Pfingstkirmes Kastellaun
Four-day Whitsun fair with showmen and rides on Kastellaun's market square
About Pfingstkirmes Kastellaun
Kastellaun, a small town with just under 5,500 inhabitants in the Hunsrück region, has established itself as a tourist centre for the holiday region — the castle ruins above the town, its proximity to the Schinderhannes cycle path, and its central location between the Moselle, Rhine, and Nahe rivers make it a popular starting point. Alongside the Christmas market and the Beller Markt, the Pfingstkirmes (Whitsun fair) is one of the three traditional highlights of the event calendar.
The fair follows the classic structure of a Hunsrück festival week: the larger rides (carousel, dodgems, swing carousel, depending on the year also a Ferris wheel or Breakdance) are located on the central market square, while snack stands, sweet stalls, and skill games are set up in the surrounding streets. Market traders offering household goods, textiles, and toys complete the range of attractions.
Traditionally, the fair opens on Whitsun Saturday with the ceremonial tapping of the first keg by the mayor, followed by three days of full operation. Whitsun Sunday and Monday are the busiest days — many families from the surrounding area come for several hours, often combining their visit with a walk through the historic old town or a visit to the castle ruins.
A characteristic feature is the close integration with club life: the handball club HSG Kastellaun-Simmern, the fire brigade, and other local clubs run stalls and marquees serving draught beer, spit-roasted pork (Spießbraten), potato pancakes (Reibekuchen), and Hunsrück classics. On Whitsun Monday, it is traditional for many families to eat together before the festival winds down in the late afternoon.
Pfingstkirmes Kastellaun — edition 2026
The 2026 edition follows the proven pattern: four days of full operation over the Whitsun weekend, with the opening on Saturday afternoon and winding down late on Whitsun Monday. The combination of classic rides, club marquees, and market stalls in the centre of Kastellaun's old town attracts families from all over the Hunsrück region.
The exact programme for 2026 will be published by the organiser in spring/summer. The structure follows the established key points of previous years: keg tapping on Saturday, full operation all day Sunday and Monday, and marquee operations by local clubs.
Programme Pfingstkirmes Kastellaun 2026
Expected Schedule
- Saturday 22.05.: Opening in the afternoon with keg tapping, fair continues until late
- Sunday 23.05.: Main visitor day, morning pint, full operation of rides
- Monday 24.05. (Whitsun Sunday according to calendar — Whitsun weekend): Full operation with family programme, club marquees (HSG, fire brigade, etc.)
- Whitsun Monday 25.05.: Family day with often reduced prices for rides, winding down in the evening
Catering
Hunsrück specialities in the club marquees: Spießbraten (roast pork), Bratwurst (sausage), Reibekuchen (potato pancakes), fries, sweets. Draught beer, soft drinks, cocktails. Market traders with textiles, household goods, and toys complete the offer.
The exact programme for 2026 will be published by the organiser in spring/summer. The structure follows the established key points of previous years.
Highlights Pfingstkirmes Kastellaun 2026
Prices Pfingstkirmes Kastellaun 2026
Practical information — Pfingstkirmes Kastellaun
Getting there: Kastellaun is conveniently located in the Rhein-Hunsrück district on the B 327 (Hunsrückhöhenstraße), about 25 km from the A 61 motorway (Emmelshausen exit) and 30 km from Frankfurt-Hahn Airport. Parking is available on the outskirts of town; the town centre is partially closed to traffic during the fair.
Admission: Free. Rides and refreshments are subject to charge.
Families: Very suitable; a dedicated family day with reduced prices is customary.
Accessibility: The market square is largely level, with some cobblestones.
Organiser: Town of Kastellaun, https://www.kastellaun.de/
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