Spectacular summer evening on the Altmühlsee with torch swimmers and baroque fireworks
The Altmühlsee near Gunzenhausen is the heart of the Franconian Lake District – an artificial lake that has become one of the most important recreational areas in Southern Germany since the 1980s. Once a year, on a summer evening, the lake transforms into a magical stage: "See in Flammen".
The organizer is the Zweckverband Altmühlsee. Three locations around the lake are the venues: Seezentrum Schlungenhof (main stage with live music), Surfzentrum Schlungenhof, and Seezentrum Wald. Concerts, culinary stands, and program items take place here throughout the evening. Illuminated sailboats glide across the lake during this time, along with the brightly illuminated MS Altmühlsee, the large passenger ship.
At 10 p.m., the first highlight begins: The torch swimmers of the Altmühlsee-Seewacht move in a choreographed formation through the water, holding burning torches. A magical sight on the dark lake, heralding the light magic of the evening. Afterwards, the illuminated boat fleet is pulled across the lake – sailboats, small yachts, the MS Altmühlsee.
The absolute highlight follows around 10:45 p.m.: the grand baroque aerial fireworks with music. Choreographed fireworks displays over the lake, synchronized to baroque music, with the reflection in the water doubling the effect. Pyrotechnicians work at the highest level here – it is not by chance that the spectacle is considered one of the best dates in Southern Germany by the Feuerwerk-Forum.
A special experience option is the multi-hour boat trip on the MS Altmühlsee (€45) with a live view of the illuminated sailboats and a Mediterranean buffet. Those who book early get to go – all ships are always fully booked on the event evening.
Together with the Brombachsee and the Rothsee, the Altmühlsee belongs to the Franconian Lake District – a Bavarian tourism region between Nuremberg and Donauwörth. A stay before or after "See in Flammen" is worthwhile: cycling paths around the lake, boat trips, water sports, the bird island nature reserve. Gunzenhausen itself offers an old town, markets, and gastronomic diversity.
On Saturday, August 1st, 2026, the Altmühlsee will once again transform into a magical stage. The organizer, Zweckverband Altmühlsee, confirms the date on the official website. The event starts at 7 p.m., with three locations around the lake serving as active venues.
Live music on the main stages in Schlungenhof and Wald, culinary diversity, illuminated sailboat fleet, and the brightly illuminated MS Altmühlsee. At 10 p.m., the torch swimmers of the Seewacht, and at 10:45 p.m., the baroque aerial fireworks with music as the grand finale.
Detailed program and additions available on the official website of the Zweckverband Altmühlsee.
Admission to the festival grounds is free. Parking fee €5 at the main locations Schlungenhof and Wald. Food and drinks available at the stands on site. Boat trip with Mediterranean buffet: €45 per person, early booking recommended (boat trips regularly sell out).
Seezentrum Schlungenhof, 91710 Gunzenhausen, Weißenburg-Gunzenhausen District, Middle Franconia. By car: A6 (Heilbronn–Nuremberg) exit Schwabach-Süd, then B466 to Gunzenhausen (35 km), then follow signs for Altmühlsee. By train: Gunzenhausen station, then bus or taxi to the Seezentrum (4 km).
Parking fee €5 on this evening at the Seezentrum Schlungenhof, Surfzentrum Schlungenhof, and Seezentrum Wald locations. Recommendation: arrive early, parking lots tend to fill up from 5 p.m.
Bring a picnic blanket, secure spots on the shore in good time. Book the boat trip with Mediterranean buffet (€45) well in advance – sold out weeks before the date.
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Seezentrum Schlungenhof, Surfzentrum Schlungenhof und Seezentrum Wald
Seezentrum Schlungenhof, 91710 Gunzenhausen