Ebbelwoifest Langen

Apple Wine as a Hessian Way of Life

Apfelwein – in Hessian dialect "Ebbelwoi" – is the unofficial national drink of Hesse. In Sachsenhausen, Bornheim, and all over the small towns of Hesse, the Bembel glass with the cloudy, slightly sour drink is part of the self-image. Langen – a city of 38,000 inhabitants in the southern Hessian commuter belt of Frankfurt – takes this tradition particularly seriously and has been celebrating what is probably the most picturesque apple wine festival in the region with the Ebbelwoifest since 1974.

When Fountains Spew Apple Wine

The trademark of the festival is the Vierröhrenbrunnen (Four-Pipe Fountain) in Langen's old town. During the festival, fresh apple wine flows from the historic fountain instead of water – an image that generates thousands of smartphone photos per year and has made the festival known far beyond the city. With this gimmick, the city celebrates its Hessian pride a little and gives the festival a distinctive character.

Ebbelwoidaaf and Ebbelwoikönig — the Rituals

Several curious traditions shape the festival:

• Ebbelwoidaaf: A satirical "baptism" for non-Hessians who have earned merit in the city. In a theatrical ceremony, they are "baptized" with apple wine and thus symbolically accepted into the Hessian community.
• Crowning of the Ebbelwoikönig/Ebbelwoikönigin: Whoever produced the best homemade apple wine of the year is crowned in a tasting. This is a serious competition with a jury and coverage in the local press.
• Ebbelwoistaffel: A competitive relay race with skill and luck tasks related to apple wine – with an ironically festive character.

Bachgasse Market and Heckenwirtschaften

On the weekend days, an arts and crafts and flea market unfolds in Bachgasse. Hobby artists, collectors, and manufacturers from the region sell directly here. At the same time, several Heckenwirtschaften open in the old town – these are traditional Hessian garden taverns where private individuals or small producers serve their own apple wine. This Hecken tradition makes the festival a home-grown experience rather than a pure tourist event.

Family Program and Fireworks

For families, there are carousels, food stalls, and hands-on activities. The traditional fireworks provide a grand finale, rounding off the festival on the weekend. Free admission – catering is provided by the association and local restaurateurs.

Organizer VVV 1877

Behind the festival is the Verkehrs- und Verschönerungsverein 1877 Langen e.V. (Traffic and Beautification Association 1877 Langen) – one of the oldest civic associations in the city. This sponsorship ensures the festival's close connection to the local community and the preservation of traditions.