Nostalgic Fair in Stühlinger

A Journey Through Time with the Carousel

The Nostalgic Fair in Stühlinger is not just a neighborhood festival — it's a journey through time. With historic rides like an old boat swing and a classic chain flyer, with fries for 50 cents (referencing prices from the past), and a deliberately nostalgic concept, it brings back the atmosphere of pre-Disneyland funfairs.

Stühlinger Kirchplatz: Freiburg's Former Fairground

Stühlinger Kirchplatz was historically Freiburg's fairground — this is where the big Volksfeste (traditional festivals) took place before the district urbanized from the late 19th century onwards. The Nostalgic Fair was initiated in 1995 by the Stühlinger citizens' association on the occasion of Freiburg's 875th city anniversary — as a revival of this tradition. Since then, it has taken place every year in June for four days.

Stühlinger Citizens' Association as Organizer

Unlike commercial funfairs, the Nostalgic Fair is organized by the Stühlinger citizens' association e.V. — a neighborhood association that represents the interests of the district. Over 80 volunteers operate stalls, supervise the rides, and manage the infrastructure. Proceeds benefit Stühlinger: renovation of kindergartens, support for social projects, neighborhood initiatives.

Historic Rides as a Trademark

The exhibitors are showmen who still own and operate genuine historic rides — a shrinking group in Germany. Classic boat swing, chain flyer with hand-painted motifs, carousel with original wooden horses, old shooting galleries, wheel of fortune stalls, gingerbread hearts. No modern high-tech roller coasters, no garish neon lights — deliberately understated and authentic.

Gastronomy on the Square

Food and drinks are prepared traditionally: fries for a symbolic 50 cents, bratwurst from a charcoal grill, roasted almonds, cotton candy, gingerbread hearts, crêpes, wine from the Tübinger and Markgräfler regions, beer from small breweries. The stalls are run by Stühlinger associations on a voluntary basis — proceeds go back to the neighborhood.

Stühlinger in Transition

Stühlinger is one of Freiburg's liveliest districts, characterized by Wilhelminian-era buildings, a multicultural population, and an engaged citizenry. Freiburg im Breisgau, the seat of the Freiburg regional council and the fourth-largest city in Baden-Württemberg with around 230,000 inhabitants, is located in the southwest of the state on the edge of the Black Forest.