Frühkirmes Riegelsberg

Season Kick-off in the Köllertal

The Frühkirmes Riegelsberg marks the start of the Kirmes (fair) season in the Regionalverband Saarbrücken. It traditionally takes place on the last weekend of April – as the days get longer and the first warm spring evenings arrive. The venue is the central market square in Riegelsberg, a town in the Köllertal with around 14,000 inhabitants on the northern edge of Saarbrücken.

What to Expect

Fairground operators set up on the market square and in the adjacent streets:

• Rides for all ages – carousels, swings, dodgems, smaller children's rides
• Candy stalls – cotton candy, candied almonds, crêpes, chocolate-covered fruit
• Food stands with Saarland Kirmes cuisine – bratwurst, Schwenker (Saarland-style grilled meats), Lyoner sausage, fries
• Shooting galleries, throwing games, grabber machines – classic fairground attractions

Around the market square, the downtown restaurants open their outdoor seating areas for spring lunches and dinners.

Riegelsberg — Easily Accessible

Riegelsberg is the terminus of Saarbahn Line 1 (Saarbrücken–Riegelsberg). From Saarbrücken main station, it takes about 30 minutes by Saarbahn. This makes visiting the Frühkirmes particularly easy – no searching for parking, no reliance on a car. From the Saarbahn terminus, it's a few minutes' walk to the market square.

Family Format

Unlike the large Pentecost fairs, the Frühkirmes Riegelsberg is a more family-oriented event. The stalls operate at a moderate volume, and the attractions are manageable – ideal for families with small children experiencing their first fair. Those seeking adrenaline can head to Eppelborn on Pentecost weekend (large village fair).

The Köllertal

Riegelsberg is located in the Köllertal, a side valley of the Saar river between Saarbrücken and Heusweiler. The valley is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and small villages. Those who wish to stay longer in the Köllertal on the day of the fair can find a dense network of hiking trails – the Köllertal hiking trail, for example, leads from Riegelsberg via Heusweiler to Püttlingen.