Franz, let's celebrate! – Kaiser Franz Fortress Park Family Festival

With "Franz, let's celebrate!", the City of Koblenz is celebrating the opening of the second development phase of the Kaiser Franz Fortress Park in the Lützel district. The park was built on the remains of the historic Kaiser Franz Fortress, part of the once extensive Prussian fortress system of Koblenz, and has been gradually developed into a public green space over the years.

A Fortress Becomes a City Park

The Kaiser Franz Fortress was built in the 19th century as part of the largest Prussian fortress system in Europe. For a long time, it was hardly accessible. With the first development phase of the fortress park, the city opened up part of the area to the public – the second phase continues this path: a new Poterne (subterranean fortress passage) will be accessible, the Grabenwehr (moat defence) will have an open-air stage, and new pathways will connect the park with the surrounding Lützel district.

Opening Event on May 9

The family festival is the opening event of a planned annual series intended to establish the fortress park as a cultural and social hub. The afternoon will feature live music in the Grabenwehr, guided tours of the complex with explanations of its history and restoration, and dramatic performances.

Programme for Families

For children, there will be face painting, a musical instrument workshop where they can try out trumpets, drums, and string instruments, a craft station with handmade gifts for the upcoming Mother's Day, and exploration tours through the fortress complex. The festival is specifically aimed at young families from Koblenz and the surrounding districts.

Commitment of the BUGA-Freunde

Behind the fortress park is the long-standing commitment of the BUGA-Freunde Koblenz e.V. (Friends of BUGA Koblenz Association), who have been driving the development of Koblenz's green spaces since the 2011 Federal Garden Show. The family festival symbolically represents the transition from a construction site to a vibrant city park – a piece of Koblenz urban development being celebrated with families, associations, and the city community.