Whether for birthdays, folk festivals, or weddings: traditional costumes are simply part of special occasions in Bavaria. No matter what you’re celebrating, you can’t go wrong with a dirndl or lederhosen. Most people are probably not even aware of where the custom of traditional clothing actually comes from and how it developed. Follow in the footsteps of the Bavarian traditional costume movement on a day trip to this small town in Upper Bavaria, which is home to many hidden gems.
Traditional costume as a relatively new phenomenon
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Contrary to popular belief, traditional costumes are not historical garments, but rather a relatively new phenomenon. When the Kingdom of Bavaria was founded in 1806, there was little to unite the individual regions. The Wittelsbach dynasty wanted to use the tradition of traditional costumes to create a common identity. Maximilian II promoted the supposedly rural garments in order to strengthen national sentiment. In fact, men wore lederhosen mainly when hunting, and the dirndl was the summer dress of choice for city women when they vacationed in the countryside.
Nevertheless, the initiative was well received and on April 4, 1859, the “Gesellschaft Gemüthlichkeit” (Society of Conviviality) was registered in Miesbach. This was the precursor to the first Miesbach traditional costume association and was the first to take care of preserving the traditional costume culture. This was the birth of the custom as we know it today. As a result, Miesbach traditional costume also gained in importance and spread throughout Bavaria. It is the model for the dirndls and lederhosen that we wear throughout Bavaria today and that are known worldwide.
Sights in Miesbach
Photo: Jürgen/Pixabay
Miesbach is best known for the traditional costume movement, but there is so much more to discover during your visit. The old town with its winding alleys invites you to take a stroll and offers several places to linger. The maypole towers over the market square and the statue of Mary, after whom the square is named, stands in Marienplatz. In the town square, you will find the Michaelbrunnen fountain, which commemorates the Sendlinger Mordweihnachten (Sendling Christmas Massacre) and depicts St. Michael with his sword raised.
In the local history museum, you will find the Gotzinger drum, a remnant of the aforementioned Christmas when the farmers rose up. Miesbach also has two castles, several churches, and a former monastery. The city center is located on three different river terraces, which means that it is situated at different levels. At around 700 meters, Miesbach is one of the highest district capitals in Germany.
The town is particularly worth seeing during the festivities. That’s when the traditional costume associations come out and you can experience the tradition up close. And of course, you can also buy yourself an original Miesbach traditional costume. It takes about 45 minutes to get from Munich to Miesbach by car or train.