The top 10 best German fests (festivals)

Thanks for this information Andreas and also for the "Americans, Holidaycheck.de" site. One of the members, Intrepid Berkely Explorer, had some interesting videos even if some were made many years ago. I watched the ones on Germany and France and found them to be informative. He is a unique individual for sure.

Keep in mind those are the top 10 most popular... that means most visited, most liked, most loved. Of course there are many, many smaller ones that are at as nice. There is a medieval castle right down by the Main river in Höchst, just outside of Frankfurt, close to the airport, accessible by tram and S-Bahn from downtown Frankfurt where once every year they have open air theatre play surrounded by a fest. It's fantastic and takes place 19 June to 12 July 2010.

Great list---thanks!

What about Rhein in Flammen? Or is that not considered a Fest?

Thanks for the list. What goes on during the Cannstatter Wasen and Mainfest?

I know I had a great time one year at Bonnfest. I just happened to be in the area at the right time (early September). I hope I get to go back someday.

I suppose a fest is something rather local, like Oktoberfest. It all takes place in one walkable geographic entity like a square or an old town or like in Frankfurt's case along the embankments of the river. Rhein in Flammen takes place on a river in several villages and towns. This is not a dictionary explanation, just an attempt to define it.Cannstatter Wasen is pretty much the same as Oktoberfest, just a tad smaller (although really just a tad) and instead of Bavarian the dialect is Swabian - out of towners don't understand either one. Both Frankfurt fests take place on both sides of the river, on the embankments facing each other and the two pedestrian and one regular (but closed for motorists) bridge. It's a lot of local art, art from around the world, local food, international food, beer, cider, party, live music...

While I am satisfied that maybe it did not make the list, the Weinfest in Bernkastel-Kues, or the Weinfest der MittelMosel, on the Mosel river is a wonderful fest in mid-September.

Meistertrunk Festival in Rothenburg ob der Tauber!

It's probably too small to be considered for this list, but we thought this medieval festival was a blast. Annually in late May.

I looked up Cannstatter Wasen... wow, I'll be in Mannheim, so I'm definitely going!

This might be too short notice but this weekend is Fressgass (Food Alley) fest in Frankfurt between the Old Opera House and Hauptwache. Great fun, lot's of Bratwurst and other Delikatessen. By the way where on Earth is Jo? I would have expected her to comment, respond or add input days ago...

Had a great week in Edinburgh with no computer.

Absolutely love the Museumsufer Fest in Frankfurt. It is one the premier events in Germany, drawing 3 million people over the weekend. That is more per day then the Oktoberfest, but it is spread out along the river on both sides and a tad more cultural. You don't see sloppy drunkeness and room rates don't skyrocket, as many people are attending from the surrounding Rhine-Main area. No massive busloads of tourists descending on the city. It is simply a great weekend fest attended by mainly Germans, though you will of course find people there from around the world.

For only 4 euro, you get a button that allows entrance to all the museums all weekend. The museums all have beautiful gardens where you can sit and listen to jazz or ethnic music and eat fabulous food from around the world. Dragon boat races are held, fireworks on Fri. and Sun. and each year the country that is featured at the Oct. book fair is featured at the Museumsufer Fest. Last year was China and this year is Argentina. Looking forward to some yummy S.American food and music.

The churches of downtown Frankfurt participate too, by having hourly organ concerts one night and choir concerts the other night. This keeps the crowd spread out through the whole downtown and river area.

Can you tell that I love going to this fest?

Here are some great websites that seem to cover almost all fests in all länder, but has them seperated out nicely:

http://www.jahrmaerk...deutschland.de/

http://www.dorffeste...deutschland.de/

http://www.weinfeste...deutschland.de/

http://www.stadtfest...deutschland.de/

http://www.volksfest...deutschland.de/

http://www.weihnacht...deutschland.de/

http://www.ostern-in-deutschland.de/

Enjoy!