Kulturnacht Laufenburg 2026
21st Edition — cross-border night of art and culture on both sides of the Rhine, theme 'unlimited colour'
About Kulturnacht Laufenburg
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One Night, Two Countries, Both Banks of the Rhine
Kulturnacht Laufenburg is one of the most remarkable cultural events on the southern High Rhine. On Saturday, September 5, 2026, the 21st edition runs from 6 PM to 11 PM — cross-border in both Laufenburgs: the Baden Laufenburg in the Waldshut district (Baden-Württemberg) and the Swiss Laufenburg in the canton of Aargau. The old Rhine bridge connects both halves of the originally single medieval town, which was only politically divided in 1801 by the Peace of Lunéville.
2026 Theme — 'Unlimited Colour'
This year's theme 'unlimited colour' sets a clear focus: openness, diversity, boundless culture across the Rhine. In the narrow alleys of the medieval old town, in the studios of local artists, in museums, galleries, and in specially opened private gardens, readings, concerts, dance performances, film premieres, architecture talks, exhibitions, and culinary stops will take place simultaneously. The program brochure will be published from August 2026 on the festival website.
Artists and Program
Kulturnacht brings together both established and local artists. In the past, the Klezmer ensemble KlezFire!, the cabaret artist Tante Friedl, and the duo Patti Basler & Philippe Kuhn have performed on stage, among others — acts that regularly return to Kulturnacht. In addition, there are open studios of painters, sculptors, and photographers, where the public can watch the artists at work.
OK Kulturnacht — A Dedicated Team
Kulturnacht is supported by the volunteer organizing committee OK Kulturnacht, which curates anew each year. Current members are Roland Kaufmann (President), Franziska Winter (Organization), Ursula Jutzi (Finance), Roland Sens (Marketing), Reto Weiss (Operations), Manuela Schneider (Networking), and Marie-Christine Plattner. The team works closely with both municipal administrations (DE and CH) and the High Rhine tourism association.
Laufenburg — Twin Town on the High Rhine
Laufenburg is one of the oldest towns on the High Rhine — the Baden side belongs to the Waldshut district in Baden-Württemberg, the Swiss side to the canton of Aargau. Both halves of the town share a common medieval history, an Alemannic language, and a strong identity as a twin town. Kulturnacht is the most important joint event of the year — equivalent to the cross-border Carnival in February.
Admission and Concept
The festival is designed as a 'strolling' event: you walk through the alleys, listen, watch, eat, and move on. There are traditionally no identity checks at the border crossing — but you need valid identification if you want to visit both sides. Admission to most venues is free; individual concerts may charge a small fee.
Kulturnacht Laufenburg — edition 2026
One Night, Two Countries, One Theme
On Saturday, September 5, 2026, the 21st edition of Kulturnacht will take place in the historic twin town of Laufenburg. From 6 PM to 11 PM, the medieval old town on both sides of the Rhine transforms into a circuit of studios, concerts, readings, dance performances, exhibitions, and culinary stops. The 2026 theme 'unlimited colour' represents the open, cross-border nature of this festival between Baden-Württemberg and Aargau.
The concept is a 'strolling festival': you walk through the alleys, discover at your own pace. The old Rhine bridge connects the two halves of the town — a personal ID is sufficient for free passage.
Programme Kulturnacht Laufenburg 2026
Date and Times
- Saturday, September 5, 2026
- 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM (individual program items until midnight)
Program Items (Typical Structure, Past Editions)
- Open studios of painters, sculptors, and photographers
- Concerts in churches, courtyards, and restaurants — musical genres include classical, klezmer, folk, chanson
- Readings and book presentations in museums and libraries
- Dance performances on square stages and in open courtyards
- Private gardens of the old town open — otherwise inaccessible inner courtyards of old buildings
- Film premieres and short film screenings
- Architecture and history tours through the medieval old town
- Culinary stops with regional specialties from DE and CH
Artists (in past editions, often recurring)
- KlezFire! (Klezmer)
- Tante Friedl (Cabaret)
- Patti Basler & Philippe Kuhn (Word acrobatics / Spoken Word)
Detailed Program
The complete program brochure will be available from August 2026 on kulturnachtlaufenburg.com and at the tourist information offices of both Laufenburgs. The exact artist list for 2026 will be published in the summer.
Highlights Kulturnacht Laufenburg 2026
- 21st edition with the theme 'unlimited colour'
- Cross-border festival DE / CH on the High Rhine
- Medieval old town on both sides of the Rhine as a stage
- Studios, concerts, readings, dance, exhibitions
- Private gardens of old buildings open
- Free admission to most venues
- Personal ID for free passage DE-CH
Prices Kulturnacht Laufenburg 2026
Admission to most venues is free. Individual concerts or specials may charge a fee of max. €10. Program brochure is free.
Practical information — Kulturnacht Laufenburg
Getting There
By train: Laufenburg (Baden) station on the High Rhine line Basel–Schaffhausen, connections from Waldshut-Tiengen and Basel. Swiss side: Laufenburg (Aargau) station on the Brugg–Frick–Basel line. By car: A 98 (Laufenburg exit), B 34 from Waldshut. Parking available in both halves of the town — Sunday parking traffic is heavy due to the festival. Personal ID recommended for crossing between CH and DE.
Opening Hours
Saturday, September 5, 2026, 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Most program items start between 6 PM and 7 PM, some run until midnight.
Admission
Admission to most venues is free. Individual concerts or specials may charge a fee (usually max. €10). Program brochure available from August 2026 at kulturnachtlaufenburg.com or in print at the tourist information offices of both Laufenburgs.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Kulturnacht Laufenburg al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Kulturnacht Laufenburg
Altstadt Laufenburg (beide Rheinseiten DE/CH)
Altstadt, 79725 Laufenburg (Baden)