Ludwigskirmes Saarlouis
Traditional late summer funfair on the Großer Markt of the fortress city of Saarlouis
About Ludwigskirmes
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Funfair in the Baroque Fortress City
The Ludwigskirmes is one of the most significant folk festivals (Volksfeste) in the Saarlouis district of Saarland. It takes place every year at the end of August / beginning of September on the Großer Markt (Great Market Square) of the fortress city – a baroque square framed by the city's fortifications built by the Marquis de Vauban (commissioned by Louis XIV). The name "Ludwigskirmes" refers to this very Sun King, who had Saarlouis founded in 1680.
Amusement Rides for All Ages
The funfair offers a varied programme of classic rides and modern attractions: the nostalgic Ferris wheel "Alte Liebe" (Old Love), thrill rides like "CHAOS" and "MAGIC", dodgems, carousel rides, and for the youngest visitors, children's attractions such as the "Olympia-Bungee-Trampolin" (Olympia Bungee Trampoline) or the "Ice Road Cars" with snow and ice landscapes. Food stalls offer Saarland and international specialities – from Lyoner sausage to crêpes.
Market in the Pedestrian Zone
A special feature of the Saarlouis funfair is the market that also takes place on Mondays and Tuesdays in the pedestrian zones around the Großer Markt. Traders offer clothing, shoes, household goods, toys, and leather goods – a mix of traditional Saarland market (Jahrmarkt) and modern funfair atmosphere.
Family Day and Opening Barrel Tapping
The Ludwigskirmes traditionally opens on Friday evening with the tapping of a beer keg in front of one of the central amusement rides (in previous years, in front of "MAGIC"). The mayor and city council representatives tap the barrel and officially open the market to visitors. Tuesday, the last day of the funfair, is Children's and Family Day with reduced ride prices.
Saarlouis – The Fortress City in Saarland
Saarlouis, with around 35,000 inhabitants, is the district capital of the district of the same name in western Saarland. The baroque city centre with its historic fortifications, the Großer Markt, and the Casemates city shape the cityscape. The Ludwigskirmes takes place in precisely this historic setting – a Saarland folk festival with French roots and a unique atmosphere.
Ludwigskirmes — edition 2026
The exact date for 2026 will likely be officially announced by the city of Saarlouis in early summer 2026. The funfair follows the proven pattern: opening on Friday at 6 PM with barrel tapping, five days of funfair with amusement rides, a supplementary market in the pedestrian zone on Mondays and Tuesdays, and Tuesday as Family Day with reduced ride prices.
Programme Ludwigskirmes 2026
Detailed programme for 2026 will be published by the city of Saarlouis in summer 2026. The traditional structure is as follows:
Friday (Opening Day)
- 2:00 PM — Opening of the amusement rides
- 6:00 PM — Barrel tapping with the mayor in front of the central amusement ride
- 2:00 PM–10:00 PM — Funfair operation
Saturday and Sunday
- 2:00 PM–10:00 PM — Funfair with Ferris wheel "Alte Liebe", CHAOS, MAGIC, and children's rides
Monday
- 2:00 PM–10:00 PM — Funfair operation
- During the day — Market in the pedestrian zone
Tuesday (Family Day)
- 2:00 PM–10:00 PM — Funfair with reduced ride prices
- During the day — Market
Highlights Ludwigskirmes 2026
- Ferris wheel "Alte Liebe" with views over Saarlouis
- Thrill rides CHAOS and MAGIC
- Market on Mondays and Tuesdays
- Family Day with reduced ride prices
- Atmosphere of the baroque fortress city
Prices Ludwigskirmes 2026
Free admission. Rides at standard market prices (€3–€7 per ride). Reduced prices on Tuesday (Family Day).
Practical information — Ludwigskirmes
Getting There
Train: Saarlouis Hauptbahnhof (main station), regional trains from Saarbrücken, Trier, and Luxembourg. Approx. 10 minutes walk from the main station to the Großer Markt. Car: A8 exit Saarlouis-Mitte or A620 exit Saarlouis-Roden.
Parking
Several multi-storey car parks in Saarlouis-Mitte (Parkhaus Lebach, Parkhaus Großer Markt, Parkhaus Vauban). Parts of the city centre are closed during the funfair.
Opening Hours
Friday to Tuesday, 2:00 PM–10:00 PM daily (opening on Friday at 6:00 PM).
Admission
Free – Costs only for rides, food, and games.
Tip
Visit the Casemates city and the Vauban-era fortifications – combined with the funfair, it makes an excellent day trip. In summer, a detour to the Saarschleife (Saar bend) or to neighbouring France (Bouzonville, 25 km) is also recommended.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Ludwigskirmes al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Ludwigskirmes
Großer Markt Saarlouis
Großer Markt, 66740 Saarlouis