It has taken place every two years for the last 275 years and owes
its existence to a decree issued by Duke Eberhard Ludwig in 1723, who
wanted to spare the shepherds of the Alb the arduous journey to the
shepherds' meeting in Markgröningen. The heart of the event are
competitions for young shepherds and the legendary race for the
Shepherd's Crown, while a large festival has grown up around this to
which people come in their thousands.
Sunday is the main day, which begins early with a small procession
and entertainment on the Market Square. The highlight is a colourful
historical procession through the romantic town centre to the festival
ground at Zittelstatt, where the competitions, dancing and the
"Schäferreigen" (a formation dance to traditional music) take place. The
day ends with a performance of the play "D'Schäferlies" and the
"Marktplatzhock" with music, food and drink.
For several days leading up to the main events, however the whole
town will have been enjoying itself with a fairground and marquee. The
traditional herding competitions take place in the Wittlingen district
on the Saturday. The 12,300 inhabitants of Bad Urach are not celebrate
this traditional Swabian festival on their own – visitors come from
miles around to join in the fun.
