Inside the Schäfflertanz: A Conversation with a Munich Dancer

Since 1990, Christian Härtl has been a member of the Munich Schäffler guild. The traditional association is best known and loved for its famous Schäfflertanz (Coopers' Dance). The guild has around 120 members – all of them men – including a few who still work as coopers today.

The Schäfflertanz has been a tradition in Munich for over 500 years. Originally, the coopers danced to lift the spirits of Munich's citizens during the plague. According to tradition, the Schäffler still perform their historical dance every seven years. The last regular performances took place in 2019 – and once again in May 2022, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The next Schäfflertanz will be performed in 2026, from January 6 through Shrove Tuesday (Faschingsdienstag), at public squares across the city.

Christian, please tell us: How does one become a Schäffler?

If you want to join the team, you should reach out to us and attend one of our meetings. We meet four times a year at Augustiner Stammhaus on Neuhauser Straße. We’re curious to get to know you – after all, we want to understand why someone wants to join us and what motivates them. After a trial period of about a year, we decide whether the person should be accepted as a full member.

Why did you become a Schäffler?

I like the fact that our dance reaches so many people of all ages. I vividly remember seeing the Schäfflertanz as a child. Even today, during the season, we try to visit as many elementary schools in Munich as possible, knowing that our dance will leave a lasting impression. The Schäffler tradition is also part of the local curriculum of every fourth grader – and those kids might be our Schäffler of the future.

What do you enjoy most about being a Schäffler?

I really enjoy the camaraderie in our group. We often meet with former members, go on trips or rafting. Fortunately, we don’t have to struggle finding new members – there are always plenty of applicants. Our youngest member is 18, the oldest one around 60.

Where do you perform during the season?

The first dance of the season on January 6 traditionally belongs to the mayor, and we perform it at Marienplatz, in front of the New Town Hall. A few days later, we show our big performance to the Minister President at the State Chancellery – in former times, this dance was performed for the King of Bavaria. The very last dance always happens on Shrove Tuesday at 9 PM, back at our “home base,” the Augustiner Stammhaus on Neuhauser Straße.

Can someone book a Schäfflertanz performance, even if they're not the Minister President?

Of course! Anyone can book us – as long as they pay for the performance. We're currently setting the price for the upcoming season. So far, we’ve already received 30 bookings for 2026, and we’re aiming for a total of 400 performances. Our clients include not only the City of Munich, but also businesses, private individuals, clubs, anniversary celebrants, and birthday parties.

How do you prepare for the season?

We start training right after Oktoberfest. Some pick it up quickly, others take a bit more time. You don’t necessarily have to be a dancer – we also have other roles, like the ring-swinger, the standard-bearer, and the Kasperl (jester) – he’s usually the one with the fewest inhibitions and the most contact with the crowd. By the way, the Kasperl isn’t the fool – he’s actually the smartest of us all.

Thank you, Christian! We’re looking forward to the Munich Schäfflertanz in 2026!

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