Want to visit a Volksfest during autumn? Our favourites in Germany
Music, local cuisine, funfairs, libations for those over the legal drinking age, and – most importantly – community. You’ll find all of this and more at Germany’s beloved and time-honoured Volksfeste, a German word that translates to "people's festivals.”
This autumn, the season most commonly associated with the Volksfest, we rounded up a few of our favourite German celebrations.
Visit them by rail using a German Rail Pass.
1. Nürnberger Volksfest, Nuremberg
Why go?
You'll find a world of fun at the Nürnberger Volksfest held from 23 August until 8 September, 2024. Visitors can dance the night away, have a speed date on a Ferris wheel and enjoy a pint (if over the legal drinking age) at one of the largest folk festivals in Bavaria.
How to get there
As one of Germany's larger cities, Nuremberg is very well connected by train. It's only a 1-hour train ride from Munich and a 2-hour train ride from Frankfurt.
2. Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt, Bad Dürkheim
Why go?
Don’t let the Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt’s name fool you – despite translating directly to “sausage market,” the festival has also been said to be the largest wine festival in the world. In 2024, it will be held from 6 - 10 September and 13 - 16 September.
How to get there
There are regular trains from nearby Frankfurt or Stuttgart to Bad Dürkheim (some transfers are required). The journey takes you approximately 2 hours.
3. Oktoberfest, Munich
Why go?
This list wouldn't be complete without Oktoberfest, one of the most famous festivals in Europe. Taking place in Munich from 21 September to 6 October 2024, visitors can expect to see large crowds, beer, and a colourful funfair.
How to get there
As Germany's third-largest city, Munich is well connected by train. Travel here in just 1 hour from Nuremberg and in less than 2 hours from Austrian cities Salzburg and Innsbruck.
4. Cannstatter Volksfest, Stuttgart
Why go?
Stuttgart is home to the Cannstatter Volksfest, a sprawling event with a nearly 200-year history. Expect a funfair with spectacular attractions, a parade, traders’ market and more. The party continues for over 2 weeks, from 22 September to 8 October 2023.
How to get there
The Cannstatter Volksfest is only a short train ride away from Stuttgart's main station. You can also get there by foot, by S-Bahn (metro), or by bus.
5. Weinparade, Würzburg
Why go?
The historic city of Würzburg, overlooked by Fortress Marienberg, is always worth a visit. And even more so during the annual Weinparade, held from 22 August through 1 September 2024. While not technically described as a “Volksfest,” we included it as a bonus celebration due to its wide selection of mouth-watering Franconian cuisine and over 100 wines available for purchase for those above the legal drinking age.
How to get there
Würzberg is located halfway between Nuremberg and Frankfurt. From either direction, you can get to your destination in just 1 hour.
Let's go to Germany!
Amazing cities, epic castles and tons of nature - there's countless reasons to discover Germany. The best way to get around is by train!
Travel with Interrail
Get to these festivals with the Interrail German Rail Pass.
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