Kirnitzschtalfest
Summer festival along the historic Kirnitzschtalbahn — wild and romantic valley between Bad Schandau and Ottendorf, July 25–26, 2026
About Kirnitzschtalfest
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One Valley, One Tram, One Festival
The Kirnitzschtal is one of the most impressive side valleys of Saxon Switzerland. Steep sandstone cliffs, a wild and romantic stream, dense mixed forests, and medieval mills characterize the landscape between Bad Schandau and Sebnitz/Ottendorf. The Kirnitzschtalbahn runs through it — a narrow-gauge tram that has been bringing summer guests to the Lichtenhainer Waterfall stop since 1898. This tram is not just a means of transport — it is the identity-giver of the region. And it is the backbone of the Kirnitzschtalfest.
Seven Venues Spread Across the Valley
The festival follows an unusual choreography: instead of concentrating on one festival site, it is spread along the valley road across seven main venues. Each location has its own character, its own businesses, its own program — and guests commute on foot, by historic tram, or by shuttle trams between the locations. The stops: Tram Depot Bad Schandau (market square with model trams, craft stalls, VVO play bus, bouncy castle, climbing tower), Ostrauer Mühle Campsite, Forsthaus Restaurant, Lichtenhainer Waterfall (central stage), Felsenmühle, Buschmühle, Ottendorfer Hütte.
Historic Tram, Rose von Sebnitz, Jugglers
Over the two days, historic tram trains from the Kirnitzschtalbahn collection, which are not used in regular service, will be running. In addition, there is the vintage bus «Rose von Sebnitz» — a restored historic bus that commutes between Sebnitz and the valley. Jugglers, music groups, acrobats, and theater ensembles perform on the stages. Readings, regional specialties (smoked trout from the Kirnitzschtal, Saxon game dishes, plum cake), a craft market with local products, and a children's program round off the offering.
National Park, Nature Conservation, Arrival
The Kirnitzschtal is located in the middle of Saxon Switzerland National Park. The festival organizers — the town of Sebnitz and the tourism association — explicitly ask visitors to refrain from using cars. Arrival by train (S 1 Dresden → Bad Schandau), then by Kirnitzschtalbahn or by shuttle trams into the valley. Those arriving by bike will find parking spaces at the depot in Bad Schandau and at the Lichtenhainer Waterfall.
Kirnitzschtalfest — edition 2026
July 25 and 26, 2026 — Two Days of Valley Festival
The Kirnitzschtalfest 2026 continues the proven concept of seven main venues, historic tram as festival shuttle, and a program of music, jugglers, and crafts. At the tram depot Bad Schandau, the «Open House Days» will take place: while adults can get information at the stands of RVSOE, VVO, SDG, and Saxon Switzerland National Park, children can have fun at the VVO play bus with bag printing, at the craft stand, or on the bouncy castle. A climbing tower and a tricky shunting game provide fun, and an exhibition of various model tram layouts offers railway romance.
During the festival weekends, historic trams, the vintage bus «Rose von Sebnitz», and shuttle trams will run between the locations. Bands will play, jugglers will perform, and authors will read at the stages in Lichtenhainer Waterfall, Forsthaus, Felsenmühle, Buschmühle, and Ottendorfer Hütte — each location has its own program character. Confirmed date for the 2026 edition.
Programme Kirnitzschtalfest 2026
Weekend July 25–26, 2026 — Venues and Highlights
Tram Depot Bad Schandau (Market Square)
- «Open House Days» with stands from RVSOE, VVO, SDG, National Park
- VVO Play Bus with bag printing
- Craft stand for children
- Bouncy castle and climbing tower
- Shunting game and model tram exhibition
Ostrauer Mühle Campsite
- Summer festival at the campsite with music and campfire
Forsthaus Restaurant
- Live music in the forest courtyard, regional cuisine
Lichtenhainer Waterfall (Main Stage)
- Central stage with bands and performances
- Juggler program
- Waterfall spectacle (artificial water surge on the hour)
Felsenmühle, Buschmühle
- Acoustic concerts and readings in the historic mills
Ottendorfer Hütte
- Festival end with mountain music and snacks
Shuttles and Trams
- Historic tram trains from the Kirnitzschtalbahn collection
- Vintage bus «Rose von Sebnitz»
- Shuttle trams between Bad Schandau and Sebnitz
Full program with artist list and times at tourismus.sebnitz.de.
Highlights Kirnitzschtalfest 2026
- Festival mile over 7 km along the Kirnitzschtalbahn
- Historic trams in festival shuttle service
- Vintage bus «Rose von Sebnitz»
- Model tram exhibition at the Bad Schandau depot
- Several stages, jugglers, acrobats
- Family program with bouncy castle, climbing tower, and craft stand
- Regional specialties
- In the middle of Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Free admission
Prices Kirnitzschtalfest 2026
Free admission. Food, drinks, and tram rides at usual market prices. A day ticket for the Kirnitzschtalbahn and shuttle is recommended.
Practical information — Kirnitzschtalfest
Date 2026
Saturday and Sunday, July 25–26, 2026 (25th edition).
Locations
Seven venues between Bad Schandau and Ottendorf along the Kirnitzschtalstraße / Kirnitzschtalbahn route. Postal code area 01855 Sebnitz / 01814 Bad Schandau. Main stage: Lichtenhainer Waterfall.
Admission
Free admission. Food, drinks, and rides on the historic trams and the Rose von Sebnitz are charged per consumption or ticket.
Getting There
Please do not arrive by car (National Park). Take the S-Bahn S 1 Dresden Hbf → Bad Schandau (hourly service). From Bad Schandau, take the Kirnitzschtalbahn and shuttle trams. From Bad Schandau station to the tram depot by bus or on foot via the Elbe ferry.
Organizers
Town of Sebnitz and Tourism Association Sebnitz. More info at tourismus.sebnitz.de.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Kirnitzschtalfest
Kirnitzschtal — Spielorte zwischen Bad Schandau und Ottendorf entlang der Kirnitzschtalbahn
Kirnitzschtalstraße, Kirnitzschtal, 01855 Sebnitz