Nördlinger Mess'

Nördlinger Mess' — From Imperial Fair to Bavarian Folk Festival

The Nördlinger Mess' is more than just a folk festival—it is living history. First documented in 1219, it was one of the most significant trade fairs in Upper Germany during the High Middle Ages. Located at the intersection of several trade routes and within the fertile crater of the Nördlinger Ries, Nördlingen served as a hub for textiles, 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 the state of Bavaria, in the Donau-Ries district, and in the heart of the Nördlinger Ries—a 15-million-year-old impact crater that is now a UNESCO Global Geopark. The circular city wall, with its 16 towers and 5 gates, is completely intact and accessible to visitors; the "Daniel" (the tower of St. George's Church) is one of Bavaria's most iconic landmarks.

Festival Highlights

For ten days, the Kaiserwiese transforms into a fairground featuring:

• Exciting rides for all ages—from carousels and Ferris wheels to high-speed loops for adrenaline junkies
• A large festival tent with a daily changing music program
• Over 200 market stalls offering regional products, sweets, and handicrafts
• Food and specialty stands: local butchers and bakers, fish fryers, Italian pizza, crêpes, and Turkish döner

Running parallel to the Mess' on the same grounds is the Rieser Verbraucherausstellung (RVA)—an independent regional trade fair with over 100 regional and national exhibitors. The RVA and the Mess' are two distinct events held together. No official, separately reported visitor numbers for the Mess' are currently published.

Grand Parade and Tapping of the Keg

The Mess' traditionally opens on the festival Saturday with a grand parade through the old town starting at 2:00 PM. In the evening, the Lord Mayor of Nördlingen performs the ceremonial tapping of the first keg in the festival tent. For the 2026 Mess', Lord Mayor David Wittner performed the tapping at 7:00 PM.

Herrenmontag — Nördlingen's Local Holiday

The Mess' traditionally concludes with "Herrenmontag," a local holiday observed only in Nördlingen. Shops close, and the entire city heads to the Kaiserwiese to celebrate the end of the festival with their families.