Lauterbacher Prämienmarkt
254th Edition – Upper Hesse's largest folk festival (Volksfest) with a market, livestock show, Beer Queen crowning, and Lauter fireworks
About Prämienmarkt Lauterbach
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A Market Tradition Since 1266
The Lauterbacher Prämienmarkt is one of the oldest markets in Central Hesse. Lauterbach received its town and market rights as early as 1266, and for centuries the market has taken place every year around Corpus Christi. In 2026, it will be held for the 254th time – making it one of the longest continuously celebrated events in Hesse.
Upper Hesse's Largest Folk Festival
With a duration of over a week and the combination of a market, livestock show, folk festival, and festival tent, the Prämienmarkt is the largest folk festival in Upper Hesse. The festive atmosphere permeates the entire town: the historic town center is illuminated in the central market square, the large festival tent is located on the Bleiche festival grounds, along with the entire amusement park area with rides.
Opening and Closing
The opening in 2026 will take place on Saturday, May 30, starting at 4 PM in the market square – with a ceremonial speech by the mayor and the first keg tapping. The market will then run for nine days until Sunday, June 7. The closing event is the Lauter fireworks over the city.
'Strolchenlauf' on June 2
On Tuesday, June 2, the 12th Lauterbacher Strolchenlauf will take place – a children's run format that adds a sporty family event to the Prämienmarkt. Registration opens on March 27, 2026.
Main Day with Market and Livestock Show
The main day is traditionally Wednesday (June 3, 2026): On this day, the market and livestock show run in full swing. The livestock show has a competitive character – 'premiums' are awarded for the best animals, hence the market's name. Accompanying event: Crowning of the Lauterbach Beer Queen.
Lauterbach and the Vogelsberg Region
Lauterbach is located in the Vogelsberg district in the heart of Hesse, at the foot of the Vogelsberg (Hesse's highest low mountain range). The town, with around 13,000 inhabitants, preserves a dense half-timbered cityscape and is considered the 'unofficial capital' of the Vogelsberg region. The Prämienmarkt attracts thousands of visitors from further afield every year.
Prämienmarkt Lauterbach — edition 2026
Nine days of folk festival in the Vogelsberg district town with the traditional program of opening, market, livestock show, amusement park, festival tent program, and closing fireworks. The market rights date back to 1266 – making 2026 the 254th edition.
Programme Prämienmarkt Lauterbach 2026
Saturday, May 30, 2026 — Opening
- 4:00 PM — Official opening in the Market Square
- Tapping of the first keg by the Mayor
- Parade to the festival tent area
- Amusement park on the Bleiche opens
- Festival tent program until midnight
Sunday, May 31, 2026 — First Festival Sunday
- Morning pint in the festival tent
- Amusement park in full operation
- Town center illumination
Monday, June 1, 2026 — Family Day
- Family Day with reduced prices at some rides
- Festival tent program
Tuesday, June 2, 2026 — 'Strolchenlauf'
- 12th Lauterbacher Strolchenlauf (children's run)
- Registration open since March 27, 2026
- Festival tent program in the evening
Wednesday, June 3, 2026 — Main Day with Market and Livestock Show
- Morning — Market in full swing
- Morning — Livestock show with animal exhibition and award ceremony (origin of the market's name)
- Crowning of the Lauterbach Beer Queen
- Evening program in the festival tent
Thursday, June 4, 2026 — Corpus Christi
- Corpus Christi procession
- Festival activities
Friday, June 5, 2026 — Festival Tent Highlight
- Live band in the festival tent
- Amusement park late into the night
Saturday, June 6, 2026 — Festival Day
- Full operation with festival tent highlight
- Town center illumination
Sunday, June 7, 2026 — Closing
- Last festival day
- Evening: Grand Lauter fireworks over the city
Highlights Prämienmarkt Lauterbach 2026
- 254th edition since 1266
- Upper Hesse's largest folk festival
- Nine festival days around Corpus Christi
- Market + Livestock show with award ceremony on the main day
- Crowning of the Lauterbach Beer Queen
- 12th 'Strolchenlauf' on June 2
- Grand Lauter fireworks to close
Prices Prämienmarkt Lauterbach 2026
Free admission. Rides, festival tent consumption, catering, and special events are subject to charge.
Practical information — Prämienmarkt Lauterbach
Date 2026
Saturday, May 30 to Sunday, June 7, 2026. Opening on May 30 from 4 PM. 'Strolchenlauf' on June 2, main day with livestock show on June 3.
Locations
Lauterbach Market Square (Opening, Market), Bleiche Festival Grounds (Festival Tent and Amusement Park), Town Center (Illumination).
Getting There
By Train: Lauterbach (Vogelsbergbahn) station. By Car: A5 exit Alsfeld-Ost, then B254 to Lauterbach.
Admission
Free admission. Rides, food, and festival tent services are charged according to tariff.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Prämienmarkt Lauterbach al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Where it takes place Prämienmarkt Lauterbach
Festplatz Bleiche und Marktplatz Lauterbach
Festplatz Bleiche / Marktplatz, 36341 Lauterbach (Hessen)