Bergfest Rhinow

Volksfest in Lilienthal's Homeland

When the Bergfest begins on the Schützenplatz Rhinow, the small town comes alive once a year. Rhinow is located in the western Havelland, on the edge of the eponymous Rhinower Berge (Rhinow Hills) — a gently rolling hilly landscape that is surprisingly undulating for Brandenburg standards and gives the town its name. The Bergfest traditionally takes place on the first weekend in June and is the largest Volksfest of the year in Rhinow.

The Rhinow Hills and Otto Lilienthal

A small but significant fact: The Rhinow Hills are world-famous as the place where Otto Lilienthal, the "aviation pioneer" and inventor of the glider, died in a crash during one of his attempts on August 9, 1896. Today, there is a Lilienthal memorial stone in the hills, and the nearby Otto-Lilienthal-Centrum Stölln commemorates the history. The Bergfest does not fall on Lilienthal Day but is embedded in a region that proudly preserves its aviation history.

What to experience at the Bergfest

The Bergfest starts on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 2 PM on the Schützenplatz on Lilienthalstraße:

• Stage program with local music groups and show acts
• Festival tent with live bands and dancing
• Marksmen's competitions by the local shooting club
• Carousel, bouncy castle, children's games
• Food stalls with bratwurst, draft beer, sweets
• Market stalls from regional vendors
• Evening: Live band performance in the festival tent
• Later evening: Disco dancing

Rhinow — A Small Town with History

Rhinow has around 1,700 inhabitants and is one of the smallest towns in Brandenburg. Despite its small size, it maintains its town rights from the 13th century and a lively calendar of events. The Rhinower Schützengilde (Rhinow Marksmen's Guild) is the main organizer of the Bergfest, with the sports club, fire department, and local history society also actively involved.

Westhavelland — Nature and Stars

Rhinow is located in the middle of the Naturpark Westhavelland, an internationally recognized Star Park. The low light pollution makes the region a hidden gem for stargazers. In spring and summer, the lowland landscape is a mecca for birdwatchers and hikers. Those who want to combine the Bergfest with nature experiences can plan an excursion to the Stölln Otto-Lilienthal-Centrum or a hike in the Rhinow Hills.