Jahrmarkt anno dazumal — LVR-Open Air Museum Kommern

Jahrmarkt anno dazumal — A Journey Through Time at the LVR-Open Air Museum Kommern

When the carousels spin at the LVR-Open Air Museum Kommern in the Eifel region from March 31 to April 12, 2026, it's not just the historic horse-drawn carousel turning – time itself is rewound. "Jahrmarkt anno dazumal" is Germany's largest historical funfair. Around 90 historical rides, carousels, shooting galleries, and puppet theatres gather on the museum grounds, bringing the amusement heritage from the Imperial era to the post-war period to life.

Three Eras, One Journey

Imperial Era (pre-1914)

• Carousel from 1885 — one of the oldest surviving rides in Germany
• Mechanical Shooting Galleries with iron figures and bell mechanisms
• Horse Tour — a hand-operated family carousel

1920s and 1930s

• Germany's Oldest Caterpillar Ride (built 1926) — the enclosed roller coaster where you ride under a canopy
• Swan Carousel with hand-painted wooden swans
• Stalls with dart throwing, dice, classic games of chance

Post-War Era (post-1945)

• Europe's Oldest Flea Circus (1948) — a curious folk amusement with real trained fleas, almost extinct
• Haunted House (1949) — one of the oldest in Germany
• Historic Dodgems from the first generation

Artistic Supporting Program

Between the rides, internationally booked show artists perform:

• Acrobats with traditional high-wire and ground shows
• Fire Eaters and Fire Breathers with historical choreography
• Puppet Theatre for families and children
• Barrel Organ Players in costumes of the respective era

Family Day — Maundy Thursday, April 2, 2026

On Maundy Thursday (April 2, 2026), the Family Day takes place: the €2 event surcharge is waived, and several stalls and rides offer discounts for families. If you're coming with children, this is the date to choose.

Good Friday — Funfair Closed, Museum Open

On Good Friday (April 3, 2026), the funfair is closed out of respect. However, the open-air museum with its historic houses remains open as usual. Those who want to experience the funfair should consciously avoid Good Friday.

LVR-Open Air Museum Kommern — One of Europe's Largest Open-Air Museums

The LVR-Open Air Museum Kommern (Auf dem Kahlenbusch 1, 53894 Mechernich) is one of the largest and most renowned open-air museums in Europe. Spread over approximately 100 hectares, it features over 75 historical buildings from the Rhineland — farmhouses, mills, bakehouses, workshops, chapels — all meticulously dismantled and rebuilt at the museum site. It is supported by the Landschaftsverband Rheinland (LVR). The "Jahrmarkt anno dazumal" is the museum's largest and most attended event of the year.

Mechernich and the Eifel Region

The town of Mechernich is located in the Euskirchen district, in southern North Rhine-Westphalia — on the edge of the North Eifel, between Cologne, Aachen, and Bonn. The open-air museum is situated in the Kommern district, nestled in the hilly Eifel landscape. Access via the A1 motorway (exit Bad Münstereifel/Mechernich), with parking directly at the museum.