Erfurter Altstadtfrühling
Spring Volksfest on the Domplatz with Germany's tallest mobile free-fall tower and 58 showman businesses
About Altstadtfrühling Erfurt
Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Altstadtfrühling Erfurt al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Opening of the Erfurt Volksfest Season
For decades, the Erfurter Altstadtfrühling has opened the Volksfest season of Thuringia's state capital. From March 28 to April 12, 2026, Domplatz Erfurt — Europe's largest medieval square and the city's landmark — will transform into a colourful festival mile with rides, carousels, food stalls, and family entertainment. With around 300,000 visitors annually, the festival is one of Thuringia's most visited spring events.
58 Showman Businesses and Spectacular Rides
The 2026 Altstadtfrühling brings together 58 showman businesses with classic and spectacular rides:
- Fortress Tower — Germany's tallest mobile free-fall tower (approx. 80m high) offers a clear view over the Cathedral, St. Severus Church, and the old town before the plunge
- Wilde Maus — family-friendly roller coaster with fast turns
- Robotix — looping attraction with fire effects
- Dschungel-Camp — new in 2026, multi-story jungle adventure facility
- Classic carousels, Ferris wheel, dodgems, and children's rides
Domplatz as a Spectacular Backdrop
What makes the Altstadtfrühling special among German spring festivals is its unique location: Domplatz Erfurt. As the Ferris wheels turn, the Gothic Cathedral and St. Severus Church rise in the background on the Domberg hill. The combination of showman artistry and medieval city architecture creates an atmosphere unmatched by any other spring Volksfest in Germany.
Easter at the Festival Grounds
As the festival includes the Easter period, there are special family offers: on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, the Easter Bunny visits the festival grounds between 2 PM and 5 PM, distributing surprises and Easter ride vouchers. The festival grounds are closed on Good Friday out of respect for the solemn holiday.
Erfurt — Thuringia's State Capital
The state capital Erfurt (approx. 215,000 inhabitants) is located in the centre of the state of Thuringia. The medieval old town with Domplatz, Krämerbrücke, and Augustinian Monastery is among the best-preserved in Germany. Visitors to the Altstadtfrühling often combine the Volksfest with a stroll through the old town or a visit to the Augustinian Monastery, the former place of work of Martin Luther.
Altstadtfrühling Erfurt — edition 2026
2026 Edition
The 2026 edition spans 16 days and brings together 58 showman businesses against the backdrop of Erfurt Cathedral. New to the programme: the multi-story Dschungel-Camp as a new adventure attraction. The Fortress Tower remains the spectacular highlight — Germany's tallest mobile free-fall tower with a height of approx. 80m.
The 2026 Altstadtfrühling includes the Easter period: on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, the Easter Bunny visits families at the festival grounds, distributing surprises and Easter ride vouchers. The festival grounds are closed on Good Friday.
Programme Altstadtfrühling Erfurt 2026
Opening — Saturday, March 28, 2026
- 3:00 PM: Official opening ceremony on Domplatz
- Start of festival operations on all rides
Rides and Attractions 2026
- Fortress Tower — Germany's tallest mobile free-fall tower (approx. 80m)
- Wilde Maus — family-friendly roller coaster
- Robotix — Looping with fire effects
- Dschungel-Camp — new in 2026, multi-story adventure facility
- Ferris wheel, dodgems, carousels, children's rides
- Game stalls, shooting galleries, lottery stalls
- Food and drinks: Bratwurst, crêpes, cotton candy, gingerbread hearts, vegetarian options
Special Days
- Good Friday, April 3, 2026 — closed
- Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, 2-5 PM — Easter Bunny visit, distribution of surprises and Easter ride vouchers
- Easter Monday, April 6, 2026, 2-5 PM — second Easter Bunny visit
Opening Hours
- Weekdays: 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Weekends and public holidays: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Highlights Altstadtfrühling Erfurt 2026
- Spring Volksfest on Erfurt's Domplatz against the backdrop of the Gothic Cathedral
- 58 showman businesses
- Fortress Tower — Germany's tallest mobile free-fall tower
- New in 2026: Dschungel-Camp adventure attraction
- Wilde Maus, Robotix with fire effects, Ferris wheel
- Easter Bunny on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday 2-5 PM
- Opening of the Erfurt Volksfest season
- Approximately 300,000 visitors annually
Prices Altstadtfrühling Erfurt 2026
Free entry to the festival grounds. Rides and food at showman prices (approx. €4-8 per ride). Family discount packages available on several rides.
Practical information — Altstadtfrühling Erfurt
Date 2026
March 28 to April 12, 2026.
Opening Hours
Weekdays 2-10 PM. Weekends 11 AM-10 PM. Closed on Good Friday (April 3, 2026).
Opening
Saturday, March 28, 2026, 3 PM — official opening ceremony on Domplatz.
Location
Domplatz Erfurt, 99084 Erfurt.
Admission
Free entry to the festival grounds. Rides and food at showman prices.
Getting There
By train: Erfurt Hbf ICE station, then approx. 10 min. walk or tram lines 3, 4, or 6 to Domplatz. Parking in the Domplatz or Anger car parks.
Dogs and Hygiene
Dogs only allowed on a leash and with a muzzle on the festival grounds.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
Max. 5 photos, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Spotted an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Each suggestion is reviewed by our team before being published.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Altstadtfrühling Erfurt al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Where it takes place Altstadtfrühling Erfurt
Domplatz Erfurt
Domplatz, 99084 Erfurt