Duisburg Matjesfest

Germany's largest Matjesfest – since 1995

The Duisburg Matjesfest is one of the most established city festivals in North Rhine-Westphalia and, according to its organisers, "one of the oldest and largest events of its kind in Germany". Since its inception in 1995, tens of thousands of visitors have gathered in Duisburg city centre every year to celebrate the season of fresh Matjes – a herring delicacy whose tradition spread from the Netherlands via Emden to the Ruhr area and is now a firm fixture in the festival calendar every summer.

June 4th to 7th, 2026 – Four Days of Matjes Marathon

The 2026 edition runs from Thursday, June 4th to Sunday, June 7th, 2026. Opening hours:

• Thursday: 12:00 PM–10:00 PM
• Friday and Saturday: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM
• Sunday: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM

The official opening, with the cutting of the first barrel of Matjes, takes place on Thursday at 12:00 PM. The entire city centre around Königstraße, Sonnenwall, and Forum will be the venue.

100,000 to 120,000 Fillets – Impressive Figures

During the four festival days, according to the organisers, between 100,000 and 120,000 Matjes fillets are consumed – freshly prepared in the classic style with onions and gherkins, in a bun, with fried potatoes, or as Matjes bites. Accompanying these are cold drinks, Pils, Kölsch, white wine, and non-alcoholic alternatives. These numbers make the festival one of the most remarkable culinary events in Germany.

Maritime Programme – More Than Just Fish

The Matjesfest is more than just a culinary event. The maritime atmosphere runs through the entire programme:

• Live bands with sea shanty repertoire, maritime folk, and rock
• DJ sets on several stages
• Comedy performances related to the harbour and seafaring
• Maritime Bingo – a proven crowd-pleaser
• Stalls selling maritime souvenirs, wine, and Dutch specialities
• Family programme: giant anchor, photo spots, face painting for children

Duisburg – Port City with Matjes Tradition

Duisburg is located in the western Ruhr area at the confluence of the Ruhr and Rhine rivers and, with the Duisburg Port, is the largest inland port in the world. Its geographical location on the Rhine and its historical connection to the Netherlands have made the city a natural setting for the Matjes tradition. The Matjesfest leverages this identity and brings it to the city centre – far from the industrial port, right in the middle of the pedestrian zone.

Free Admission – Ideal for Day Trips

Admission is free, making the festival the perfect day trip destination from Düsseldorf, Cologne, Essen, Mülheim, and the entire Lower Rhine region. With Duisburg Central Station (ICE) and several S-Bahn lines, travel is easy. The festival grounds extend around Königstraße and Sonnenwall – both main arteries of the city centre.