The first thing that comes to mind when we hear about Germany is beer, lots of beer. Fair enough. But Germany is more than that. For starters, it is home to many distinct cities — each of them with their own identity and charm due to their history dating back thousands of years. Hence, Germany became a treasure trove of architectural marvels. Picturesque landmarks and postcard-worthy scenes made up of monuments, cathedrals, and houses are a must-visit. Not to mention, the picture-perfect castles numbering in the thousands that are waiting for you. Every German city has something to offer to everyone from their cultural diversity to the festive atmosphere and festivals. In fact, there are no dull moments in a year within the country, at least during the festival season. Now, here are some popular festivals in Germany that you should check out.
If you don’t know where to stay during these festivities, also check out the top Airbnb vacation rentals in the country!
1. Carnival of Cultures, Berlin
The Carnival of Cultures showcases the diverse multicultural upbringing of Germany. It is Berlin’s most popular street festival where it serves as an appropriate platform for cultural conglomeration featuring Germany’s diverse culinary delights, cultural performances, and grand costumes. The highlights of this important festival in Germany are the colorful and cheerful street parades with over 4,000 participants from around the world. What started as a political statement against xenophobic ideals has turned into a cosmopolitan event, a testament to the friendly and empathetic nature of Germans as a whole. Check out the Carnival of Cultures in Berlin if you want to experience fun-filled sights and sounds, coupled with mouthwatering cuisines of many different countries.
Carnival of Cultures
Address: Kreuzberg, Berlin, Germany
Website: Carnival of Cultures in Berlin
Takes Place: June
Price: Free
2. Cologne Carnival, Cologne
Cologne Carnival is one of the largest German street festivals. It attracts over a million visitors on the streets to watch the marching bands and colorful parades. It features a number of floating boats, unique and crazy costumes, and other small events that constitute the whole Cologne Carnival. The carnival spirit of Germany is greatly uplifted by the Cologne Carnival. Now, if you are seeking an exciting tour of Cologne, then do check out the carnival. A fun fact to note is that the Cologne Carnival is as old as the city itself. Though the old program greatly differs from now, the organized fashion of Cologne Carnival that we know today only existed for about 190 years.
Cologne Carnival
Address: Cologne, Germany
Website: Cologne Carnival
Takes Place: February
Price: Free
3. Bach Fest, Leipzig
Since 1904, festivals to honor Johann Sebastian Bach, the legendary composer and musician of the Baroque period, have been held in Leipzig. Nowadays, Bach Fest has been able to establish itself as the premier music fest that features classical music amidst the saturated music festivals of Germany. It features the original Bach locations where J.S. Bach once worked as well as the high quality of the program itself. In it, the music fest showcases serene performances such as a mixture of secular and sacred concerts, atmospheric jazz interpretations, chamber concerts, open-air events, and organ trips. If you are opting for some classical music performances and a spirit-lifting atmosphere, you should certainly check out this music fest.
Bach Fest
Address: Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
Website: Bach Fest
Takes Place: June
Price: 260 EUR (283 USD)
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4. Oktoberfest, Munich
Munich’s Oktoberfest is perhaps the most legendary beer consumption event in the world. Every beer-loving country has its own version of Oktoberfest, a testament to the fame attached to this wide-reaching cultural event in Germany. This annual beer festival attracts a gargantuan amount of six million visitors from local and foreign origins, and a mind-blowing seven million liters of beer are consumed! During the festival, visitors eat through thousands of pork sausages, chicken, fish, and pork shanks. These wild numbers surely do ring a bell inside your head and make you want to go pay a visit. Oktoberfest is actually a celebration in the honor of the marriage of Bavarian crown prince Ludwig to princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen in 1810.
Oktoberfest Festival
Address: Munich, Germany
Website: Oktoberfest
Takes Place: September to October
Price: Tents: free; Beer: 11 EUR (12 USD); Meals: 12 - 15 EUR (13 - 16 USD)
Germany Tour Guide
Thomas Boeer
Dear travellers, since 1992, when I began my studies as an expert in tourism at the International School of Tourism in Zürich, my life has been completed thanks to representing this wonderful country to people from all over the world. Today we work for the most important companies from this country as a guide and driver. we know every corner of this beautiful paradise made by hand. We know their traditions and customs, their best routes and the best places that few tourists have had the opportunity to enjoy. We have had the great opportunity to guide very important people of different cultures and we have excellent references. Our passion for this job will offer you an unforgettable experience for a lifetime. We will make you feel at home. Welcome to Switzerland, the whole year around! The slowness gives us the time to enjoy what we do.
