Barbarossamarkt Gelnhausen

Season Opener for Showmen

The Barbarossamarkt Gelnhausen is more than just a spring Volksfest (folk festival) – it is the season opener for many showmen in the Rhine-Main region and in Hesse. Those on their May and June tours set up shop in Gelnhausen in early March and test their rides before the mass audience of spring and summer festivals. The 35th edition in 2026 marks a small anniversary: 35 years since 1992, organized by the Stadtmarketing- und Gewerbeverein Gelnhausen e.V. (Gelnhausen Marketing and Business Association) together with the city.

The City of Barbarossa

Gelnhausen, with around 25,000 inhabitants, is the district capital of the Main-Kinzig district and proudly bears the epithet "City of Barbarossa". It owes this to the Imperial Palace, which Frederick I Barbarossa had built around 1170 and which is considered one of the best-preserved imperial palace complexes in Germany today. The market is named after Emperor Barbarossa, and the festival takes place in the historic old town around the ruins of the Imperial Palace.

50,000 Visitors Expected

With approximately 50,000 expected visitors, the market is the largest spring Volksfest in East Hesse and the southern Main-Kinzig district. Mayor Christian Litzinger describes the market as "the festival that brings people back outdoors after the cold winter" – a season-opening character that applies to both showmen and visitors.

New in 2026: Children's Roller Coaster "Willy der Wurm"

In 2026, the market organizers are launching a true German premiere with the children's roller coaster "Willy der Wurm": The new ride is designed for children aged 6 and up and will be set up in Germany for the first time in Gelnhausen. In addition, there is a new family entertainment zone on the Untermarkt with a historic carousel and children's play equipment. "Pirates Adventure" returns after a one-year break.

The Ferris Wheel Classic

A landmark of the market is the Ferris wheel, which has been present every year since its first edition in 1992. The view over the medieval old town with the Marienkirche and the Imperial Palace in the background is one of the most popular motifs on Instagram during Wäldchestag.

120 Exhibitors from 300 Applications

The marketing department recorded a record in 2026: over 300 applications from showmen and market vendors for the approximately 120 available spots. This demonstrates the market's significance in the Hessian showman scene.

Security Infrastructure

In 2025, the city invested around €100,000 in over ten new anti-terror bollards – funded by the state of Hesse. The permanent bollards reduce the need for security personnel at large events and have been in use at the Barbarossamarkt ever since.