Kelheimer Fischerfest

Kelheimer Fischerfest — when the fishermen open the Volksfest

The Kelheimer Fischerfest is a Lower Bavarian specialty: a classic Volksfest with a beer tent, amusement rides, and stalls, but thematically shaped by fishing. It was founded in 1966 by Kelheim fish master Otto Stadler, whose family business — today's Fischbraterei Stadler — still plays a central role in the festival's events.

Kelheim — City on Three Rivers in the Kelheim District

Kelheim is located in Lower Bavaria (state of Bavaria) and is the seat of the district of the same name. The city, with around 17,000 inhabitants, lies at the confluence of the Altmühl with the Danube and forms the southern gateway to the Danube Gorge near Weltenburg Abbey. Fishing has shaped the city since the Middle Ages — the Danube and the Altmühl were always rich fishing grounds.

Festival Opening — Parade from Rathausplatz

As in previous years, the traditional parade on Wednesday evening starting at 6:00 PM from Rathausplatz to the festival grounds will kick off the event in 2026. Festival hosts, fishermen in historical costumes, local music bands, and amusement park floats will march together through the old town.

Focus — Steckerlfisch and Fish Specialties

The centerpiece is the Fischbraterei Stadler, which sets up its stalls on the festival grounds. Offered are:

• Steckerlfische — mackerel, trout, char — grilled on a stick over a wood fire
• Fried fish specialties
• Smoked fish and smoked fish rolls
• Classic Volksfest treats alongside: roast chicken, sausages, candied treats on sticks

Multi-Day Festival Program

The festival program is structured over five days:

• Wednesday — Parade from Rathausplatz at 6:00 PM, opening and beer tapping in the festival tent
• Thursday (Father's Day) — "Vattertag" with wrestling starting at 10:00 AM (traditional Father's Day meeting point with a sporting component)
• Friday — Festival activities, evening dance with live band
• Saturday — Children's afternoon with reduced prices on amusement rides, evening festival tent
• Sunday — Sunday shopping in Kelheim, children's flea market, continuous festival activities

Volksfest with Small-Town Charm

Unlike the mega Volksfests in Straubing or Landshut, the Kelheimer Fischerfest retains the intimate character of a small-town festival. The manageable festival grounds, the family atmosphere, the local hosts, and the direct connection to Danube fishing are what make it appealing.