Appeltatenkirmes Essen-Werden (Ludgerus Kirmes)

Essen's Oldest Kirmes — 800 Years of Tradition

The Appeltatenkirmes — also called Ludgerus Kirmes — is the oldest Kirmes in Essen and one of the oldest continuously celebrated folk festivals in North Rhine-Westphalia. Its roots reach back to the 12th century, when Abbot Bernhard von Wevelinghoven introduced the Kirmes as a harvest festival "for good harvests despite prolonged bad weather" — a celebration of thanks in honour of Saint Liudger, the founder of Werden Abbey and patron saint of the district.

From September 4th to 7th, 2026

The 2026 Appeltatenkirmes will take place from Friday, September 4th to Monday, September 7th, 2026 — a classic four-day folk festival in the tradition of Rhenish Kirmessen. Venue: the former grounds of the Werdener Feintuchwerke on Brückstraße in Essen's Werden district. The site of a former textile factory offers ample space for carousels, roller coasters, food stalls, and thousands of visitors.

The Appeltaten — The Apple Pastry That Gives the Festival Its Name

The "Appeltaten" are the culinary hallmark of the Kirmes: a special autumnal apple pie variant that has been part of the tradition for centuries. At the Kirmes, they are freshly prepared at several stalls — a sweet and sour temptation that has given the festival its name. Anyone who goes to the Kirmes in Werden without eating an Appeltate hasn't truly experienced the festival.

Classic Kirmes Programme

In addition to the namesake Appeltaten, the Kirmes offers the full programme of a Rhenish folk festival:

• Carousels and rides for all ages — from children's carousels to roller coasters
• Food stalls with bratwurst, fries, potato pancakes, pizza
• Sweet stalls with candied almonds, cotton candy, and of course Appeltaten
• Shooting galleries and throwing games with plush toys as prizes
• Beer stalls and cocktail bars
• Live music or DJ sets on the weekend

Essen-Werden — The Historic District

The Essen district of Werden is one of the oldest districts of modern Essen — formerly an independent town with the famous Imperial Abbey of Werden, founded in the 8th century by Saint Liudger (also Ludger or Ludgerus). The Werdener Basilica of St. Ludgerus is one of the most important Romanesque churches in the Ruhr area. The connection between Saint Liudger, the abbey, and the Kirmes makes the Appeltatenkirmes more than just a folk festival — it is part of the district's cultural identity.

Interessierte Schausteller GmbH

The organizer of the Kirmes is Interessierte Schausteller GmbH — the event company that coordinates stall allocation, permits, and advertising. The showman families who travel with their rides and stalls have often been in the business for generations — a subculture of the German folk festival scene.

Baldeneysee Lake for Recreation

Visitors to the Appeltatenkirmes should not miss Baldeneysee lake — the reservoir south of the Werden district is one of Essen's most important recreational areas. Walks by the lake, boat trips, hiking, cycling — all in close proximity to the Kirmes. A perfect family day out in September.