Want to visit a Volksfest during autumn? Our favorites 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-honored 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 favorite German celebrations.
1. Nürnberger Volksfest, Nuremberg
Why go?
You'll find a world of fun at the Nürnberger Volksfest, held from August 23 until September 8, 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 September 6 - 10 and September 13 - 16.
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 September 21 to October 6, 2024, visitors can expect to see large crowds, beer, and a colorful 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 September 22 to October 8, 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 August 22 through September 1, 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 Eurail
Get to these festivals with the Eurail German Rail Pass.