Kieler Umschlag
The oldest folk festival in the state capital
About Kieler Umschlag
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A Tradition from the Middle Ages
The Kieler Umschlag dates back to the Hanseatic period's medieval fair (Freimarkt) of the 15th century – a period of markets and law where merchants exchanged money, closed contracts, and settled debts. Its current form was revived in 1975 and has since become the identity-defining folk festival (Volksfest) of Kiel's city center. In the state capital Kiel, in the district of Kiel (independent city), the festival marks the end of winter and the beginning of the season.
Three Locations, Three Atmospheres
The festival area is spread across three central squares, each with its own distinct atmosphere:
- Alter Markt — the medieval fair with blacksmiths, potters, and a selection of medieval food and drinks
- Asmus-Bremer-Platz — the pirate village with storytellers, puppet shows, and family-friendly activities
- Holstenplatz — the craft tent with free blacksmith demonstrations and traditional crafts
The Opening Ritual
The opening on Thursday, February 26th, 2026, at 4:30 PM is a local cultural event: a festive parade proceeds from Holstenplatz to Warleberger Hof (City Museum), where the traditional awakening of Asmus Bremer takes place. Asmus Bremer, mayor of Kiel in the 18th century, is considered the patron saint of the Umschlag. Afterwards, the flags are hoisted on Alter Markt, and the first 100 liters of free beer from Kiel Brewery are served.
What You'll Experience
- Medieval Fair with historical clothing, medieval music, and mead
- Live music, fire shows, and marionette performances
- Jugglers and bagpipers in the city center
- Free blacksmith demonstrations at Holstenplatz
- Treasure Hunt — hidden Asmus Bremer figures in the shop windows of the city center
- Open Sunday throughout the city center
Farewell on Sunday
The festival concludes on Sunday, March 1st, 2026, at 6:00 PM, personally overseen by the Lord Mayor: she bids farewell to Asmus Bremer and his retinue at Warleberger Hof – until next year.
Kieler Umschlag — edition 2026
51st Edition of the Revival
Since its revival in 1975, the Kieler Umschlag has been a firm fixture in the city's festival calendar. The 2026 edition continues the proven concept, offering four days of historical folk festival in the state capital's city center.
Highlights 2026
- Parade from Holstenplatz to Warleberger Hof on Thursday at 4:30 PM
- Awakening of Asmus Bremer as the opening ritual
- 100 liters of free beer from Kiel Brewery at Alter Markt
- Medieval fair with food, mead, and crafts
- Pirate village for families at Asmus-Bremer-Platz
- Free blacksmith demonstrations at Holstenplatz
- Sunday shopping in the city center
- Farewell on Sunday at 6:00 PM
Programme Kieler Umschlag 2026
The Kieler Umschlag 2026 takes place simultaneously at three venues. Full program details at kiel-sailing-city.de.
Thursday, February 26, 2026
- 11:00 AM — Official opening of the festival grounds
- 4:30 PM — Festive parade from Holstenplatz to Warleberger Hof (City Museum). Awakening of Asmus Bremer
- 5:30 PM — Flag-raising and serving of the first 100 liters of free beer at Alter Markt
- 6:00 PM–8:00 PM — Live music and fire show at Alter Markt
Friday, February 27 – Saturday, February 28, 2026
- 11:00 AM–8:00 PM — Medieval fair open at Alter Markt
- 11:00 AM–8:00 PM — Pirate village at Asmus-Bremer-Platz with storytellers and puppet shows
- 11:00 AM–8:00 PM — Craft tent at Holstenplatz with blacksmith demonstrations
- Throughout the day — Jugglers and bagpipers roam the city center
- Evenings — Live music, fire shows, and medieval dance performances
Sunday, March 1, 2026
- 11:00 AM–6:00 PM — Final festival day with Sunday shopping (Shops open 1:00 PM–6:00 PM)
- 6:00 PM — Farewell to Asmus Bremer at Warleberger Hof by the Lord Mayor
Highlights Kieler Umschlag 2026
- Opening parade with the awakening of Asmus Bremer
- 100 liters of free beer from Kiel Brewery
- Three venues: Medieval Fair, Pirate Village, Craft Tent
- Sunday shopping
Prices Kieler Umschlag 2026
Admission to the festival grounds is free. Food and drinks are charged according to stall prices. Medieval food at Alter Markt, classic snack options at Holstenplatz.
Practical information — Kieler Umschlag
Getting There
Kiel Central Station is a 5-minute walk from Holstenplatz. By train from Hamburg in 1 hour, from Lübeck in 1 hour. By car via the A215. Use parking garages in the city center – the festival areas are traffic-calmed.
Opening Hours
Thursday–Saturday 11 AM–8 PM, Sunday 11 AM–6 PM (Shops open 1 PM–6 PM).
Admission
Free for the entire festival grounds. Food, drinks, and souvenirs are at your own expense.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Kieler Umschlag
Alter Markt, Asmus-Bremer-Platz, Holstenplatz
Alter Markt, 24103 Kiel