74th Stein- und Burgfest Mayen

For decades, the Stein- und Burgfest has been one of Mayen's distinctive events. The festival links its name to two defining elements of Mayen's identity: the "Stein" (a nod to the Mayen slate and basalt mining that shaped the region) and the Genovevaburg, the town's medieval landmark. The Genovevaburg, built in the 14th century and named after the legendary Genoveva of Brabant, dominates the cityscape and, as a historic defensive structure, provides the ideal festival backdrop.

2026 marks the 74th edition – a testament to the format's continuity and popularity. From September 11th to 13th, the castle and the adjacent palace gardens will become a festival mile. The focus is on the crafts and farmers' market, which is open on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm respectively.

Over 80 craftspeople will showcase their work: blacksmiths, potters, basket weavers, glassblowers, stonemasons, wood sculptors, textile and leather artisans, and many more. More than 20 farmers will offer regional products: cheese, sausage, bread, honey, eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, juices, and jams. The connection between crafts and the farmers' market underscores the link to the region's economic and cultural history.

On Sunday, the program highlights converge: at 11 am, a parade through the town center with clubs, music bands, and historical groups, followed by the Frühschoppen and the ceremonial barrel tapping. A culinary highlight is the 80-meter apple strudel prepared by the Mayen fire brigade, served at the castle entrance – a spectacular event where the strudel dough is unrolled along a long table and distributed to all festival guests. Simultaneously, Mayen's town center opens for Sunday shopping (September 13th).

The Stein- und Burgfest is an event that particularly embodies Mayen's self-image: close to its citizens, connected to tradition, with a focus on the regional economy (crafts, agriculture, tourism). It attracts visitors from the entire Eifel-Middle Rhine region and is one of Mayen's major festivals of the year, alongside the Spring, Pentecost, and Lukas markets.