Kelheimer Fischerfest
Bavarian Volksfest centered around Steckerlfisch — founded in 1966 by fish master Otto Stadler
About Fischerfest Kelheim
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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.
Fischerfest Kelheim — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Kelheimer Fischerfest runs from Wednesday, May 13th, to Sunday, May 17th, 2026. It opens on Wednesday evening with the classic parade starting at 6:00 PM from Rathausplatz to the festival grounds, followed by the beer tapping in the festival tent.
On Thursday, May 14th (Ascension Day / Father's Day), the traditional Vattertag begins with wrestling starting at 10:00 AM — a sporting festival element that has accompanied Father's Day in Kelheim for decades. On Friday, live music and dancing in the festival tent are the focus.
The Children's Afternoon on Saturday, May 15th, with reduced prices on amusement rides, is explicitly aimed at families. The Festival Sunday, May 17th, is also a Sunday shopping day in Kelheim with a Children's Flea Market on the festival grounds.
Programme Fischerfest Kelheim 2026
Daily Overview — May 13–17, 2026
- Wednesday, 13.05.2026 — 6:00 PM: Parade from Kelheim Rathausplatz to the festival grounds; followed by beer tapping in the festival tent
- Thursday, 14.05.2026 (Father's Day) — from 10:00 AM: Vattertag with wrestling; festival tent operations throughout the day and evening
- Friday, 15.05.2026 — Festival tent with live band, dance evening
- Saturday, 16.05.2026 — Children's afternoon with reduced prices on amusement rides; festival tent in the evening
- Sunday, 17.05.2026 — Sunday shopping in Kelheim; Children's flea market on the festival grounds; closing in the festival tent
Throughout the festival week, Fischbraterei Stadler will be present with Steckerlfisch from the wood fire, fried fish, and smoked specialties.
Highlights Fischerfest Kelheim 2026
Prices Fischerfest Kelheim 2026
Practical information — Fischerfest Kelheim
Getting There
Kelheim is located in Lower Bavaria on the A 93 (Regensburg–Holledau, Kelheim exit) and the B 16. By car, it's about 30 km southwest of Regensburg, 40 km north of Ingolstadt. By train to Saal an der Donau (5 km) and then by bus. From the festival grounds, it's a 10-minute walk to the old town with the famous Befreiungshalle (Hall of Liberation).
Admission
Free admission to the festival grounds and the festival tent. Food, drinks, and rides are paid for on-site. Table reservations for the festival tent can be made via online booking with Fischbraterei Stadler.
Accommodation
Hotels and guesthouses in Kelheim and in Saal an der Donau. If combining with a visit to Weltenburg (boat trip through the Danube Gorge), a two-day trip is recommended.
Contact
City of Kelheim, Tel. +49 9441 701-0, [email protected]. Fischbraterei Stadler, Kapellenweg 3, 93309 Kelheim, [email protected], Tel. 0170 9678080.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Fischerfest Kelheim
Volksfestplatz Kelheim
Volksfestplatz, 93309 Kelheim