Kirmes Marksuhl

Late Autumn Village Kirmes in Marksuhl

Marksuhl is a district of the municipality of Gerstungen in the Wartburg district — a region rich in tradition in southwestern Thuringia, directly on the Werra river and not far from the Wartburg Castle near Eisenach. Unlike most Kirmes festivals in the region, the Marksuhl Kirmes does not take place in summer or early autumn, but at the beginning of November — a late autumn format that fills the inns once more after the summer festival season.

Three Days at the Landgasthof „Zum Grünen Baum“

The venue is the Landgasthof „Zum Grünen Baum“ at Hirtgasse 4. The traditional inn is more than just an event space — it is an institution for the village, with a pub room, a hall, and a festival tent. Over three days (November 6th to 8th, 2026 — Friday to Sunday), the inn transforms into a festival ground with live music, dancing, and catering.

Kirmes Customs in Thuringia

The Kirmes (or 'Kerb', 'Kirchweih') has its roots in the medieval church consecration festival — the annual celebration of the village church's dedication day. Today, it has evolved into a secular folk festival, with each village having its own date. While central Thuringia holds many of its Kirmes festivals in midsummer and early autumn, the Wartburg district still has the tradition of the late autumn Kirmes — Marksuhl is an example of this. The format is family-friendly, driven by the village community and organized voluntarily by a Kirmes society.

Program Structure

The typical Marksuhl Kirmes weekend structure is as follows: Friday evening opening with live music in the inn's hall, accompanied by bratwurst and draft beer. Saturday is the main day — daytime children's program and showmen (if space permits), with a big dance evening with a band. Sunday features the family program, possibly a parade through the village, and the closing on Sunday evening.

Marksuhl in the Wartburg District

Marksuhl, with its approximately 1,800 inhabitants, is located in the Werra valley, in the Wartburg district, about 15 kilometers southwest of Eisenach. The region is characterized by dense forests and the Werra river — ideal conditions for a cozy late autumn weekend. Visitors arriving for the festival weekend can easily combine their trip with Eisenach, Bad Salzungen, or a short trip into the Hessian Werra Valley corridor. The Wartburg Castle is only a half-hour drive away and makes for a perfect day trip.