Nürtinger Fasnet 2026
Swabian-Alemannic Fastnacht in Nürtingen with Town Hall Storming, Grand Parade, and Children's Parade
About Nürtinger Fasnet
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Nürtinger Fasnet — Swabian-Alemannic Tradition
The Nürtinger Fasnet is a classic Swabian-Alemannic Fastnacht — the southwestern German variant of Carnival, distinctly different from the Rhenish Carnival tradition (Cologne, Mainz, Düsseldorf). Characteristic features include historical jester costumes made of wood and fabric, the strongholds of the "Hästräger" (costumed figures) and Narrenzünfte (jester guilds), the ritualized Jesters' Court, and the often slower, more solemn pace of the "Häs" performances compared to the Rhenish "Schunkel" (swaying) atmosphere.
Program — Dirty Thursday to Shrove Tuesday
The 2026 Fastnet runs for six days (February 12th to 17th) and follows the established structure:
• Dirty Thursday, Feb 12th — Jesters' Court (Mayor Dr. Johannes Fridrich summoned to court), kindergarten parade from Dorog-Platz to Marktplatz (3 PM), Town Hall Storming by the jesters at 6 PM (taking over the keys of office), Nelau Carnival Party at Marktplatz from 7 PM.
• Fastnacht Sunday, Feb 15th — Grand Parade through the city center starting at 1:33 PM; Nürtingen's jester guilds and guest guilds from the region march through the city. Böhmerwäldler Wind-Down from 2:30 PM at Marktplatz.
• Shrove Tuesday, Feb 17th — Children's Parade from 1:33 PM through the city center — especially for the youngest carnival-goers.
In addition, individual jester guilds and local gastronomy organize numerous parties, dance evenings, and sessions.
Jesters' Court — A Nürtingen Specialty
A special tradition is the Jesters' Court on Dirty Thursday: Mayor Dr. Johannes Fridrich is summoned before a mock court and must justify the shortcomings of the past year — a humorous critique of politics, documented in an indictment PDF and video recording on the city's website. This makes the Fastnet also a form of political civic engagement.
Nürtingen and the Esslingen District
Nürtingen (Esslingen district, AGS 08116, approx. 42,000 inhabitants) is located on the Neckar river between Stuttgart and Reutlingen. The city is home to the University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Environment (HfWU) and boasts a beautiful old town with its castle on the Neckar riverbank. Through the Fasnet, Nürtingen cultivates a strong civic tradition — the Nürtinger Narrenzünfte are part of the Association of Swabian-Alemannic Jester Guilds (VSAN).
Nürtinger Fasnet — edition 2026
Nürtinger Fasnet 2026 — Six Days of Merriment
From Dirty Thursday, February 12th, to Shrove Tuesday, February 17th, 2026, the Nürtinger Fasnet takes place — one of the most vibrant Swabian-Alemannic Fastnacht strongholds in the Esslingen district.
Highlights include the Town Hall Storming on Dirty Thursday (Feb 12th, 6 PM), where jesters symbolically take over the city's authority, the Grand Parade on Fastnacht Sunday (Feb 15th, 1:33 PM) featuring Nürtingen's jester guilds and guest guilds from the region, and the Children's Parade on Shrove Tuesday (Feb 17th, 1:33 PM) especially for the youngest carnival-goers. Also featured are the traditional Jesters' Court on Dirty Thursday, the Nelau Carnival Party at Marktplatz, and the Böhmerwäldler Wind-Down on Sunday afternoon.
Programme Nürtinger Fasnet 2026
Nürtinger Fasnet 2026 Program — February 12–17
Thursday, February 12th — Dirty Thursday
- Jesters' Court — Mayor Dr. Johannes Fridrich before the mock court
- 3:00 PM — Kindergarten parade from Dorog-Platz to Marktplatz
- 6:00 PM — Town Hall Storming by the jesters, handover of the keys of office
- 7:00 PM — Nelau Carnival Party at Marktplatz (Open Air)
Friday, February 13th / Saturday, February 14th
- Sessions and balls of the Nürtinger jester guilds
- Open-air program in the city center
Sunday, February 15th — Fastnacht Sunday
- 1:33 PM — Grand Parade of Nürtingen's jester guilds and guest guilds through the city center
- 2:30 PM — Böhmerwäldler Wind-Down at Marktplatz with Bohemian brass music
Monday, February 16th — Rose Monday
- Guild parties
Tuesday, February 17th — Shrove Tuesday
- 1:33 PM — Children's Parade through the city center
- Evening wind-down with the traditional burning of the purse (Geldbeutel-Verbrennen)
Current info: nuertingen.de/nuertinger-fasnet.
Highlights Nürtinger Fasnet 2026
- Town Hall Storming on Dirty Thursday at 6 PM
- Grand Parade on Fastnacht Sunday at 1:33 PM
- Children's Parade on Shrove Tuesday at 1:33 PM
- Traditional Jesters' Court for the mayor
- Kindergarten parade for the little ones on Dirty Thursday
- Böhmerwäldler Wind-Down on Sunday with Bohemian brass music
Prices Nürtinger Fasnet 2026
Parades, Town Hall Storming, and open-air program are free. Guild sessions and balls may have a fee. Food and drinks provided by associations and local restaurants.
Practical information — Nürtinger Fasnet
Getting There
S-Bahn (Suburban Train): S1 line — Nürtingen station, then a 5-minute walk to the city center.
Car: A8 / B313. The city center is closed during the Grand Parades — Park & Ride recommended.
Venue
Marktplatz, Dorog-Platz, and the city center of Nürtingen. Exact parade routes are available on the city's website.
Admission
Admission to parades, Town Hall Storming, and open-air events is free. Guild sessions may have a fee (tickets available from the guilds). Food and drinks provided by associations and local restaurants.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Nürtinger Fasnet
Innenstadt Nürtingen — Marktplatz und Dorog-Platz
Marktplatz, 72622 Nürtingen