Three days of music and conviviality in the historic old town
The Altstadtfest Lauf an der Pegnitz has been held for decades on the last weekend of June and has evolved from a market festival into one of the largest town festivals in the Nürnberger Land district. The medieval old town with its market square, the Spitalhof, and the narrow alleys forms the unique backdrop for three days of music, encounters, and Franconian conviviality.
Several stages spread throughout the old town provide a broad musical program starting in the afternoon. The range extends from brass music to jazz, blues, rock, and pop. Every square and every alley has its own character, so visitors can discover new sounds and atmospheres as they stroll through the old town.
A special hallmark of the festival is the canoe race on the Pegnitz river, traditionally held on Sunday around the Wenzelburg. From approximately 2 PM to 5 PM, participants paddle around the island with the Wenzelschloss, while spectators watch the spectacle from the Pegnitz meadows and bridges. Registration takes place on the race day on the Pegnitz meadow.
In addition to the music, a hobby and craft market, culinary stands with Franconian specialties, and city tours are part of the regular program. The Altstadtlauf, organized by Lebenshilfe, often takes place on Friday, attracting well-known runners from the region.
The Altstadtfest is organized each year by a Lauf club, supported by other clubs in the town. This volunteer-led initiative makes the festival an identity-forming event that strengthens community life in Lauf and the entire Nürnberger Land region.
The 44th Altstadtfest Lauf transforms the historic old town into a large festival mile again from June 26 to 28, 2026. The organizer for 2026 is the Segelflugclub Lauf, supported by DAV Sektion Lauf, Feuerschützengesellschaft Lauf, MC Lauf, and TV 1877 Lauf. Bands of all styles will play on several stages at the market square, in the Spitalhof, and in the alleys starting in the afternoon. On Sunday, the popular canoe race around the Wenzelburg is scheduled from approximately 2 PM to 5 PM (registration on the Pegnitz meadow approx. 11:30 AM–1 PM). A hobby and craft market and city tours complement the program.
Lauf an der Pegnitz is located in the Nürnberger Land district and is easily accessible from Nuremberg by S-Bahn (S1) and regional train; the old town is within walking distance of both Lauf train stations. By car via the A 9 or B 14. Traffic restrictions apply in the city center during the festival.
Admission to the Altstadtfest is free. Costs are incurred for food, drinks, and possibly participation in competitions.
Registration for the canoe race on Sunday on the Pegnitz meadow (approx. 11:30 AM–1 PM), start around 2 PM.
No photos yet. Share yours!
Max. 5 photos, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Help us keep this listing up to date. Each suggestion is reviewed by our team before being published.
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Share your experience with the community.
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Altstadtfest Lauf al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Marktplatz und Altstadt Lauf
Marktplatz, 91207 Lauf a.d.Pegnitz