Rottenburg Neckar Festival

Three Days of Festival Mile on the Neckar

When the stages along the Neckar are set up on the last weekend of June, Rottenburg's most important city festival of the year begins. The Rottenburg Neckar Festival is known far beyond the city limits — a highlight in the event calendar of the Tübingen district (AGS 08416) and a meeting point for tens of thousands of visitors from all over Baden-Württemberg. The organizer is WTG Rottenburg am Neckar (Wirtschaft, Tourismus, Gastronomie - Economy, Tourism, Gastronomy) in cooperation with Rottenburg's clubs.

Stages and Live Music

The organizers set up stages at several locations along the festival mile, where regional and supra-regional bands play for three days. The musical program ranges from cover rock to pop and Schlager to Swabian brass music. The exact stage schedule will be published on the official website a few weeks before the festival — tradition dictates live performances around the market square, at the Schänzle (city park on the Neckar), and on the Bürgerwache stage.

Flea Market, Craft Market, and Children's Flea Market

On Saturday and Sunday, hundreds of stalls line the Neckar. The large flea market on the Neckar bridge and the adjacent streets is one of the main attractions — a real treasure trove for collectors. In parallel, a craft market offers handicrafts, jewelry, and regional products. Specifically for children, there is a children's flea market where the youngest visitors can sell their own toys.

Punt Boat Rides and Water Sports

A Rottenburg specialty: During the festival, punt boats operate on the Neckar — flat wooden boats propelled with a long pole. You can travel between the bridges and experience the festival from the water. Additionally, water sports clubs present demonstrations with canoes and dragon boats.

Culinary Delights from Rottenburg Clubs

The catering is largely handled by local clubs — from the sports club and the fire department to the church choir. Swabian classics like Maultaschen, Saitenwürstle with potato salad, red lentil stew, and of course, regional draft beer. Alongside international specialties — Souvlaki, pizza, Asian wok dishes, and crêpes.

Festival Badge and Free Travel

With the festival badge for €5, you can travel for free on buses and trains throughout the entire Naldo tariff network during the festival weekend and participate in the lottery at the same time. A clever solution, as the city center is largely car-free during the festival.

City on the Neckar with a Bishop's Seat

Rottenburg am Neckar is the bishop's seat of the Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart and the administrative seat of the Tübingen district. With around 45,000 inhabitants, it is one of the larger towns on the upper Neckar. The historic city center with its half-timbered houses forms the picturesque backdrop for the festival — and St. Martin's Cathedral towers over the hustle and bustle from the hill.