Erntedankfest auf Burg Wissem

A Castle, a Weekend, a Harvest Festival

Burg Wissem in Troisdorf is one of the most beautiful castle complexes in the Rhein-Sieg district – a moated castle from the 14th century, nestled in the Burgwiesental valley between the Sieg and Aggerwald forests. Once a year, when the city of Troisdorf hosts the Erntedankfest (Harvest Festival) on the castle grounds, the complex transforms into a festival meadow with a warm, rural atmosphere. In 2026, the Erntedankfest will take place on October 3rd and 4th – one of the most well-known autumn dates in the greater Cologne/Bonn area.

Over 50 Stalls with Regional and Handmade Goods

More than 50 stalls are spread across the courtyard and park surrounding the castle. The offerings are clearly focused on autumn and regional products: apple wine and apple juice, pumpkins in all variations, honey from the region, sausages and cheese from farms in the Rhein-Sieg district and the Bergisches Land, liqueurs, jams, baked goods, chestnuts, mulled wine. In addition, there are artisans with felt work, wood carvings, ceramics, willow weaving, and textiles.

Walk-Acts and Children's Activities

Complementing the market activities, walk-acts create atmosphere: stilt walkers in harvest themes, medieval musicians, small theater performances. For children, there are play activities centered around the harvest theme: straw bale games, pumpkin carving, apple pressing, corn maze, petting zoo. This explicitly makes the Erntedankfest family-friendly.

Burg Wissem as a Cultural Center

Burg Wissem is not only a festival backdrop but also the location of the Picture Book Museum of the city of Troisdorf – a unique museum in Germany for children's book illustrations. Visitors coming for the Erntedankfest weekend can combine their visit with the museum (admission extra) – a perfect family outing.

Troisdorf in the Rhein-Sieg District

Troisdorf belongs to the Rhein-Sieg district and is conveniently located between Cologne and Bonn. The city is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026 – the Erntedankfest on Burg Wissem is one of the highlight events in the anniversary year, alongside the Family Festival (May) and the City Festival (Summer).

Romantic Atmosphere and Autumn Colors

What makes the Erntedankfest special is the atmosphere: the castle in the background, the park with golden autumn colors, the regional stalls with apple wine and mulled wine in hand, soft lighting in the evening. A family outing during the day, a romantic evening stroll on Sunday.

What Else You Can Do on the Weekend

Those who extend their weekend in Troisdorf will find numerous additional activities: walks along the Sieg river, a visit to the Picture Book Museum at the castle, day trips to Cologne or Bonn (each 20 minutes by S-Bahn), hikes in the Aggerwald or the Siebengebirge. Accommodation is available in Troisdorf and surrounding hotels.