The History of the EU Stone Festival
A LASTING LEGACY: Impact and Development.
Thousands of young talents and experienced masters have not only showcased their skills here, but also forged valuable connections and inspired one another.
The festival has shaped a vibrant community that embodies the European spirit of togetherness and craftsmanship excellence.
The founder of the European Stone Festival
Bernward Fiedler, through his work, left traces whose impact has lost nothing of its effectiveness to this day. One such legacy is the European Stone Festival, which Bernward initiated in 1999 and whose idea he shared with many befriended stonemasons and stone sculptors from across Europe until his untimely death in 2023.
After completing his apprenticeship as a stonemason and stone sculptor in Duderstadt, Bernward Fiedler, a native of Lower Saxony, went on to study art and English and worked as a teacher at a secondary school. In order to combine his craft with the teaching profession, Bernward Fiedler applied to the Freiburg Master School in 1999, which he went on to lead from 2001 with the highest level of personal commitment.
Since 2014, he has been head of the Stone Department at the Friedrich Weinbrenner Vocational School in Freiburg, which, in addition to the master craftsmen’s school, also includes the school-based apprenticeship training in the stonemasonry and stone carving trades, as well as the three-year vocational college for wood design.
Milestones of the Festival
1999: Freiburg + Bernward – The birth of a European dream
In the picturesque town of Munzingen, the first EU Stone Festival took place. Over 90 young talents from seven countries showcased their skills and laid the foundation for cross-border exchange. A major success that marked the beginning of a new era in European stone art.
2002: Freiburg, Germany – A step toward Europe
Over 100 stonemasons from nine countries gathered for the second festival in Freiburg. It marked the birth of the European tour: at the initiative of Hungarian partners, it was decided that the festival would travel internationally. With a female participation rate of over 30%, Freiburg 2002 laid the groundwork for the next stop in 2004 in Hungary.
2003: Canterbury, United Kingdom – A Monumental Fountain
In the courtyard of Canterbury Cathedral, over 80 participants from six countries created a monumental limestone fountain. Under the theme “Sea,” elaborate ornaments and sculptures were crafted in bright sunshine. The festival delighted thousands of visitors, connecting European craftsmanship with British history.
2004: Fertőrákos, Hungary – A Monument to History
On Lake Neusiedl in Hungary, 128 stonemasons from 11 countries came together. They created a stone bench for the Baroque Esterházy Palace, commemorating the historic Pan-European Picnic of 1989—a festival that combined art and remembrance.
2005: Freiburg, Germany – Stone Masonry Art in the Park
In Freiburg’s Eschholz Park, 160 young talents from 14 nations created impressive works from sandstone. Under the themes “In vino veritas” and “Faces of Cultures,” they delighted around 10,000 visitors. With bright sunshine and music, the festival became a jubilant celebration of European togetherness.
2007: Junas, France – Stone Art in the Heart of the South
200 stonemasons, 16 hours of work, and a breathtaking setting: in the historic quarries of Junas, European craftsmanship merged with the flair of southern France. A highlight was the construction of a monumental stone dome as well as intricately crafted “Europe stones.”
2008: Freiburg, Germany – A Home Game in Eschholz Park
For the second time, the festival returned to Freiburg. The focus was on the international exchange of stonemasons in Eschholz Park and the support of young talent in the experimental workshop—a complete success with record attendance.
2009: Salzburg, Austria – Water and Nature in Stone
At Kapitelplatz in Salzburg, 130 stonemasons from 10 countries came together. Under the theme “Water and Nature,” they created impressive sandstone works and captivated 9,000 visitors. A festival that combined creativity with environmental awareness.
2010: Saverne, France – Unicorn and Romance
In the magnificent park of Château Rohan, 158 stonemasons from across Europe gathered. Inspired by Saverne’s city coat of arms, they created artistic sculptures from Savonnière limestone and red Vosges sandstone on the theme “The Mythical Unicorn and Romance.”
2011: Freiburg, Germany – The Splendor of European Gothic
In Freiburg’s Eschholz Park, 141 participants from 14 nations gathered to revive the art of Gothic. Before the eyes of 14,000 visitors, they created fascinating sandstone ornaments and sculptures, complemented by a unique stone path through the streets of Freiburg.
