Nördlinger Mess'
North Swabia's largest folk festival with 800 years of tradition
About Nördlinger Mess
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Nördlinger Mess' — from Imperial Fair to Bavarian Folk Festival
The Nördlinger Mess' is more than a folk festival — it's living history. First documented in 1219, it was one of the most significant fairs in Upper Germany in the High Middle Ages. Nördlingen, located at the intersection of several trade routes and in the fertile crater of the Nördlinger Ries, was a hub for cloth, salt, wine, spices, and livestock from half of Europe.
Nördlingen — the Imperial City in the UNESCO Geopark Ries
The Mess' takes place in one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Southern Germany. Nördlingen is located in Bavaria, in the district of Donau-Ries and in the middle of the Nördlinger Ries — a 15-million-year-old impact crater, now a UNESCO Global Geopark Ries. The circular city wall with 16 towers and 5 gates is completely preserved and walkable; the "Daniel" (tower of St. George's Church) is one of Bavaria's landmarks.
Course of the Mess'
For over ten days, the Kaiserwiese transforms into a festival ground with:
- Attractive rides for young and old — from carousels and Ferris wheels to fast-paced loopings for adrenaline junkies
- A large festival tent with a daily changing music program
- Over 200 market stalls with regional produce, sweets, and crafts
- The affiliated Rieser Consumer Exhibition (RVA) — one of Bavaria's largest regional trade fairs with around 120,000 visitors
- Snack and specialty stands: local butchers and bakers, fish grill, Italian pizza, crêpes, Turkish döner
Festival Parade and Beer Tapping
The Mess' traditionally opens on the festival Saturday with a grand parade through the old town from 2:00 PM to approx. 3:30 PM, followed by a beer tapping ceremony by the mayor on the Kaiserwiese. In 2026, Mayor David Wittner will officiate.
Herrenmontag — Nördlingen's Local Holiday
The Mess' traditionally ends with "Herrenmontag," a local holiday celebrated only in Nördlingen. Shops close, and the city flocks to the Kaiserwiese to celebrate the end of the Mess' with the whole family.
Nördlinger Mess — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Nördlinger Mess' continues the tradition of over 800 years of festival history. It opens on Saturday, June 6th, 2026, with the grand parade from 2:00 PM to approx. 3:30 PM through the old town of Nördlingen.
Following that, the beer tapping ceremony by Mayor David Wittner will take place in the festival tent on the Kaiserwiese. For ten days, the festival grounds will offer attractions for all generations: carousels, a Ferris wheel with views of the city wall and the Nördlinger Ries, classic rides, and modern high-speed attractions.
The grand finale will be on Herrenmontag, June 15th, 2026 — the local holiday celebrated only in Nördlingen, when the entire city gathers on the Kaiserwiese.
Programme Nördlinger Mess 2026
Festival Week at a Glance
- Saturday, June 6th, 2026 — 2:00 PM: Grand parade through the old town; approx. 3:30 PM: Beer tapping by Mayor David Wittner; evening: festival tent operation with opening band
- Sunday, June 7th, 2026 — Festival service, "Frühschoppen" (morning pint), family day in the festival tent
- Weekdays June 8th–12th, 2026 — Daily festival operations from late morning, dance evenings, and live bands
- Weekend June 13th–14th, 2026 — Main visitor days, family afternoon, "Stadttage" (city days) promotions
- Monday, June 15th, 2026 — Herrenmontag: traditional closing day (Nördlingen's local holiday), "Kehraus" (farewell party) on the Kaiserwiese
Parallel — Rieser Consumer Exhibition (RVA)
The RVA takes place concurrently on the festival grounds and in adjacent halls and is considered one of Bavaria's largest regional consumer trade fairs. Over 200 exhibitors present products from crafts, gardening, household, mobility, and tourism. Around 120,000 visitors attend during the festival days.
Highlights Nördlinger Mess 2026
Prices Nördlinger Mess 2026
Practical information — Nördlinger Mess
Getting There
Nördlingen is located in the district of Donau-Ries (Bavaria), approx. 40 km north of Donauwörth and 80 km west of Ingolstadt. By car via the B 25 (Donauwörth–Nördlingen) or B 466 (Heidenheim). By train from Munich, Augsburg, or Donauwörth — the station is approx. 1.2 km from the Kaiserwiese. A shuttle service will be provided during the Mess'.
Admission
Admission to the Mess' and the Rieser Consumer Exhibition is free. Food, drinks, and rides are paid for on-site. Prices for a liter of beer are on par with Bavarian folk festivals.
Accommodation
Hotels and guesthouses in the city area and along the Romantic Road. Early booking is recommended during the Mess' week.
Contact
Tourist Information Nördlingen, Marktplatz 2, 86720 Nördlingen, Tel. +49 9081 84-116, [email protected].
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Nördlinger Mess
Kaiserwiese Nördlingen
Kaiserwiese, 86720 Nördlingen