HanseStadtFest Bunter Hering Frankfurt (Oder)

Frankfurt (Oder) and Słubice — Twin Cities on the Oder

Frankfurt (Oder) is a Hanseatic city in eastern Brandenburg, located directly on the German-Polish border. On the Polish side of the Oder lies its sister city, Słubice—which was a common district of Frankfurt until 1945. Today, a city bridge connects the two cities across the Oder, and both city administrations maintain intensive German-Polish cooperation. The HanseStadtFest "Bunter Hering" is the most spectacular example of this connection.

HanseStadtFest "Bunter Hering" — Identity in a Name

The name "Bunter Hering" (Colorful Herring) refers to Frankfurt's historical identity as a Hanseatic city and center of the herring trade: salted herring was one of the most important trade goods of the Hanseatic League. Today, "Bunter Hering" symbolizes the festival's diversity—music, culinary delights, markets, and culture in both German and Polish. The festival attracts over 100,000 visitors to the city center each year for three days. The organizer is Stadtmarketing Frankfurt (Oder), and the festival is part of the Frankfurt-Słubice Summer of Culture.

2026 Program — Rainbirds, BSOF-Bigband, Pure Island

The 2026 program (July 10-12, 2026) is spread across 5 stages in the city center. Confirmed acts include Rainbirds (performing on July 11) and the BSOF-Bigband on July 12 at 4 PM. Other festival components include the summer funfair (Sommerkirmes) with rides, the "Hüftgoldallee" with international street food, "Pure Island" as an electronic dance area, and the "Hansemarkt" featuring crafts and regional specialties. Parallel events take place on the Polish side (Słubice)—both festival streams converge across the city bridge.

Travel and Three Intense Days

Frankfurt (Oder) is accessible via the RE1 train from Berlin in 1 hour and 15 minutes. Słubice is within walking distance from Frankfurt (Oder) across the city bridge—there are no border checks (Schengen Area). Those wishing to extend their weekend can combine their festival visit with sightseeing at St. Mary's Church Frankfurt (a Gothic brick marvel), the Kleist Museum, or a tour of Helenesee. Admission to the entire festival is free.