Rhein in Flammen — St. Goar / St. Goarshausen
Largest Rhein in Flammen edition with 50 illuminated ships and fireworks from two castles
About Rhein in Flammen St. Goar
Rhein in Flammen is the brand name for five major firework spectacles between Bonn and Bingen, which illuminate the entire UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley every summer with illuminated ships and pyrotechnic displays. The St. Goar / St. Goarshausen edition is almost undisputed as the most spectacular of the five — it has the longest tradition (over 60 years), the largest ship fleet (around 50 illuminated passenger ships), and the most impressive pyrotechnic staging with two castles firing simultaneously.
The concept: A fleet of around 50 illuminated passenger ships gathers upstream on the Rhine in the evening and travels in convoy through the World Heritage Valley, through the narrow Rhine gorge past the Loreley rock. Precisely at the moment the fleet reaches the area between St. Goar (left bank, with Rheinfels Castle) and St. Goarshausen (right bank, with Katz Castle), the grand firework display is ignited — synchronised from both castles. Both castles are additionally illuminated with Bengal lights, creating a fairytale-like effect.
The 2026 motto is “Brass on Fire”: Brass bands from all over Rhineland-Palatinate will perform on three stages along the festival mile in St. Goarshausen — from wind orchestras from the Eifel, Hunsrück, Palatinate, and Westerwald regions, to classic town bands, and modern brass bands with jazzy elements. Catering is provided by local clubs and vintners (Weingass'-Fest in the Weingasse of St. Goarshausen — separate event), and the festival grounds extend far beyond the actual riverbank.
With visitor numbers of up to 250,000 people, it is one of the largest tourist events in the region. Boat trips in the pyro fleet require separate tickets, while the land programme on both banks is freely accessible. Best viewing spots: elevated points on the World Heritage hiking trail, the plateaus of Loreley and Burg Maus, or directly on the Rhine bank.
Rhein in Flammen St. Goar — edition 2026
The 2026 spectacle is the highlight of the Middle Rhine summer. With the motto “Brass on Fire,” the brass music tradition of Rhineland-Palatinate is also brought to the fore — an unusually conceptual element for a pyrotechnic event.
The exact programme for 2026 (stage schedule, ship departure times, detailed firework choreography) will be published by the organiser in the summer. The structure follows the proven key points of previous years.
Programme Rhein in Flammen St. Goar 2026
Expected Daily Schedule
- Afternoon: Setup of the three stages in St. Goarshausen, opening of the festival grounds
- Late Afternoon: Start of stage programme with brass bands, Weingass'-Fest in St. Goarshausen opens
- Evening: Full operation of the festival miles on both banks, catering by clubs and vintners
- Approx. 8–9 PM: Ship fleet gathers upstream
- Approx. 9–10 PM: Ship fleet travels in convoy through the Loreley and towards St. Goar/St. Goarshausen
- Approx. 10:15 PM: Grand fireworks synchronised from Rheinfels Castle and Katz Castle, approx. 30–45 minutes duration, both castles illuminated with Bengal lights
- After midnight: Festival wind-down in the tents and the Weingasse
Motto “Brass on Fire”
Three stages with brass bands from all regions of Rhineland-Palatinate — Eifel, Hunsrück, Westerwald, Palatinate, and Rheinhessen. Stylistically ranging from classic brass marches and big band jazz to modern brass-funk acts.
The exact programme for 2026 will be published by the organiser in the summer. The structure follows the proven key points of previous years.
Highlights Rhein in Flammen St. Goar 2026
Prices Rhein in Flammen St. Goar 2026
Practical information — Rhein in Flammen St. Goar
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026. Fireworks around 10:15 PM.
Location: Rhine banks of St. Goar (left side) and St. Goarshausen (right side); Rheinfels and Katz castles as pyro platforms.
Getting there: Train strongly recommended — stations St. Goar (Left Rhine Line) and St. Goarshausen (Right Rhine Line RB 10). Driving is difficult (closures, Park & Ride with shuttle).
Admission to land programme: Free.
Ship tickets: Via KD, Loreley-Flotte, and other providers — book well in advance.
Families: Possible, but very crowded — caution with small children.
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