Steinert-Kirmes Lüdenscheid

Steinert-Kirmes — Sauerland's Largest Volksfest Institution

In the hilly Sauerland region, high above the city of Lüdenscheid, the largest Kirmes in the entire region takes place every spring: From May 29 to June 7, 2026, the Festplatz Hohe Steinert transforms into a 2.5-hectare fairground city with carousels, roller coasters, haunted houses, and food stalls. Around 300,000 visitors flock to the event over ten days — a scale that elevates the Steinert-Kirmes to the level of the largest folk festivals in North Rhine-Westphalia.

New Attractions 2026 — Five Brand-New Rides

The 2026 edition brings a series of spectacular premieres:

Ghost Villa — The Two-Story Haunted House

The new Ghost Villa is a two-story haunted house featuring elaborate shock effects and mechanical animations. One of the most modern haunted houses on the German fairground circuit.

Mexico City — The Family Roller Coaster

Mexico City promises a "family-friendly, but no less wild ride over hill and dale." A roller coaster for families with older children and adults who want an adrenaline rush but not an over-the-top looping coaster.

Gladiator — The 62-Meter Adrenaline Kick

The Gladiator is a propeller ride that ascends to a height of 62 meters and rotates at nearly 100 km/h. Arguably the most spectacular new thrill ride of 2026.

The Beast — The 24-Meter Looping Swing

The Beast is a 24-meter-high looping swing ride that takes its passengers through complete inversions.

Heroes City XXL — The Five-Story Funhouse

Heroes City XXL is a five-story funhouse with game elements, slides, and interactive stations. Ideal for families with children of various age groups.

Classics and Returning Favorites

Alongside the new attractions, many classics return:

• Polyp — the giant octopus ride, back in Lüdenscheid after years
• Musik Express — a fast-paced circular ride with musical accompaniment
• Break Dancer — the action classic
• Flower Power — a 60s-themed funhouse with 3D glasses
• Devil Dance — a rotational carousel with special effects
• Bumper cars, haunted houses, children's rides, and game stalls

Two Grand Fireworks Displays

Highlights of the Steinert-Kirmes are the two grand fireworks displays on Friday evenings:

• Friday, May 29, 2026 — Opening fireworks around 10:45 PM
• Friday, June 5, 2026 — Grand fireworks display around 10:45 PM

Both fireworks displays are visible from afar — many elevated areas of Lüdenscheid offer views of the pyrotechnics over the Hohe Steinert fairground.

Bürger-Schützen-Verein (BSV) Lüdenscheid e.V.

The organizer is the Bürger-Schützen-Verein (BSV) Lüdenscheid e.V. — one of the largest marksmen's clubs in the Sauerland. The BSV traditionally combines the Kirmes with a Schützenfest (marksmen's festival): shooting competitions, king's shooting, a parade, and the proclamation of the king are integral parts. The BSV is currently preparing for its 125th anniversary in 2035 — the Steinert-Kirmes is the annual event through which the club maintains its presence in Lüdenscheid's community life.

Lüdenscheid — City of Future LED Technology

The district town of Lüdenscheid, with its approximately 73,000 inhabitants, is located in the southern Märkischer Kreis, in the heart of the Sauerland. Known for its electrical industry (LEDs, lighting, hardware) — Lüdenscheid is home to many world-renowned companies such as Erco, Insta, Erich Jaeger, and Robert Krapps. Worth visiting are the Versetalsperre (Verset Dam), the Sterbecker Hammer, and the Felsenmeer Hemer (Hemer rock sea) nearby. The Steinert-Kirmes is the most important folk festival in the southern Sauerland, attracting visitors from Hagen, Iserlohn, Plettenberg, Meinerzhagen, and Halver.