The Munich Schäffler in red jackets and black knee breeches dance the traditional Schäffler dance in front of the New Town Hall on Munich's Marienplat

Schäfflertanz – Coopers' Dance

Confidence in Challenging Times

The so-called Munich “Schäffler“, or barrel makers, perform their historic dance in the city's public spaces every seven years. Dressed in red jerkins and black trousers, they dance in a circle according to a centuries-old choreography. This tradition, which still captivates the audience today, originated in the late Middle Ages from a sombre occasion.

The origins of the Schäfflertanz

In the mid-14th century, Munich was repeatedly struck by plague outbreaks. Despite numerous pilgrimages to the Andechs Monastery, the plague continued to ravage the city.

In particularly severe years, it claimed the lives of up to a third of the population,with the late 15th century experiencing its most devastating effects. Finally, after the epidemic in 1517, the guild of Munich barrel makers is said to have gathered for the first time to entice the long-suffering Munich population back onto the streets with their dance performances. They wanted to celebrate life and inspire confidence for the future. A scene in the famous Munich Glockenspiel (carillon) in the tower of the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) on Marienplatz (main square) brings this episode from the city's history back to life every day.

According to oral tradition, the Schäffler then took a vow, though there is no evidence of this: Should the plague not occur again, they would perform their dance every seven years to commemorate the alleviation at the end of this terrible time. This tradition is still practised in Munich to this day.

Video: simply Schäffler

Next Schäfflertanz in 2026

In 2026, the Schäffler will once again perform in Munich's public places for several weeks. Their dance follows a music-supported sequence of different dance figures with evocative names such as “Laube (pergola)“, “Kreuz (cross)“, “Schlange (snake)“ and “Krone (crown)“. Each performance begins and ends with the so-called Bavarian “Defiliermarsch”. There is at least one “Kasperle“ (Joker) in the dancers' entourage, who suddenly jumps into the crowd and colours some of the spectators' noses black. Nobody gets too upset about this, as it is supposed to bring good luck.

In 2022, the Schäffler deviated from their seven-year rhythm for once, because, following their mission, they wanted to bring a bit of confidence back to the beleaguered urban society towards the end of the corona virus pandemic.

Munich's “Schäfflers” – yesterday and today

The barrel makers were once as much a part of Munich as the breweries: They made the barrels in which beer was delivered to pubs and the rest of the world. Today, there is only one cooper left in the city: Wilhelm Schmid in Laim. Schmid also has to ensure that the tradition of the Schäffler dance lives on. The dance is still exclusively performed by men. Initially, only “real“ barrel makers were permitted to participate, but in recent years, dancers from other professions have been able to join in. This change is the result of the decline in traditional trades, leading to a dwindling number of barrel makers over time. In Munich, the “Fachverein der Schäffler“ has organised the dance since 1871.

https://schaefflertanz.com/

 

 

Text: München Tourismus; Photo: Sigi Müller; Video: redline enterprises
A man and a woman record a podcast in a laundromat.

Munich Podcasts

A feast for the ears

Many Munich museums and institutions have their own podcast. An overview.

Many Munich museums and institutions have their own podcast. Here we present a few examples that are particularly worth listening to.

A man and two women, one of whom has a small child on her lap, in a sitting position but without a seat in a room lined with red granite.

A sneak preview of Munich's 2024/2025 gallery exhibitions

Hungry for art

You'll definitely want to catch these exhibitions in Munich's museums and galleries in 2024 and 2025!

From the Old Masters to the new young things: Munich's museums showcase art from all branches and eras. Here are some exhibitions that you'll definitely want to catch in 2024 and 2025!

A wall with graffiti in Munich.

The writing's on the wall

Get graffitiing!

Munich has long been the cradle of the European graffiti scene. Our author once painted graffiti himself, and today looks back on a quite exceptional piece of work.

Munich has long been the cradle of the European graffiti scene. Our author once painted graffiti himself, and today looks back on a quite exceptional piece of work.

Fountain in Grottenhof of the Residenz photographed through a window of the Residenz in Munich.

Royal Munich

Bisou, Bisou with the Sun King

The story of Ludwig II is a legendary tale: an account of a glamorous time that played out not only in Neuschwanstein, but also directly within the Munich court – the Residenz palace in the city centre.

The story of Ludwig II is a legendary tale: an account of a glamorous time that played out not only in Neuschwanstein, but also directly within the Munich court – the Residenz palace in the city centre.

Neuschwanstein Castle in the surrounding region of Munich.

Hiking guide

Royal wanderlust

Herrenchiemsee, Linderhof, Schachenhaus and Neuschwanstein: Bavaria’s castles and palaces are among the most beautiful in the world.

Herrenchiemsee, Linderhof, Schachenhaus and Neuschwanstein: Bavaria’s castles and palaces are among the most beautiful in the world.

