Trossinger Kilbemarkt

The Kilbemarkt — Trossingen's Autumn Folk Tradition

The Trossinger Kilbemarkt is one of the most traditional autumn festivals in the Tuttlingen district. The word "Kilbe" is derived from "Kirchweih" (church consecration festival) — the annual church consecration celebration, which marks the start of the autumn festival calendar in many southern German communities. The organizer is the city of Trossingen — a city with just under 18,000 inhabitants on the Baar high plateau on the edge of the Black Forest, known worldwide for the Hohner harmonica factory (harmonicas, accordions) and the Federal Academy for Musical Youth Education.

Format: Two Days of Folk Festival and Market

The festival runs over a September weekend. Saturday, September 26, 2026 begins at noon (from 12 p.m.) with catering and musical entertainment on Rudolf-Maschke-Platz. From 3 p.m., the children's afternoon starts — bouncy castle, children's carousel, drawing table, hands-on activities. The evening brings live music and catering until late.

Sunday, September 27, 2026 is the main market day. From 10 a.m., the large autumn and market fair runs along Hauptstraße — stalls with household goods, clothing, shoes, tools, sweets, baked goods, garden supplies, fashion jewelry. In parallel, Trossingen's shops are open for Sunday shopping from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — a rare opportunity for a stroll through town.

The Historic Railway

A real Trossingen specialty: The historic Trossingen Railway runs hourly during the Kilbemarkt. It connects Trossingen-Stadt with Trossingen Bahnhof — the original connection to the main DB line (Plochingen–Singen). The small narrow-gauge railway, operated by a club of historic railway enthusiasts, is a living piece of industrial history with its old railcars. A highlight for families and railway enthusiasts — the route leads through the Wasserloch and is scenically attractive.

Trossingen — City of Musical Instruments

Trossingen is known worldwide as the "Harmonica City" — the global harmonica market was established here by the Hohner family in the early 20th century. Today, the city is home to Hohner Musikinstrumente GmbH & Co. KG, the Federal Academy for Musical Youth Education, and the Trossingen University of Music. The Kilbemarkt is therefore also musically significant — many local bands, ensembles, and musicians perform, often with a connection to the harmonica tradition.