Roxheimer Gondelfest

The Roxheimer Gondelfest is one of the most traditional festivals in the Vorderpfalz and a true hallmark of the municipality of Bobenheim-Roxheim. It takes place every year on the first weekend in July on the picturesque Altrhein in the Roxheim district – a quiet, nature-oriented arm of the Rhine, separated from the main river and now serving as a local recreation area.

Festival of Reconciliation since 1951

The festival's history dates back to 1951. It was launched at the time as a "Festival of Reconciliation" to restore community spirit after the horrors of the Second World War and to promote neighbourly togetherness. This original idea continues to shape the Gondelfest today: it is a Volksfest in the best sense, bringing together all generations, clubs, and neighbourhoods. The 74th edition will be celebrated in 2026.

Four Days of Festival Culture on the Altrhein

The festival grounds extend along the Altrhein riverbank with a festival tent, stages, food stalls run by local clubs, and seating areas right by the water. The programme always includes:

• Live Music: local and regional bands as well as DJs provide the atmosphere on all four festival evenings.
• Public Viewing: major football events are broadcast on a big screen.
• Charity Run: a fun run along the Altrhein for a good cause.
• Morning Pint Concert: on Sunday morning with brass music and traditional Palatinate sounds.
• Closing Fireworks: spectacular aerial fireworks over the Altrhein to crown the festival.

Cuisine and Club Life

Local clubs – the fire brigade, sports clubs, music and heritage clubs – operate the food stalls and contribute to the festival's success with their commitment. Palatinate wine from local vintners, beer from regional breweries, Bratwurst, Saumagen, Flammkuchen, grilled fish, crêpes, and sweet specialities are part of the standard culinary repertoire.

Bobenheim-Roxheim and the Altrhein

Bobenheim-Roxheim is a twin municipality in the northern Rhein-Pfalz district, directly on the border with Worms and the A 6 motorway. With over 10,000 inhabitants, it is one of the larger municipalities in the district. The Altrhein – a typical floodplain watercourse of the Rhine plain – shapes the townscape and serves as a local recreation area, nature reserve, and festival backdrop all at once. Every year, the Gondelfest turns this special landscape into the stage for one of the region's most beautiful local festivals.