Nuremberg Old Town Festival

Germany's Largest Old Town Festival

The Nuremberg Old Town Festival has been Germany's largest and most beautiful Old Town Festival since 1970. Every year in September, the Nuremberg Old Town Friends (Altstadtfest Nürnberg e.V.) transform the heart of the historic Imperial City into a festival mile lasting over two weeks. The venues are Insel Schütt, Hans-Sachs-Platz, and the ruins of St. Catherine's Church – three of the most atmospheric locations in Nuremberg's Old Town.

Tradition Since the Middle Ages

The festival builds on medieval Nuremberg traditions. A central element is the Fishermen's Joust on the Pegnitz river: Fishermen of the city once emulated the tournaments of the nobility, using lances to push each other off boats into the water – a custom revived at the Old Town Festival, attracting thousands of spectators along the banks of the Pegnitz. The program is complemented by the Hans Sachs Games, where plays by the Nuremberg master singer Hans Sachs are staged in modern productions.

Over 60 Free Events

For over two weeks, the Old Town Festival offers more than 60 free events. Regional bands, folk ensembles, choirs, and solo artists perform on several stages. The range spans from folk, brass music, and Franconian dialect songs to pop, rock, and classical music. Additionally, there are craft demonstrations, readings, and a dedicated children's program. The festival is traditionally opened by the Nuremberg Lord Mayor with a beer tapping ceremony on the main stage, accompanied by a brass band.

Franconian Specialties

Culinary-wise, the Old Town Festival is all about Franconian autumn traditions. Stalls serve onion cake with young Federweißer (new wine) from the vineyards of the Franconian Bocksbeutel region, Franconian sausages, Schäufele (pork shoulder), Sauerbraten (marinated roast beef), Lebkuchen (gingerbread), and Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick). Beer is served from Nuremberg breweries Tucher, Lederer, and local breweries. The parallel Nuremberg Autumn Market complements the offerings with crafts and gift ideas.

Organizers and Atmosphere

The organizer is the association Altstadtfreunde Nürnberg (ASF), which has been committed to the reconstruction and preservation of the Nuremberg Old Town, heavily destroyed in World War II, since the 1960s. The Old Town Festival is financed by gastronomy revenue and is a contribution to the association's cultural work – admission is free, and the festival grounds are accessible. Nuremberg, as a city without a district, is located in the middle of Middle Franconia (Bavaria) and, with over 500,000 inhabitants, is Bavaria's second-largest city.