12th Schmalkalden Wine Festival 2026
Three days of wine enjoyment on the historic Altmarkt — winemakers from Franconia, Pfalz, Rheinhessen, and Saale-Unstrut with stage program and family activities
About Schmalkalden Wine Festival
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Wine Festival in the Historic Old Town of Schmalkalden
The Schmalkalden Wine Festival is one of Thuringia's most popular spring wine events. For three days, the historic Altmarkt — framed by the imposing town hall and magnificent half-timbered houses — transforms into an open mile of wine and enjoyment. In 2026, the 12th edition will take place from May 15th to 17th. Free admission.
Winemakers from Four Wine Regions
Characteristic of the Schmalkalden Wine Festival is the diversity of the wine regions represented: Franconia (Silvaner, Bocksbeutel), Pfalz (Riesling, Dornfelder), Rheinhessen (Spätburgunder, Müller-Thurgau), and the central German Saale-Unstrut region (Weißburgunder, Traminer). The winemakers are present at their stands, offering advice on vineyard sites, vintages, and winemaking styles — a small open-air wine academy. Tasting glasses are available for a deposit.
Culinary Delights, Music, and Family Activities
The gastronomic offerings range from Flammkuchen and Crêpes to Burgers and grilled items, as well as sweet specialties and cheese platters. The stage program features a rotation of live bands, DJs, and regional artists — in 2026, including DJ Tommy, Die Rossinis, Duo Comeback, and Kapo Akustik. On Sunday, the festival also caters to families: a children's carousel, play activities, and a flea market for children on the Altmarkt make Sunday afternoon a family gathering point.
Schmalkalden — A Half-Timbered Town with World History
The historic half-timbered town of Schmalkalden in the Schmalkalden-Meiningen district (state of Thuringia) is famous for the Schmalkalden League (1531) and the Renaissance-era Wilhelmsburg Castle. The Altmarkt — the venue for the wine festival — is one of the most beautiful market squares in Central Germany; half-timbered houses from the 16th and 17th centuries line the square. During the wine festival, it becomes a vibrant open-air theater.
Schmalkalden Wine Festival — edition 2026
2026 Edition — Anniversary Spirit in the 12th Year
The twelfth edition sticks to the proven formula: three days of wine enjoyment, live music, street food, and family activities. The festival opens on Friday at 5 PM with Mayor Thomas Kaminski and Wine Princess Juliana Lutz. Free admission, tasting glasses for a small deposit.
Programme Schmalkalden Wine Festival 2026
Friday, May 15, 2026 (5 PM - 12 AM)
- 5:00 PM — Official opening with Mayor Thomas Kaminski and Wine Princess Juliana Lutz
- 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM — DJ Tommy
- 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM — Die Rossinis (Live Band)
Saturday, May 16, 2026 (11 AM - 12 AM)
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM — DJ Tommy
- 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM — Duo Comeback (Acoustic Duo)
- 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM — Kapo Akustik
Sunday, May 17, 2026 — Family Day
- Children's carousel on the Altmarkt
- Play activities and craft workshops
- Children's flea market
- Family menus at the food stands
Ongoing Offers (All Three Days)
- Wine stands from Franconia, Pfalz, Rheinhessen, Saale-Unstrut
- Flammkuchen, Crêpes, Burgers, Grilled items
- Sweet specialties and cheese platters
Highlights Schmalkalden Wine Festival 2026
- 12th edition on the historic Altmarkt
- Winemakers from Franconia, Pfalz, Rheinhessen, Saale-Unstrut
- Live Music: Die Rossinis (Fri), Duo Comeback (Sat), Kapo Akustik (Sat), DJ Tommy (Fri/Sat)
- Opening Friday 5 PM with Wine Princess Juliana Lutz
- Sunday Family Day with children's carousel and flea market
- Free admission
Prices Schmalkalden Wine Festival 2026
Admission to the festival grounds is free. Wine prices per glass at the stand (typically €3-6), food €5-12. Tasting glasses with deposit. Payment at the stand. Further information from the Schmalkalden Cultural Office (+49 3683 667550) or schmalkalden.de.
Practical information — Schmalkalden Wine Festival
Date 2026
Friday, May 15th to Sunday, May 17th, 2026.
Opening Hours
Friday 5 PM-12 AM, Saturday 11 AM-12 AM, Sunday (Family Day) Morning to Evening.
Location
Altmarkt, 98574 Schmalkalden (City Center, in front of the Town Hall).
Getting There
Train: Schmalkalden Station (Süd-Thüringen-Bahn) approx. 20 minutes walk to the Altmarkt. Car: A71 exit Meiningen-Nord, then L1140 to Schmalkalden. Parking in the city center (paid parking garages).
Admission
Free. Payment for wine and food at the stands. Tasting glasses with deposit.
Accommodation
Hotels and guesthouses in Schmalkalden, Meiningen (15 km), Bad Liebenstein (20 km).
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Schmalkalden Wine Festival
Altmarkt Schmalkalden
Altmarkt, 98574 Schmalkalden