Barbarossafest Obernkirchen
Historic town festival on the 4th weekend in June, commemorating Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, who granted Obernkirchen market rights in 1181
About Barbarossafest
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Town Festival with 845 Years of Tradition
When Frederick Barbarossa granted the town of Obernkirchen market rights in 1181, he didn't know that this privilege would still be the occasion for an annual town festival 845 years later. The Barbarossafest is an expression of the citizens' unbroken identification with their long history as a mining, forge well, and collegiate town. It is traditionally celebrated on the fourth weekend in June, provided no church holidays conflict.
Alternation with the Bürgerschützenfest
Obernkirchen has two major town festivals that alternate annually: the Barbarossafest and the Bürgerschützenfest (BSF). While the Marksmen's Festival focuses on the club structures of the citizens' marksmen, the Barbarossafest is the open town festival with a market, stage, and medieval program. The BSF took place in 2025; 2026 is a Barbarossafest year. Both festivals are organized by the city administration in cooperation with clubs and the church community.
Medieval Market and Camp
Medieval groups set up their tents on the market square in front of the collegiate church. Blacksmiths, bow makers, potters, and candle makers demonstrate their crafts. Camp life with costumes, food, and music transports visitors back to the Staufer era. There is a special knight program for children with mock fights, wooden swords, and coat of arms painting.
Concerts and Stage Program
Regional bands and choirs perform on the main stage. The spectrum ranges from medieval music with hurdy-gurdy and bagpipes to folk and cover rock, and dance music on Saturday evening. Admission is free. Performances are announced in advance via the city's website and local press.
Flea Market and Services
The traditional flea market on Saturday and Sunday extends throughout the entire old town. Hundreds of vendors from the region sell bric-a-brac, antiques, and homemade goods. On Sunday, the collegiate church hosts an ecumenical festival service that underscores the historical connection between the town and the church.
Barbarossafest — edition 2026
Three Days of Town Festival in the Collegiate Town
The Barbarossafest 2026 will start on Friday evening with the official opening and a first concert. Saturday and Sunday will be dedicated to the medieval market, flea market, and family program. The highlight is the historical parade on Saturday afternoon, where the town's society and clubs march through the old town in costume.
Programme Barbarossafest 2026
Program June 19th to 21st, 2026 (Expected)
The exact program for 2026 will be published by the organizer in spring/summer. The structure follows the proven key points of previous years:
- Friday 19.6. — 6 PM official opening at the market square, opening concert
- Saturday 20.6. — 10 AM medieval market opens, all-day flea market in the old town, 2 PM historical parade, live music on the main stage in the evening
- Sunday 21.6. — 10 AM ecumenical festival service in the collegiate church, followed by a morning pint with brass music, further flea market, family program, 5 PM winding down
Recurring Elements
- Medieval market with blacksmith, archery, pottery
- Camp life with food and drink from the Staufer era
- Flea market with hundreds of vendors
- Children's knight program with mock fights
- Regional concerts of all styles
Highlights Barbarossafest 2026
- Town festival celebrating the 845th anniversary of market rights (1181-2026)
- Large medieval market with camp on the market square
- Historical parade on Saturday afternoon
- Flea market throughout the entire old town
- Ecumenical festival service in the collegiate church
Prices Barbarossafest 2026
Practical information — Barbarossafest
Venue
Market Square, Collegiate Church, and Old Town, 31683 Obernkirchen
Date 2026
Expected Friday to Sunday, June 19th to 21st, 2026 (4th weekend in June, date subject to change)
Admission
Free admission to all areas
Program Overview
Medieval market, flea market, concerts, showmen, service, parade
Directions
B65 Stadthagen-Bückeburg, exit Obernkirchen. City center partially closed during the festival; parking lots on the outskirts are signposted.
Organizer
City of Obernkirchen in cooperation with clubs and the church community
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Barbarossafest al mejor precio.
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