35th Emden Matjes Days and Traditional Ship Meeting
Maritime Volksfest (folk festival) with over 24 traditional ships, shanty choirs, and a culinary Matjes program at Ratsdelft Emden
About Emden Matjes Days
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A Herring Festival with Over 450 Years of History
Emden Matjes is a protected regional specialty with a tradition dating back to the 16th century. The salting of herring in the port city of Emden is documented as early as 1572. The Matjes Days annually celebrate this culinary tradition at the end of May – at the same time, the festival marks the beginning of the Matjes season, during which young herring, caught before reaching sexual maturity, are mildly cured using an old method.
Traditional Ship Meeting at Ratsdelft
The historic Ratsdelft is the center of the festival, where around 24 traditional ships dock – including classic tall ships like the Großherzogin Elisabeth, as well as loggers, cutters, tjalks, and galeasses. The ships can usually be visited; harbor tours and sailing trips are sometimes offered. The steamship Prinz Heinrich participates with historical harbor tours on Saturday at 1:45 PM and 3:45 PM.
Music, Maritime Flair, and Market
Shanty choirs, folk, pop, and rock bands perform on several stages along the harbor. In addition, there is a large flea market, market stalls with maritime decorations and crafts, and a wide gastronomic selection – with fresh Matjes, of course, served classically with onions, beans, and boiled potatoes, but also in modern variations.
Matjes Run and Accompanying Program
The 34th Emden Matjes Run on Saturday, May 30th, 2026, is integrated into the Matjes Days, traversing the city center with fun runs over distances from 600 m to 10 km. With up to 180,000 visitors over three days, the festival is one of East Frisia's most popular events.
Emden Matjes Days — edition 2026
The 35th edition promises the classic program structure: Opening on Friday evening, a full festival day on Saturday with the Matjes Run and harbor tours, and closing on Sunday. The harbor promenade around Ratsdelft will feature several stages; the steamship Prinz Heinrich will participate with historical harbor tours on Saturday at 1:45 PM and 3:45 PM.
New artists are expected to complement the musical program, according to preliminary reports from the Nordwest-Zeitung. The festival is considered the most important attraction of the entire East Frisian summer festival season and significantly shapes Emden's cityscape during the long weekend.
Programme Emden Matjes Days 2026
The exact program for 2026 will be published by the organizer in the spring. The structure follows the proven cornerstones of previous years:
- Friday, May 29th, 2026 – Festival opening at Ratsdelft, arrival of traditional ships, performances by the first bands and shanty choirs
- Saturday, May 30th, 2026 – 34th Emden Matjes Run through the city center (600 m to 10 km), harbor tours with the steamship Prinz Heinrich at 1:45 PM and 3:45 PM, live program on several stages, flea market
- Sunday, May 31st, 2026 – Family Day, morning pint, further concerts, market stalls, and ship visits
- Throughout the event: over 24 traditional ships at Ratsdelft and Alter Binnenhafen, Matjes stands, regional specialties, beer and drinks available
Detailed stage plans and the complete ship registry will be published in the weeks before the festival on emden-touristik.de.
Highlights Emden Matjes Days 2026
- 35th edition of Emden's maritime summer highlight
- Over 24 traditional ships including Großherzogin Elisabeth
- 34th Emden Matjes Run on Saturday, May 30th, 2026
- Shanty choirs, live bands, flea market, market stalls
- Harbor tours with the steamship Prinz Heinrich
Prices Emden Matjes Days 2026
Practical information — Emden Matjes Days
Date 2026
- Friday, May 29th, 2026 to Sunday, May 31st, 2026
- Matjes Run: Saturday, May 30th, 2026
Location
- Ratsdelft and Alter Binnenhafen, Emden City Center
- 26721 Emden, East Frisia, Lower Saxony
Admission
- Free admission to the festival grounds
- Matjes Run and individual boat tours are subject to a fee
Getting There
- Emden Hauptbahnhof (main train station), approx. 15 min. walk to Ratsdelft
- By car via the A 31 or A 28 motorways
- P+R parking lots on the outskirts and public transport shuttles
Organizer
- City of Emden / Emden Tourist Information
- Website: emden-touristik.de
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Emden Matjes Days al mejor precio.
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