Best beer and wine festivals in Germany
The Germans know their beers and wines, and it's time for you to have a taste of it! Travel through the country's biggest beer and wine festivals, all dedicated to delicious drinks.
1. 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 August 24 to September 3, 2023. Taste over 100 wines and enjoy the culinary treats that go with it. It sets the bar high for other beer and wine festivals!
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.
2. Nürnberger Volksfest, Nuremberg
Why go?
You'll find a world of fun at the Nürnberger Volksfest, held from August 25 to September 10, 2023. Dance the night away, have a speed date on a Ferris Wheel or relax with a large pint - you can do it all in Nuremberg!
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.
3. Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt, Bad Dürkheim
Why go?
Bad Dürkheim hosts the largest wine festival in the world, the Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt. In 2022 it will be held over the course of 2 long weekends: from September 8 to 12 and 15 to 18 2023.
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.
4. Oktoberfest, Munich
Why go?
This list wouldn't be complete without the Oktoberfest, the most famous beer festival in all of Europe. Taking place in Munich from September 16 to October 3, 2023, you can expect large crowds drinking large pints of beer. Every year at the Oktoberfest, over 7 million liters of beer is consumed.
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.
5. Cannstatter Volksfest, Stuttgart
Why go?
Stuttgart is home to the Cannstatter Volksfest, a huge event with a 200-year history. Expect a funfair with spectacular attractions, festival parades and, of course, German beers! The party goes on for over 2 weeks, from September 22 to October 8, 2023.
How to get there
The Cannstatter Volksfest is only a 3-minute train ride away from Stuttgart's main station. You can also get there by foot, by S-Bahn (metro), or by bus.
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 Eurail
Get to these beer and wine festivals with the Eurail German Rail Pass. This is one activity you won't want to do by car!