Kirmes Unterellen

Werra Region Kirmes

Unterellen is a district of the municipality Gerstungen in the Wartburgkreis. The region lies on the Werra river, on the border between Thuringia and Hesse — historically a crossroads between the two federal states, near the A4 motorway (Frankfurt–Dresden) and the railway line. The annual Unterellen Kirmes in early September is a fixed date in the festival calendar of the Gerstungen districts.

Festival Grounds and Village Community

The festival tent is erected on the Unterellen festival grounds (Pfarrgasse), along with carousels, a swing boat, and food stalls. Three days of program — Thursday (or Friday) festival opening, Saturday main festival day with a dance event in the festival tent, Sunday morning pint and family day. Live music by regional bands from West Thuringia and North Hesse, playing a classic cover band repertoire with Schlager, Pop, and Rock.

Gerstungen and Surroundings

Gerstungen, with its eight districts (including Unterellen, Untersuhl, Marksuhl), is one of the largest municipalities by area in Thuringia. The Kirmes tradition is maintained in several districts simultaneously — the Kirmes Untersuhl is a separate event, as is the Kirmes in other districts, each on different weekends.