Rudolstädter Vogelschießen
Thuringia's largest Volksfest – Tradition, Rides, and UNESCO World Heritage
About Vogelschießen
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A 300-Year-Old Tradition
Rudolstadt has been inviting people to the Vogelschießen since 1722. The old princely marksmen's festival has developed over the centuries into the largest Volksfest in the Free State of Thuringia and now attracts hundreds of thousands from all over Central Germany every year. In the Saalfeld-Rudolstadt district, it is the undisputed highlight of the summer.
UNESCO World Heritage
In 2026, the Vogelschießen receives special recognition: it was added to the national inventory of intangible UNESCO World Heritage in 2026 – a seal of quality that underscores the festival's importance for Rudolstadt's regional identity. The inscription was awarded in the year of Rudolstadt's 1250th-anniversary city celebration – a double celebration year for the city on the Saale river.
Bleichwiese – Stage for Ferris Wheel, Gravity, and Folk Fun
On the expansive Bleichwiese, a traditional festival site at the foot of the Heidecksburg castle, the Thuringian Showmen's Association sets up an impressive festival mile every year. In addition to classics like the Europarad (Ferris wheel), bumper cars, and bumper cars, spectacular new attractions make headlines every year.
Festival Tent, Club Life, Family
Live music is offered every evening in the large festival tent – the «Rolschter». Marksmen's clubs, local associations, and politics shape the festival with traditional parades and the Vogelschießen itself, which gives the Volksfest its name.
Vogelschießen — edition 2026
Double Anniversary in 2026
The 2026 Vogelschießen is the grand Volksfest in Rudolstadt's anniversary year: 1250 years of city history and, at the same time, the inscription of the festival into the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage. The motto «Zeitgeist und Kultur» reflects both occasions.
Bleichwiese – The Festival Mile
70 to 80 showmen set up their stalls on the Bleichwiese. Event director Frank Grünert is responsible for the planning on behalf of the city. Around 500,000 visitors are expected over ten days.
Programme Vogelschießen 2026
New Main Attractions 2026
- Gravity Free-Fall Tower – 80 m high, 140 km/h descent, rotating gondolas. Spectacular new attraction for 2026.
- Gladiator Looping Carousel – 62 m high, 90 km/h.
- Laser Pix – Europe's first mobile interactive dark ride with 100 illuminated targets.
- Après Ski Party – five-story mobile funhouse with obstacles and water features.
- Jim & Jasper's Water Ride – 375 m long splash tour, 355,000 liters of water.
Classics
- Europarad (Ferris wheel)
- Bumper cars
- Children's carousels
- Musik-Palast
- Bungee trampoline
- Skill games and gastronomic offers
Festival Tent – Rolschter
Daily highlights with live music and artist performances. Opening keg tapping, traditional marksmen's Vogelschießen, climax with a fireworks display on Saturday evening.
Highlights Vogelschießen 2026
Prices Vogelschießen 2026
Practical information — Vogelschießen
Getting There
Train: Rudolstadt station, approx. 15 min. walk to Bleichwiese. Car: A4 / A9, Rudolstadt exit. Parking spaces are signposted, shuttle service from Park-and-Ride on weekends.
Opening Hours
Daily from late afternoon until midnight, weekends from the morning.
Admission
Festival grounds are freely accessible. Rides and catering are charged according to tariff.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Vogelschießen al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Vogelschießen
Bleichwiese Rudolstadt
Bleichwiese, 07407 Rudolstadt