Kornelimünster Historical Fair 2026

Kornelimünster — the historic suburb in southern Aachen

Kornelimünster is now a district of the city of Aachen — but at the same time, it is an independent historic small town with a medieval old town, a former Benedictine abbey (now St. Kornelius Abbey Church), and a spirit that has little in common with the bustling city center of Aachen. Founded in the 9th century by Louis the Pious, Kornelimünster was one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Rhineland for centuries — Saint Kornelius, whose relics are kept in the abbey church, is considered the patron saint against epilepsy and nervous disorders.

The Return — Organized by Eurogress Aachen for the First Time

The Kornelimünster Historical Fair has a long tradition in the old town, but it was paused in recent years due to organizational changes. It returns in 2026 — with an important innovation: For the first time, the fair will be organized by Eurogress Aachen, the central event venue of the city of Aachen. This gives the fair a professional platform and allows it to draw on Eurogress's experience from other events (Öcher Bend, concert series, conferences).

Five Days of Time Travel

The concept is clear: Over five days, the cobblestone old town transforms into a walkable historical reenactment:

Historic Rides

The focus is on historic rides from the 19th and early 20th centuries — restored carousels, old swing rides, the nostalgic Galopper-Karussell, a ghost train in pre-war style. These rides are not just attractions but cultural assets in themselves, maintained by specialized showman families.

Craftspeople in Historical Costumes

At stalls and workbenches, craftspeople in historical costumes demonstrate their skills — blacksmiths, potters, basket weavers, glassblowers, leather workers, candlemakers. Many offer hands-on activities for children, while others sell their work directly on-site.

Jugglers and Live Music

The entire town center is populated by jugglers, stilt walkers, fire eaters, acrobats — they roam around and provide spontaneous performances. Live music plays on several stages: medieval music with hurdy-gurdy and bagpipes, folk music, market stage, folk dance.

Culinary Delights

The gastronomic offerings range from bratwurst and potato pancakes to medieval specialties such as suckling pig on a spit, stick bread over an open fire, mead, and honey wine. Bread is freshly baked in specially erected ovens.

Opening Hours and Admission

The fair is open:

• Wednesday, June 3: 2:00 PM–10:00 PM (Opening day, late start)
• Thursday, June 4: 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
• Friday, June 5: 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
• Saturday, June 6: 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
• Sunday, June 7: 11:00 AM–8:00 PM (short weekend finale)

Free admission. Only the rides (individually) and food/drinks are subject to a charge.

Family-Friendly — A Fair for All Ages

The fair is consistently designed to be family-friendly: Children can find hands-on activities with the craftspeople, the historic rides are child-appropriate, and many jugglers specifically direct their performances to families. For adults, there is the musical and culinary program — and for history enthusiasts, the unique backdrop of the medieval Kornelimünster old town.

Getting There and Practical Information

Kornelimünster is located about 10 km south of Aachen's city center. Public transport: ASEAG bus line 25 from Aachen Bushof to the Kornelimünster Korneliusmarkt stop. Car: B 258 from Aachen towards the Eifel, then follow signs to Kornelimünster. Due to traffic restrictions in the old town during the fair, designated parking lots on the outskirts are recommended, with a short walk to the old town from there.