Osterräderlauf Lügde

A Centuries-Old Tradition

The Osterräderlauf in Lügde is one of the oldest and most impressive spring traditions in the German-speaking world. The first written mentions date back to the 17th century, but the oral tradition is significantly older and is traced back to pre-Christian sun worship rites. Lighting enormous wheels at the beginning of spring symbolized the sun's victory over the darkness of winter. With Christianization, the tradition was integrated into the Easter period and linked to the resurrection of Christ. In 2018, the Osterräderlauf was added to the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Six Wheels, One Spectacle

The six wheels are made of solid oak wood and have a diameter of about 1.7 meters. They are packed with rye straw, which burns brightly when lit. Six wheels because, since ancient times, six 'Dechen' — meaning six farmsteads or companions — have upheld the tradition. Each wheel is looked after by its own 'Dechen' team, which repacks, decorates, and finally rolls the wheel down the slope according to strict rules.

The Osterberg as a Stage

The Osterberg is located on the eastern edge of Lügde and offers an ideal slope for rolling the wheels into the valley. Spectators line the slope in several rows, and the hill is patrolled by security forces. The burning straw illuminates the night over the Emme valley, and the sight of the rolling wheels is unforgettable.

Program Saturday to Sunday

On Saturday, April 4, 2026, around 4 PM, a first parade forms through the town. On Sunday, April 5, a concert begins at 1 PM on the market square, around 2 PM the parade with the decorated — not yet lit — wheels sets in motion. From approximately 3 PM to 6 PM, the elaborate repacking process takes place on the Osterberg under the eyes of the visitors, where the straw is tightly packed into the wheels. The highlight is the lighting and rolling down at 9 PM as darkness falls.

Bad Pyrmont as a Base Camp

Lügde is administratively part of the Lippe district (NRW) but lies directly on the border with Lower Saxony and is closely intertwined with Bad Pyrmont. Many visitors stay in Bad Pyrmont, as hotel and guesthouse capacity in Lügde is limited. Lügde can be reached in a few minutes from Bad Pyrmont station or by car.

Practical Information

Due to the high number of visitors, access roads around Lügde will be partially closed on Easter Sunday. Park-and-Ride services will be organized, with shuttle buses running from designated parking lots to the Osterberg. Up-to-date information on traffic management will be published shortly before the event on osterraederlauf.de and the Lügde town website. Admission to the Osterberg usually involves a small fee to cover the costs of the tradition.