword dance.
• With children, the afternoon performance is often more relaxed.
• Use public transport: it's a short walk from the train station to the old town.

In spring, there are also often chamber music evenings, maypole raising, spring festival, and rose days on the schedule. Exact dates are published annually in the city calendar.

Summer in the City: Kultsommer Open-Air

From the end of June to the beginning of September, Kultsommer transforms the city center on Tuesday to Thursday evenings into a stage – an open, free open-air program with live music, cabaret, and encounters around the town square.

The format is deliberately low-threshold: no ticket, no dress code – just music, encounters, and a host city. Those who drop by spontaneously usually find a spot quickly; those who want to dance often find themselves in the middle of the audience after just a few beats. Recurring audience favorites such as the atmospheric Italian Night are firmly anchored in the program; exact evenings are announced before the season starts.

Summer Concerts at the Kulturforum

The musical finale of the summer is traditionally set by the summer concerts as a chamber music week at the beginning of September at the Kulturforum – with masterfully interpreted chamber music and ensembles that have been connected to the city for years in some cases. The specific dates are confirmed during the course of the year.

Autumn Sounds: Wine Festival, Concerts, and Series

As the days get shorter, many events move indoors – without losing any intensity. Frequently on the program: symphonic concerts, the conclusion of regional series, and convivial events such as the wine festival with small stages and ensembles that fill the autumnal cityscape with sound.

Chiemgau Culture Days (Preview)

The Chiemgau Culture Days have been developing since 2014 as a platform for regional culture – exhibitions, concerts, theater, and participatory formats – and take place every two years. After the last edition, the next edition is expected in the following year of the cycle; the theme and dates are announced separately by the organizers.

Winter Magic: Krampus Run, Christmas Market, and Open-Air

The cold season in Traunstein belongs to the Krampus Run, the Christmas Market, and a winter open-air in the park. Lights, soft music, steaming mugs – the city shows its atmospheric side. Among the market stalls, there are often small stages as well as choirs or alphorn sounds.

Warmth and Safety Tips

• Dress in layers; plan for gloves and possibly a thermos for late hours.
• Agree on fixed meeting points for groups and families in the crowd.
• Enjoy considerately: keep your distance and respect traditions.

Planning, Service, and Event Overview

Dates vary annually. The city maintains a continuously updated schedule. For specific daily dates – from the first Kultsommer concert to the summer concerts and the Georgiritt – it is worth regularly checking the official event calendar.

• Arrival: Preferably by public transport; distances in the city center are short, many places are within walking distance.
• Arrive early: For Georgiritt, major open-air evenings, and traditional costume festivals, arriving early ensures a good view.
• Accessible: Check designated zones and entrances early.
• Bad weather: Many events have alternatives; pay attention to short-term notices from the city of Traunstein.
• Accommodation: Book early for festival and event weeks, especially on weekends with major events.

Quick Reference – Cultural Year in Traunstein (Preview)

Georgiritt on Easter Monday with historic sword dance (morning and afternoon; procession in the morning), spring formats such as chamber music, maypole raising, and rose days, Kultsommer with free open-air evenings Tue–Thu (end of June to early September), summer concerts in early September, autumn with wine festival and concert series, and winter with Krampus Run, Christmas Market, and winter open-air.

For up-to-date information, visit the event calendar of the city of Traunstein (section "Culture & Leisure").

Transparency: How the Research Was Conducted

This overview compiles publicly available information from the city of Traunstein and regional cultural actors as well as reliable basics on traditions and customs. Specific dates are published annually by the organizers.

1. German UNESCO Commission: Intangible Cultural Heritage (Germany) — Classification, procedures, and registers; 2016 entry for the Traunstein Georgiritt and historic sword dance (accessed 2026-02-07)
2. City of Traunstein – Official Website — Event calendar and city information on Georgiritt, sword dance, Kultsommer, summer concerts, and other festivals (accessed 2026-02-07)
3. Gauverband I — Information on regional festivals, customs, Schuhplatteln, Preisplatteln, and Gaudirndldrahn (accessed 2026-02-07)
4. Chiemsee-Chiemgau Tourism — Regional event information, concerts, and seasonal cultural formats (accessed 2026-02-07)
5. Bavaria Timetable — Public transport connections for traveling to events in Traunstein (accessed 2026-02-07)