Altstadtfest Ottweiler

Ottweiler — Saarland's most beautiful small old town

In the Neunkirchen district, high above the Blies valley, lies one of Saarland's best-kept secrets: Ottweiler, former residential town of the Counts of Nassau-Saarbrücken, with one of the best-preserved baroque town centres in the region. Half-timbered houses, cobblestone alleys, an imposing castle, a Protestant town church from the 16th century — and once a year, this very backdrop transforms into a festival mile.

Three days, three squares, lots of music

The Altstadtfest Ottweiler is a classic three-day town festival. Various bands play on the three central stages over the weekend:

• Schlosshof — the largest stage, traditionally the opening keg tapping and main bands
• Rathausplatz — bands from the region, often more danceable acts
• Paulusecke / Alter Weiher — disco area and smaller stage

The Ferris wheel in the Schlosshof is the landmark of every edition — from above, you get a rare view of the old town's closed roofscape.

Club festival in its purest form

What distinguishes the event from larger, more commercialized town festivals: Most stalls are run by clubs from Ottweiler and the surrounding area. Sports clubs, carnival societies, scouts, fire brigades — they all use the weekend to boost their club funds. Applications for stall spaces are already open in early May, with the application deadline usually in early May (for 2026: May 6th). The result: an unusually wide culinary variety — from typical Saarland Schwenkbraten and Lyoner specialties to Franconian bratwurst, vegetarian options, and street food.

Atmosphere and audience

The audience mixes in a charming way: families from Ottweiler and the Neunkirchen district, former Ottweiler residents who travel back for the weekend, young people from Saarbrücken and Homburg, tourists who happen to pass by and stay. The atmosphere is relaxed throughout the three days, family-friendly, without the big-city event character. Free admission, food and drinks at club-friendly prices.

Explore the surroundings

Anyone who is in Ottweiler anyway should plan half a day for the old town without the festival hustle and bustle — the castle, town church, Münzgarten, the old Münzhaus. Hiking trails lead through the Bliestal valley and into the nearby forests. A trip to nearby Neunkirchen (with a zoo and Saarpark-Center) can also be easily combined.