Fulda Schützen- und Volksfest

A Festival Tradition Since 1327

The Fulda Schützen- und Volksfest is one of the oldest documented folk festivals in Germany. A Schützenfest (marksmen's festival) in Fulda is documented as early as 1327, during the reign of Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian – making the festival one of the oldest of all. The organizer is the Fuldaer Schützengesellschaft 1872 e.V. in close cooperation with the City of Fulda. Over the centuries, the citizens' marksmen's festival has evolved into a ten-day folk festival that attracts around 120,000 visitors to the festival grounds in the summer.

Volksfestplatz with 50 Fairground Attractions

The venue is the Volksfestplatz, just a few minutes' walk from the train station. Spread over 16,000 m², there are 50 fairground attractions with rides, food, and beverage stalls. Highlights include the roller coaster "Wilde Maus" with 400 m of track and tunnel passages, the 120° looping swing hybrid Davy Jones Delirium, and the traditional Ferris wheel Grand Soleil. Several children's carousels and family attractions complement the offering. The centerpiece is the Ochsenzelt with catering, live bands, and DJ sets.

Proclamation and Royal Family

The highlight of the program is the proclamation of the royal family, which, according to centuries-old tradition, takes place on the first Saturday at 6:30 PM in the Ehrenhof of the Stadtschloss. A festive procession then moves from the Stadtschloss to the festival grounds. The award ceremony for the marksmen's competitions concludes the folk festival on Sunday at 12:00 PM in the Ochsenzelt.

Fulda as a Festival City

The Baroque city of Fulda – a bishop's seat, university location, and hub in Osthessen – has celebrated the Schützenfest for generations as the highlight of the summer. The Cathedral, the City Palace, and the city center are not far from the festival grounds; many visitors combine their festival visit with a city tour in the Baroque old town.