Quirinus-Kirmes Zülpich

Zülpich — Ancient Roman City between Cologne and the Eifel

Zülpich (approx. 20,000 inhabitants) is located in the Euskirchen district, southwest of Cologne on the eastern edge of the Eifel. The city boasts an exceptionally deep history: as Tolbiacum, it was a Roman garrison town at the crossroads of several military roads, an important trading city with city walls and gates in the Middle Ages, and in the 21st century, it remains the venue for the famous LVR State Exhibition "Stadtgut Wein" (2008) and home to the RömerThermen Museum. Amidst this history-rich atmosphere, the Quirinus-Kirmes — the city's traditional spring folk festival — takes place every spring.

Saint Quirinus and the Spring Fair

Quirinus of Rome (saint and martyr, name day April 30) has been the patron saint of the city of Zülpich since the Middle Ages. The veneration led to an annual patron saint's market around his name day — and in the 19th century, this market evolved into the Kirmes with carousels and showmen, supplemented by stalls. The Quirinus-Kirmes is thus one of the city's oldest permanent fair events — and in 2026, from April 17–20, it takes place slightly before the traditional date (often the days around April 30).

The 2026 Fair — Kölntor Parking Lot and Luminous Gardens

The venue in 2026 is the Kölntor parking lot — an area directly adjacent to the historic city wall at the Kölntor, one of Zülpich's well-preserved medieval city gates. The special feature of the 2026 edition: the fair is integrated into the parallel running light installation "Luminous Gardens" in the neighbouring Park am Wallgraben. Visitors to the fair will practically walk directly into the light experience — carousels, light arches, illuminated trees, and sculptures combine to create an experiential space that goes far beyond what a pure fair can offer.

Opening Hours

• Friday, April 17, 2026 — 2 PM to 9 PM
• Saturday, April 18, 2026 — 2 PM to 9 PM
• Sunday, April 19, 2026 — 11 AM to 9 PM (Main visiting day)
• Monday, April 20, 2026 — 2 PM to 9 PM

What You'll Find at the Fair

• Children's Carousels — classic round carousels for the little ones
• Bumper Cars — the classic for all generations
• Duck Fishing — a reliable game of chance with mini prizes
• Shooting Galleries — air rifle and cork shooting
• Sweets Stalls — cotton candy, candied almonds, chocolate-covered fruit, gingerbread hearts
• Snack Stand, Crêpe Stand, Drinks Pavilion — compact catering
• Luminous Gardens in the adjacent park — light installations, illuminated paths, sculptures

E-Car Note

The electric charging station at the Kölntor parking lot will not be available from April 13 to April 21, 2026 — setup and dismantling plus festival operations. E-car drivers should plan their charging stops accordingly in Hürtgenwald, Mechernich, or Euskirchen.

Discover Zülpich

For those combining a visit to the fair with a stroll through the city: the historic city wall with its four medieval city gates is uniquely preserved in its entirety, the RömerThermen Museum documents the Roman past, and the Wassersportpark Zülpicher See (water sports park) is located 3 kilometers to the west. For more nature, the Eifel National Park is 20 minutes away.