Bartholomäusmarkt / Blumenkorso Bad Ems

Bad Ems, with just under 10,000 inhabitants, is one of Europe's most famous spa towns — recognised as a 'Bad' (spa) since the 19th century, it was a meeting place for European royal houses and prominent guests (Bismarck, Dostoyevsky, Goethe). In 2021, the town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the 'Great Spa Towns of Europe' — one of the eleven most important European spa resorts.

The Bartholomäusmarkt takes its name from Saint Bartholomew, whose feast day is on August 24th — precisely when the funfair traditionally takes place. The event is the largest funfair in Bad Ems and attracts tens of thousands of visitors from the entire Rhein-Lahn district, Koblenz, Limburg, and Wiesbaden over four days. Free admission, the entire festival area in the town centre is open to all.

The programme follows a dense four-day rhythm: Friday, August 28th, from 3 PM, opening with the ceremonial tapping of the first keg and initial concerts. Saturday, August 29th, is Schlager Day — the popular singer Rosanna Rocci will perform, followed by a grand fireworks display over the Lahn at 10 PM, illuminating the historic spa architecture by the water in spectacular light.

Sunday, August 30th, is the main day for visitors, featuring the Flower Parade — a colourful procession of flower-adorned floats through the town centre. Additionally, a music brunch starts at 11:30 AM and the Grand Crown Meeting takes place in the Kaiserbad from 1 PM — a gathering of wine queens, apple blossom queens, and other regional dignitaries, a social highlight. Monday, August 31st, the funfair concludes with a traditional Frühschoppen (morning pint).