Schweinfurt Volksfest
| Schweinfurt Volksfest Schweinfurter Volksfest | |
|---|---|
Schweinfurt Volksfest 2025 | |
| Status | Active |
| Genre | Volksfest (folk festival) |
| Date(s) | Annually in June (In 2025: June 20–29) |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Location(s) | Volksfestplatz, Niederwerrner Straße, Schweinfurt, Bavaria, Germany |
| Coordinates | 50°2′53″N 10°12′7″E / 50.04806°N 10.20194°E |
| Country | Germany |
| Years active | 1909–present (with wartime interruptions) [1] |
| Founder | Verein zur Hebung und Förderung des Fremdenverkehrs [2] |
| Organised by | City of Schweinfurt, Department of Public Order |
| Website | volksfest-schweinfurt.de |
The Schweinfurt Volksfest is an annual Volksfest (beer festival and travelling funfair) in Schweinfurt, Lower Franconia in Bavaria, Germany. Established in 1909, the festival runs for about 10 days each year and is a significant cultural event in the region.[2][3]
History
The first event took place in 1909 and marked the beginning of the city’s Volksfest tradition. At time Schweinfurt experienced rapid growth and the city administration looked for ways to make the city more attractive and promote tourism. An idea emerged to organise a large public festival on the western part of the Maininsel (an island on the river Main), in the area historically known as the "Bleichrasen".[4]
The event was inspired by earlier traditions such as the Vogelschießen (bird shooting) festival, which had been held since 1787.[5]
The inaugural Volksfest began on 9 June 1909 with a parade to the festival grounds through Bauerngasse led by festival host Baron Muckl followed by beer wagons from the Christian Wagner brewery.
The Bleichrasen was transformed into a lively festival ground, featuring attractions such as a cinematograph (early cinema), carousel, maze and a toboggan slide. There were also food stalls and a dance platform with a maypole.
A main attraction was the massive beer hall that could accommodate 5000 people. A Maß (1 liter) of beer cost 30 Pfennig (approximately €1.95 when adjusted for inflation).
On 17 June 1909 the festival ended with a large fireworks display. The Volksfest quickly became a significant annual event, laying the foundation for Schweinfurt’s long-standing tradition of public festivals.[5]
Cultural Significance
Folk festivals in Bavaria hold significant cultural importance as traditional events deeply rooted in local history and community life. They serve as inclusive celebrations meant for everyone, offering a space for families, friends and neighbours to socialise together. [6] Schweinfurt Volksfest has been celebrated since the beginning of the 20th century making it a longstanding tradition that brings generations of people together. Its endurance highlights its role as a key annual event in the region’s cultural calendar. [7] It usually takes place two weeks beginning Friday after Corpus Christi. [7]
The event showcases Franconian culinary traditions,[7] with regional specialties and beer brewed by local breweries served in beer tents and beer gardens, supporting local producers. [8]
Highlights
Opening Ceremony
In 2025 Sebastian Remelé as mayor Oberbürgermeister (German) of the city of Schweinfurt, opened the Schweinfurt Volksfest on 20 June. This was his final time performing this ceremonial duty as mayor of Schweinfurt.[9]
Rides
Schweinfurt Volksfest features a diverse selection of rides catering to visitors of all ages. The event features high-adrenaline rides such as a drop tower and roller coasters, alongside classic fairground favourites like bumper cars, swing rides and a large Ferris wheel.[10]
| Name | Type/Feature | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Autoskooter | Bumper cars | Classic bumper cars, featuring new vehicles in 2025. |
| Beach Walking | Walkable water balls | Hollow spheres on water. |
| Break Dance | Breakdance | Classic spinning ride with rotating seats. |
| Crazy Mine | Spinning Coaster | Fully themed spinning coaster, 430 metres (1,410 ft) of track, 17 metres (56 ft) height difference, the first time in Schweinfurt. |
| Evergreen | Jumping horse carousel | One of the largest nostalgic carousels in Germany. |
| Flip Fly | Inversion Ride | Popular ride featuring full inversion.[12] |
| Geisterstadt | Ghost Train (Haunted House) | Two-story horror ride with moving figures and effects. |
| Glaswerk | Glass & Mirror Maze | Maze of mirrors and glass panels. |
| Kinder-traum-schleife | Amusement ride | A child ride featuring miniature vehicles that travel on a circular track. |
| Mike's Pit Stop | Fun house | Workshop-themed walkthrough with sound and water effects. |
| Piratenjumping | Children's trampoline | Trampoline jumping for kids. |
| Predator | Thrill ride | Rotating inverting gondola ride for thrill-seekers. |
| Riesenrad | Ferris wheel | Large wheel offering a bird's-eye view of Schweinfurt and the festival grounds. |
| Skyfall | Drop tower | 80 metres (260 ft) tall free fall tower offering panoramic views and a thrill drop. |
| Star Ralley | Bumper cars | Child-friendly bumper car ride. |
| Wellenflieger | Swing ride | Traditional swing carousel. |
| Wildwasser | Log flume | Classic water ride suitable for families. |
| Zauberschloss | Children's ride | Fairytale-themed ride for kids. |
Fireworks
The Volksfest featured two fireworks displays during the 2025 run. The festival opened with fireworks on 20 June at 22:30, following the official opening ceremony. The event concluded with farewell fireworks show on 29 June at 22:30.[13]
Facts and data
Beer prices
Maß (1 liter) of beer prices at Schweinfurt Volksfest over the years.
