Radinselfest Bad Kösen

An Island in the Middle of the Saale

The Raden Island is a narrow river island in the Saale, right in the town of Bad Kösen – a district of Naumburg, known for its historic spa and its location in the Saale-Unstrut wine-growing region. Once a year, on the last weekend of August, the Bad Kösen Heritage Association takes over the island and turns it into one of the most beautiful open-air summer festivals in the Burgenlandkreis district.

The Radinselfest is a true folk event in the original sense of the word: free admission, welcoming everyone from the youngest child to the grandmother, organized by local volunteers. For three days, there's a stage and a beer tent on the island, along with food stalls, a lantern parade, a children's carousel, and a disco night.

Stage Program and Summer Nights

The event traditionally kicks off on Friday evening with the opening featuring a live band. Saturday is dedicated to the community festival: a family stage in the afternoon with a children's choir and dance groups from Bad Kösen and Naumburg, followed by a big live band night in the evening. Sunday is then for the youngest visitors and the cozy Saale valley atmosphere – morning pint, children's afternoon, and a lantern parade at dusk.

Bad Kösen, Spa Town, and Saale-Unstrut

Anyone visiting the Radinselfest should combine their stay with a walk through the spa town. The historic graduation tower – the longest in Saxony-Anhalt – is located directly opposite the island, while Rudelsburg Castle and Saaleck Castle overlook the valley. Those who want to explore Saale-Unstrut in the summer will find Bad Kösen a perfect starting point: wine growing, hiking, boat trips – and at the end of August, this free summer festival on the island.