2025 "Osterbrunnen" Bavarian Easter Celebration

A century-old tradition fro upper Franconia, Germany, is celebrated in Michigan's Little Bavaria with beautiful spring decor and elaborate Easter displays known as, Osterbrunnen. Experience the decor from April 4th - May 4th, 2025.

The story began over 100 years ago when the custom of decorating wells was revitalized as a reminder of how difficult it was to get water. Decorating the wells honors water, which is essential for life. The eggs represent Easter and the feast of renewed life. There were many interesting beliefs and superstitions surrounding the wells and their miraculous effects. Regardless, people used the tradition to gather and decorate as they joyfully greeted spring. It became a friendly competition among villages in Upper Franconia, Germany. By the 1980s, there were nearly 200 villages following this custom and drawing visitors from all walks of life. While we don't compete with neighboring villages today, the Frankenmuth community has come together to carry on the tradition of Osterbrunnen with creative and picturesque sculptures, many of which are modeled directly after those seen in Germany. The city is adorned in the colors of spring as we patiently await the blooming daffodils or Easter bells. Frankenmuth's Bavarian Easter Celebration combines old world traditions with the simple joys of life.