| Year | Price | Price adjusted for inflation |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | €11.80 [10] | |
| 2024 | €11.30 [14] | |
| 2008 | €5.80 [15] | Approximately equivalent to €8 in 2023 |
| 2002-2006 | €5.30 [16] | Approximately equivalent to €8 in 2023 |
| 1999 | DM 8.9 [16] | |
| 1976 | DM 3.2 [17] | |
| 1909 | 30 Pfennig [5] | Approximately €1.95 in 2025 |
Further reading
- Howora, Larissa; Adlfinger, Dieter (2009). 100 Jahre Schweinfurter Volksfest 1909–2009. Schweinfurter Museumsschriften. Museen und Galerien der Stadt Schweinfurt. ISBN 978-3-936042-48-1.
- Official Schweinfurt Volksfest website (in German)
References
- ^ "100 Jahre Volksfest: Murphy und das Riesenmädchen". mainpost (in German). 2009-03-26. Retrieved 2025-07-01.
- ^ a b "Schweinfurt Volksfest". Schweinfurtführer - Ein Führer durch Schweinfurt und seine Geschichte (in German). Retrieved 2025-07-01.
- ^ Howora, Larissa; Adlfinger, Dieter (2009). 100 Jahre Schweinfurter Volksfest 1909–2009 (in German). Schweinfurt: Museen und Galerien der Stadt Schweinfurt. ISBN 978-3-936042-48-1.
- ^ Gutermann, Hubert (1928). Alt-Schweinfurt (in German) (12., überarbeitete Auflage ed.). Würzburg: Mediengruppe Main-Post GmbH. ISBN 3-925232-22-2.
{{cite book}}: ISBN / Date incompatibility (help) - ^ a b c "Die Idee einer großen Veranstaltung" [The Idea of a Big Event]. 100 Jahre Schweinfurter Volksfest (in German). Schweinfurt: Mediengruppe Main-Post. 2009.
- ^ Robert (2020-02-22). "Bavarian Volksfest". Robert Behrendt. Retrieved 2025-07-03.
- ^ a b c "Events - Folk Festivals - Tourismusverband Franken". www.frankentourismus.com. Retrieved 2025-07-03.
- ^ "Volksfest 2025: Schweinfurt bereit für die Festlichkeiten!". Volksfest 2025 (in German). Retrieved 2025-07-03.
- ^ Redaktion (2025-06-08). "Das Schweinfurter Volksfest startet am 20. Juni – und das sind die vielen Höhepunkte". Mainfranken News (in German). Retrieved 2025-07-02.
- ^ a b "Stadt Schweinfurt | Bürgerinformationen". www.schweinfurt.de (in German). Retrieved 2025-07-02.
- ^ "Fahrgeschäfte & Buden". Volksfest (in German). Retrieved 2025-07-02.
- ^ "Flip Fly (Clauß)". Ride-Index.de (in German). 2024-08-25. Retrieved 2025-07-02.
- ^ "Festprogramm". Volksfest (in German). Retrieved 2025-07-02.
- ^ "Schweinfurt: Kiff-Verbot beim Volksfest". Radio Charivari Würzburg (in German). Retrieved 2025-07-02.
- ^ "Volksfest-Maß kostet 5,80 Euro". mainpost (in German). 2008-05-09. Retrieved 2025-07-02.
- ^ a b "Erfolgreich ins neue Millennium" [Successfully into the New Millennium]. 100 Jahre Schweinfurter Volksfest (in German). Schweinfurt: Mediengruppe Main-Post. 2009.
- ^ "Nach der Sünde geht's hoch Hinau" [After the Sin, It’s Up High]. 100 Jahre Schweinfurter Volksfest (in German). Schweinfurt: Mediengruppe Main-Post. 2009.