Konstanzer Frühjahrsmesse (Döbele)

Konstanzer Frühjahrsmesse — over 170 years of tradition

From April 27 to May 5, 2026, one of the oldest folk festivals in the Lake Constance city will open in the heart of Konstanz: the Konstanzer Frühjahrsmesse at the Döbele festival grounds. With a tradition of over 170 years, it is one of the oldest folk festivals in the Lake Constance region. For nine days, the central Döbele parking lot – right on the edge of the old town – will transform into an amusement area with carousels, roller coasters, shooting galleries, snack stands, and sweet shops.

25 showmen from all over Germany

Around 25 showmen from all over Germany will set up their stalls for the Frühjahrsmesse. You'll find classic folk festival highlights:

• Carousels — from children's carousels to the fast-paced Breakdance ride
• Roller coasters — small family coasters and more thrilling adrenaline rides
• Game stalls and shooting galleries — classic games of chance for plush toys and sweets
• Snack stands — Bratwurst, fries, crêpes, almonds, gingerbread, Magenbrot
• Sweet stalls — cotton candy, Reibekuchen, candied almonds

The offerings cater to all generations — from small children to teenagers and adults.

Family Days Wednesday and Thursday

Especially for families, there are cheaper rates on the weekdays Wednesday and Thursday. The rides offer discounts (often 50% off the regular price), and the showmen's stalls have special prices. This is the ideal opportunity for parents to explore the festival with their children in a relaxed atmosphere — without the weekend crowds.

Opening Hours

The Frühjahrsmesse is open daily from 2 PM to 10 PM, and from 1 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. Admission to the entire grounds is free — you only pay for the individual rides and food stalls you wish to use.

Döbele — the traditional festival grounds

The Döbele has been Konstanz's festival grounds for generations. Located directly on the edge of the historic old town, the parking lot is reserved for showmen during the festival period. The location is perfect: 5 minutes on foot from Konstanz main station, 10 minutes to the Minster, 5 minutes to the Swiss border in Kreuzlingen. This makes the festival attractive not only for Konstanz residents but also for visitors from Swiss Thurgau, the Lake Constance region, and Hegau.

Konstanz — city between the lake and Switzerland

With just under 86,000 inhabitants, Konstanz is located at the western end of Lake Constance, directly on the Swiss border. The city has a rich history (Council of Constance 1414–1418), a historic old town, and the Konstanzer Münster. The Frühjahrsmesse is a deliberate counterpoint to this cultural tradition — a folk festival that connects generations and brings the spring feeling to the city on the lake. Those who use the weekend for a visit to Lake Constance can ideally combine the folk festival with a city stroll.