2012: Trondheim, Norway – Fairytale Sculptures in the North
The 10th festival took place at the Archbishop’s Palace in Trondheim. Ninety-eight stonemasons from 14 countries created fascinating objects from soapstone under the theme “Fairy Tales.” A first for Norway, it combined art with the world of Nordic legends.
2013: Lincoln, England – EU Stone Festival 2013 in Lincoln: International Stonemasonry Art on the Theme of Food and Agriculture
From June 21 to 23, 2013, the EU Stone Festival took place on the East Green in front of the Cathedral Workshop in Lincoln. 138 participants from 14 countries created sculptures in limestone or sandstone on the theme “Food and Agriculture.” Concurrently, the “1000 Years of Craftsmanship” celebration was held at Lincoln Castle.
2014: Freiburg, Germany – Flora and Fauna of the Black Forest in Sandstone
From May 24 to 25, the EU Stone Festival returned to Freiburg. Around 150 apprentices, journeymen, and master stonemasons from 18 countries created sandstone works on the theme “Flora and Fauna of the Black Forest.” In addition, the “European Stone Festival Trail” showcased the artists’ work at various locations throughout the city. The festival was led by Bernward Fiedler and the FWG Freiburg team.
2015: Strasbourg, France – Stone as a Message: Romanesque Architecture and Rhenish Mysticism
From June 26 to 28, 2015, the EU Stone Festival took place at Place du Château in Strasbourg. Under the main direction of Norbert Stoffel, President of the European Association of Stonemasons and Sculptors (EASMS), 130 stonemasons from 15 countries created sandstone works inspired by the message of Romanesque builders and Rhenish mysticism.
2016: Salzburg, Austria – From Romanesque to Modern Times: Stonemasonry Art from Across Europe in Salzburg
On June 3 and 4, Salzburg hosted the 15th EU Stone Festival. 125 participants from 16 nations created stone works at Kapitelplatz under the theme “From Romanesque to Modern Times.” In addition to international stonemasonry art, the festival featured live music, a morning pint gathering, and a presentation by HTL Hallein on stone technology and design.
2017: Kiskunfélegyháza, Hungary – Stone, Art, and the Puszta
From May 19 to 21, 2017, over 130 stonemasons and sculptors from around the world gathered in Kiskunfélegyháza, Hungary. Under the theme “Secession and Life on the Puszta,” they worked in the heart of the city in front of the Town Hall, showcasing their art live to passersby. The festival was organized by the National Association of Stonemasons and Artificial Stone Producers of Hungary and the city of Kiskunfélegyháza.
2018: Saverne, France – Mystical Mythical Creatures at Château Rohan
In the park of Château Rohan in Saverne, around 150 stonemasons from 16 countries, spanning Europe to Zimbabwe, came together. Under the theme “Mystical Mythical Creatures,” they created impressive sculptures from Vosges sandstone, captivating both experts and the general public alike.
2019: Trondheim, Norway – A Double Anniversary
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Stone Festival and 150 years of Nidaros Cathedral, stonemasons gathered in Trondheim. Working with local soapstone, they focused on two themes: “Games” and the creation of objects for the central City Square.
2023: Salzburg, Austria – Mystical Mythical Creatures at Château Rohan
Around 110 stonemasons from 12 nations showcased their craft against the stunning backdrop of Salzburg. The competition focused on the theme “103 Years of the Salzburg Festival,” resulting in unique sculptures made from St. Margarethen limestone. A special highlight was also the 125th anniversary of HTL Hallein.
2024: Budapest, Hungary – Magnificent Ornaments at the Parliament Building
In Budapest, 120 stonemasons from 15 countries created impressive decorative stones and ornaments. The festival celebrated the 120th anniversary of the Parliament Building, using Fertőrákos sandstone for the intricate works.
2025: Halifax, England – Myths and Legends in Stone
In Halifax, England, 120 stonemasons from across Europe came together. Under the theme “Myths and Legends,” they transformed natural stone into captivating works—a recent highlight celebrating enduring creativity and the spirit of Europe.
2026: Freiburg – The Future Returns Home
The EU Stone Festival returns to Freiburg! From May 15 to 17, 2026, we warmly invite you to Eschholz Park to experience the next generation of stonemasonry art. Don’t miss it!