Osterkirmes Essen-Borbeck

Spring Funfair in the Palace Park

Essen, with around 583,000 inhabitants, is one of the largest cities in the Ruhr area (an independent city in the administrative district of Düsseldorf). It traditionally celebrates during the Easter period in several districts. The Osterkirmes in Schlosspark Borbeck is the most important of these — a nine-day spring Volksfest set against the valuable historical backdrop of Borbeck Palace and its baroque park. The City of Essen and the Essen Showmen's Association jointly organize the event.

From the 'Babyflug' to the Big Ride

The range of rides for 2026 caters to all age groups: for the youngest, the Babyflug and the children's carousel; for school children, bumper cars and a Ferris wheel; for teenagers, thrill rides (depending on setup, a 'Disco-Achter' or 'Hammer'). In addition, there are classic candy stalls (caramelized almonds, gingerbread hearts, cotton candy, chocolate-covered fruit), snack stands (Bratwurst, fries, Reibekuchen - the Essen specialty - as well as international options like Lángos, crêpes, Berliner doughnuts). Cube stalls, dart throwing, 'Hau-den-Lukas' (strongman game), and a shooting gallery complete the traditional funfair offerings.

Easter Egg Hunt as a Family Highlight

The special feature of the Osterkirmes Borbeck is the Easter egg hunt in the palace park — an event on Easter Sunday (April 5th, 2026) and Easter Monday (April 6th, 2026), where showmen, in cooperation with the City of Essen, hide chocolate Easter eggs in the park. Children up to 12 years old search for them and exchange them for a goodie bag at a central collection point. The event is free and makes the Osterkirmes Borbeck the most child-friendly spring funfair in the Ruhr area.

Borbeck Palace as a Backdrop

Borbeck Palace, once the residence of the abbesses of the Essen convent, is a baroque noble seat in the Borbeck-Mitte district of Essen (District IV). The palace park, with its historic avenue, moat, and old trees, provides a unique setting for the funfair — unlike most inner-city Volksfest locations. Those seeking a quiet stroll away from the rides will find the necessary relaxation in the adjacent palace park.

Weekend and Public Holiday Effect

The Osterkirmes benefits from the public holiday effect: Good Friday (April 3rd), Easter Saturday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday are all days off. Families from Essen, Mülheim, Oberhausen, Bottrop, Gelsenkirchen, and Duisburg use the extended Easter weekend for a visit to the funfair. Additionally, the warm spring days (statistically, Easter days in West Germany are often associated with the first mild weather) are an attraction.

Getting There

Schlosspark Borbeck is easily accessible: Public transport connection via S-Bahn line S9 Borbeck (approx. 800 m walk), Tram line 105 (stop Borbeck Schlosspark), Bus lines 140, 153, 161, 196. By car: A40 exit Essen-Bochold, signposted parking areas at the Schlosspark. Approximately 20 minutes driving time from the western Ruhr area (Duisburg, Oberhausen).