Endless Staircase in Munich.

Art in public spaces

At second glance

Some public art in Munich is unknown even to the locals. We present six works of art that can often only be discovered at second glance.

Some public art in Munich is unknown even to the locals. We present six works of art that can often only be discovered at second glance.

Merchant with dried fruit on the Viktualienmarkt in Munich.
Viktualienmarkt Tasting Tour

Discover the most delicious delicacies of the city and learn all kinds of interesting facts about Munich's most famous food market.

Book now for 40 €!

Discover the most delicious delicacies of the city and learn all kinds of interesting historical facts about Munich's most famous food market.

View of a residence serenade with candles in the court chapel.
Residenz Serenades

This Munich experience promises high culture for newcomers and enthusiasts: enjoy the popular Mozart concerts in the Residenz.

Book now from 38 €

This Munich experience promises high culture for newcomers and enthusiasts: enjoy the popular Mozart concerts in the Residenz.

Exterior view of the Munich Palace of Justice on Prielmayerstraße in Maxvorstadt.
Justizpalast Tour

During the guided tour of the present-day seat of the Bavarian State Ministry of Justice, you will learn everything about the history and significance of the neo-baroque court and administrative building.

Book now for 20 €!

During the guided tour of the present-day seat of the Bavarian State Ministry of Justice, you will learn everything about the history and significance of the neo-baroque court and administrative building.

Small meeting room of the Neues Rathaus in Munich
New Town Hall Tour

Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Book now from 22 €

Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Magistrates, Monachia and magnificent celebrations: explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Exterior view of the Hofbräuhaus Munich at dusk.
Hofbräuhaus Tour

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Book for 28€, Mass beer included!

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Towers at Marienplatz in Munich
Old Town Tour

The city walk for everyone who wants to become acquainted with the most beautiful parts of Munich's city centre.

Book now for 18 €!

The city walk for everyone who wants to become acquainted with the most beautiful parts of Munich's city centre.

Wort kettle at the Spaten brewery in Munich.
Spaten Brewery Tour

Experience a brewery tour at Spaten with a look behind the scenes, interesting facts about the company history and beer tasting in the brewery tower.

Book now for 22 €!

Experience a brewery tour at Spaten with a look behind the scenes, interesting facts about the company history and beer tasting in the brewery tower.

A woman with varnished fingernails holds a gift with the inscription "simply Munich".
Vouchers

Buy now vouchers for your visit in Munich. The ideal gift! Guided tours, guest cards and more...

Buy vouchers from 6,50 €

Buy now vouchers for your visit in Munich. The ideal gift! Guided tours, guest cards and more...

Book now!

Street Art-Tour

Did you know that Munich was a pioneer of the European graffiti scene? Discover different art up close in the city with our street art tour today!

Experience the city's diverse art & exciting graffiti on our street art tour!

Did you know that Munich was a pioneer of the European graffiti scene? Discover different art up close in the city with our street art tour today!

View of the Salzach river and the castle in Salzburg.
Salzburg and the Lake District

Visit the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and relax on the journey to beautiful Lake Wolfgang.

Book now from 58 €

Visit the birthplace of composer extraordinaire Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, stroll through the Baroque old town and then relax on the journey to beautiful Lake Wolfgang.

A stone jug with the inscription Oktoberfest Munich.

Order now!

Oktoberfest Shop

Bring a piece of Oktoberfest home: Purchase official souvenirs such as the Wiesn poster or the Oktoberfest beer stein in the official Oktoberfest shop.

Bring a piece of Oktoberfest home: Purchase official souvenirs such as the Wiesn poster or the Oktoberfest beer stein in the official Oktoberfest shop.

Bikes stand in the green grass in the English Garden in Munich
Rental bike 1 day

With a rental bike, you can experience Munich at your own personal pace. Discover hidden alleys and charming districts off the beaten track.

Book now for 26 €!

With a rental bike, you can experience Munich at your own personal pace. Discover hidden alleys and charming districts off the beaten track.

A woman in the exhibition "Der Blaue Reiter" in the Lenbachhaus in Munich
Discovery trip incl. City Pass

2 nights in your selected hotel and - thanks to the City Pass - free admission to 45 museums, sights and attractions: our travel package for explorers.

3 days from 313 € for 2 Pers.

2 nights in your selected hotel and - thanks to the City Pass - free admission to 45 museums, sights and attractions: our travel package for explorers.

Bag on green background
Vouchers

Give the gift of a special Munich voucher: we also offer vouchers for all our guided tours. Here you can book unique Munich experiences directly online, print them out and give them as a gift voucher to friends or family.

Buy vouchers from 6,50 €

Give the gift of a special Munich voucher: we also offer vouchers for all our guided tours. Here you can book unique Munich experiences directly online, print them out and give them as a gift voucher to friends or family.