Frankfurt Wäldchestag

Frankfurt's "National Holiday"

The Frankfurter Wäldchestag is one of Germany's most unusual Volksfests – not because its rides are unusual, but because it takes place right in the middle of the forest. Over the Pentecost weekend, the Frankfurt City Forest around the Oberforsthaus transforms into a five-day Volksfest area, which Lord Mayor Mike Josef describes with the locally traditional phrase as the "Frankfurt National Holiday."

Tradition with an Unclear Origin

The exact history of the Wäldchestag is not clearly documented. Some sources trace it back to Pentecost processions of the craft guilds, others to a historical public holiday on Whit-Tuesday that was granted to Frankfurt employees. What is certain is that the Wäldchestag has been celebrated for centuries, always in the city forest, always over the Pentecost weekend – as a form of communal celebration in nature, which seems almost surprising in today's Frankfurt, a large city of apartment buildings.

13 Large Rides and a 45-Meter Ferris Wheel

The ride lineup for 2026 includes:

• 45-meter Ferris wheel as the visual centerpiece – offering views over the city forest and skyline
• Evolution – a high-thrill ride
• Break Dancer
• Haunted House
• Eight other large rides and roller coasters
• Eight children's carousels

New in 2026: Wine Tasting in the Ferris Wheel

This year's new program feature is the wine tasting in the Ferris wheel on Sunday, May 24th. During the ride, guests will taste wines from Frankfurt's city vineyard (Frankfurt has owned vineyards on the Lohrberg slopes since the Middle Ages), with views over the city forest and the skyline. An unusual combination of Volksfest and oenology.

"Behind the Scenes" Tours

Also new: guided behind-the-scenes tours on May 23rd, 24th, and 25th at 12 PM and 2 PM. Showmen, city officials, and Wäldchestag insiders will show how a Volksfest operates – from setup and logistics to sustainable waste management in the forest.

Waldtraut – the Mascot

For 23 years, a bee named Waldtraut has graced the posters – the Wäldchestag mascot. She now walks around the festival grounds as a costume character and even has her own Waldmeister liqueur. Such small details distinguish the Wäldchestag from other Volksfests: locally rooted, with identity, not an interchangeable mass event.

Getting There by Tram Through the Forest

The Wäldchestag is only accessible by car with restrictions – the area in the middle of the city forest has limited parking. Therefore, the city is providing additional services and longer trains on Tram Line 21 (Hauptbahnhof–Oberforsthaus) until well after midnight. Bus lines 61 and 80 will have increased service. A tram ride through the nocturnal city forest to the illuminated Ferris wheel is part of the Wäldchestag experience for many Frankfurt residents.