Brunnenfest Bad Sooden-Allendorf

Salt has shaped the town for over 1,000 years

Bad Sooden-Allendorf on the Werra river in the North Hesse district of Werra-Meißner is an old saltworks town. "Salt has determined the history of our town for over 1,000 years" – for centuries, salt was boiled from the brine water, securing the town's prosperity. Today, Bad Sooden-Allendorf is a spa town offering brine treatments, and the historic saltworks is a tourist magnet.

Brunnenfest since 1584

The Brunnenfest originated in 1584 as a thanksgiving festival for the brine and salt – initiated by Pastor Rhenanus, who founded the tradition. According to research, this makes it the second oldest Volksfest in North Hesse and one of the oldest continuously celebrated festivals in Germany. It is celebrated during Pentecost – the religious connection was important to the pastor.

2026 from May 22nd to 25th

The 2026 edition runs from Friday, May 22nd to Monday, May 25th. Four days of festivities in the historic old town of Sooden, the spa district of the twin town Bad Sooden-Allendorf.

Salt Boiling – The Central Spectacle

In front of the old salt office, a historic saltworks and salt pan is reconstructed. Here, salt makers demonstrate in several sessions per day how the brine water is evaporated over a wood fire until only the salt remains. This process takes almost 3 hours – a meditative and spectacular piece of living industrial history.

Pentecost Monday Service with Salt Sermon

The highlight is the Pentecost Monday service in St. Mary's Church Sooden: with a festive proclamation and the traditional salt sermon, which focuses on the historical and religious significance of salt. Salt as a symbol of constancy, as a foodstuff, and as a source of the town's prosperity is embedded theologically and culturally.

Procession and Catering

In addition, there is a procession, culinary stands in the half-timbered alleys of the old town, catering stands run by local clubs, and spa concerts. With its half-timbered houses and the loop of the Werra river, Bad Sooden-Allendorf provides an unusually picturesque backdrop for the festival.