Gaggenau Autumn Fair

Volksfest with Murg Valley Identity

The Gaggenau Herbstmesse is one of the most traditional Volksfests in the northern Black Forest. The city of Gaggenau (Rastatt district, state of Baden-Württemberg) is the organizer. For four days — Friday to Monday, September 25th to 28th, 2026 — showmen, market vendors, and carousels fill the city center. The fair is officially considered "the largest Volksfest in the Murg Valley" — making it a central event in the festival calendar for the entire region.

Program and Offerings

The focus is on the rides: Ferris wheel, dodgems, roller coaster modules, children's grills, shooting galleries. In addition, market vendors line the city center with market goods — leather goods, sweets, candied almonds, herbs and spices, tools, and household items. Food stalls offer Schwenkbraten (grilled pork neck), Currywurst, fries, crêpes, and mulled wine — typical Volksfest fare.

Sunday Shopping

On Sunday, September 27th, 2026, from 12 PM to 5 PM, Gaggenau's shops will open in parallel with the fair. This combination traditionally makes Sunday the busiest day — shoppers eat and ride a carousel. The city center will be bustling, with a family-friendly atmosphere.

Travel by Murgtalbahn

A special feature of Gaggenau: the city is located directly on the Murgtalbahn, which operates as a Stadtbahn (light rail) of the KVV (Karlsruhe Transport Association) into the Black Forest hinterland. This makes traveling by public transport convenient, even from Karlsruhe (S31/S41, approx. 45 min) — and reduces parking problems.

Gaggenau — Murg Valley City

With around 30,000 inhabitants, Gaggenau is the main center of the lower Murg Valley and is known for the Daimler plants. Besides the summer city festival, the Herbstmesse is the second major city event — and for many Gaggenau residents, it's an opportunity to meet up again after the summer.