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5. Rhine in Flames Festival, Bonn and Linz
If you are fond of a fireworks display, then the Rhine in Flames Festival is a must-visit festival for you. Between May and September, the Rhine River goes up in a spectacular display of lights and flame. Fireworks are ignited along different sections of the Middle Rhine, resulting in a blinding light along the river banks, a rainbow of color. Thousands of fireworks are ignited over 60 ships traversing the river and some hilltop locations which results in a scene of some truly outstanding display of lighting.
Rhine in Flames Festival
Address: Five cities within the Rhine River: Bonn, Rüdesheim-Bingen, Koblenz, Oberwesel, Sankt Goarshausen
Website: Rhine in Flames Festival
Takes Place: Between May and September
Price: 80 EUR (87 USD)
6. Weimar Onion Festival, Weimar
Weimar, a city in the state of Thuringia, value onions a great deal and has been for a long time now. During the 17th-century, the modern program of the festival took root. This Germany holiday tradition started as an unusual gathering of merchants and locals annually where onion-based produce was sold. Gradually, the annual gathering became a celebration of the humble onion which had ever since spread fame across many towns, turning into a country-wide celebration. The immense number of onions on display is the highlight of the festivity. But more importantly, onions help add flavor to the foods served at the various food stands. The festival also features live music and beer stalls to spice up the event and create a lively, festive atmosphere. Check out the Weimar Onion Festival to experience the local culture of Weimar and discover some historical facts about onions.
Weimar Onion Festival
Address: Weimar, Thuringia, Germany
Website: Weimar Onion Festival
Takes Place: October
Price: Free
7. Wurstmarkt, Bad Dürkheim
In Germany, Munich is to beer what Bad Dürkheim is to wine. This small spa town has made a name for itself due to its rich vineyards, a major producer of wine ingredients. As such, the town became the destination of the festival where visitors and locals splurge on an impressive amount of wine. Dubbed as the world’s largest wine festival, it attracts half a million visitors annually. Though it can be crowded at times, the festive atmosphere of the event literally transforms the streets of Bad Dürkheim into a huge party event. There are tents in place, housing some live music and entertainment, as well as some local dishes and wines from around the country. It also features German street-foods and fireworks display just like Munich’s Oktoberfest, but replace the beer with wine.
Wurstmarkt
Address: Sankt-Michaels-Allee 10-22, 67098 Bad Dürkheim, Germany
Website: Wurstmarkt
Takes Place: September
Price: 25 EUR (27 USD)
8. Reeperbahn Festival, Hamburg
Reeperbahn Festival is Germany’s largest club festival with hundreds of events. Programs included in the events are concerts, films, and movie screenings, as well as live music performances. During this time of the year, Hamburg transforms into a hip and trendy place. The festival also promotes upcoming music talents, as well as gender equality by means of music. For over a decade since the festival was held, it has grown to be the most important destination for the conglomeration of music-lovers and the music industry in Europe. Check out this four-day festival and channel your inner musician.
Reeperbahn Festival
Address: St. Pauli, Hamburg, Germany
Website: Reeperbahn Festival
Takes Place: September
Price: 50 EUR (54 USD)
9. Rock am Ring, Mendig
Rock am Ring is another music festival from the countless other music fests of Germany. This music festival rocks the center stage of an old airbase at Mendig, Germany. This storm of a music fest is one of the largest and is the perfect stage that features different genres such as pop, metal, rap, and rock. Artists like 3 Doors Down, Alan Walker, and System of a Down showcase their incredible performances on the center stage. The energy in this rock event in Germany is tremendous and will surely make your heart skip a beat, and dance to the rhythm of the music.
Rock am Ring
Address: Mendig, Germany
Website: Rock am Ring
Takes Place: June
Price: 200 EUR (218 USD)
10. Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival, Ludwigsburg
Check out the world’s largest pumpkin festival hosted at Ludwigsburg, Germany. The festival revolves around pumpkin-related activities where you’ll get a chance to taste some unique and superb pumpkin delicacies, as well as witness some impressive pumpkin sculptures. Though there are different themes for each year, the usual setup is to make interesting art out of pumpkins for display. It also hosts a search-a-thon for the biggest pumpkin in Germany. You’ll see a number of ridiculously big pumpkins here, and the biggest of them all is crowned as the winner. But what’s a festive atmosphere without some groovy music, right? Immerse yourself with the sights of the festivities and enjoy the sounds as performers take the center stage amidst all the fanfare.
Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival
Address: im Blühenden Barock, 71640 Ludwigsburg, Germany
Website: Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival
Takes Place: August to December
Price: 9 EUR (10 USD)
Germany's historic festivals and charm
German festivals have made a name for themselves, and are renowned worldwide. The country is also an amazing holiday destination for having a merry good time amidst all the countless festivities and fanfare. The country’s deep-rooted history, world-famous cuisine, excessive drinks, colorful costumes, magnificent art, and commendable literature are undeniable. Book your next vacation here in Germany and check out some of the festivals listed above to experience German culture.
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