Überlingen Fasnacht — Grand Parade
Swabian-Alemannic Carnival on Lake Constance with Hänsele-Juck and Grand Parade
About Überlingen Fasnacht
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Swabian-Alemannic Fasnacht on Lake Constance
The Überlingen Fasnacht is one of the outstanding carnival strongholds of the Swabian-Alemannic Fasnet — a cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. While Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Mainz celebrate Karneval, a very distinct, archaic-ritualistic form thrives on the southern shores of Lake Constance: no seated events, no prince couples, but rather guilds (Zünfte), Häs (traditional costumes), witch figures, traditional dances, and parades with centuries of history. The Überlingen Fasnacht 2026 is organized by the guild Überlinger Löwen (main guild) and the traditional Hänselezunft Überlingen e.V., which preserves the Hänsele costume.
The Hänsele — Emblem of the Überlingen Fasnacht
Überlingen's most famous figure is the Hänsele — a costume adorned with countless colorful fabric patches, a wooden mask, and a Karbatsche (whip) as its attribute. During the Hänsele-Juck, the Hänsele jumps and dances rhythmically through the streets of the old town, cracking its Karbatsche, teasing spectators without harming them — a fascinating, almost shamanistic street dance found only in this form in Überlingen. The Hänsele-Juck can be seen multiple times daily during the festival days and is the most impressive experience of the Überlingen Fasnacht for many visitors.
The Grand Parade on Sunday
The highlight of the festival is the Grand Parade on Fasnacht Sunday, February 15th, 2026. It starts in the afternoon and winds through Überlingen's old town — past the Minster, across Hofstatt-Platz, and the promenade at Lake Constance. Participants include the Überlinger Löwen, the Hänselezunft, and numerous friendly guilds and carnival figures from the Lake Constance region and Further Austria. Hundreds of Häs, witches, devils, animal figures, and characters, accompanied by Guggenmusik (brass bands) — a colorful, noisy spectacle in the heart of the historic lakeside city.
Schmotziger Donnerstag, Hemdglonker, and More
The Fasnacht opens on Schmotziger Donnerstag, February 12th, 2026, with the traditional Rathaussturm (Town Hall Storm) — the jesters take over the city's keys of power. This is followed by the Hemdglonkerumzug on Thursday evening (jesters parade through town in their nightgowns), school liberations, and club celebrations. On Fasnacht Saturday, February 14th, 2026 (starting around 5:30 PM), an evening parade takes place; on Fasnacht Monday, February 16th, 2026 (starting around 5:00 PM), another one follows. Ash Wednesday (February 18th) concludes the Fasnacht with the Hänsele burning and the end of the carnival days.
Überlingen on Lake Constance
Überlingen is a charming lakeside town with around 23,000 inhabitants in the Bodenseekreis district (Baden-Württemberg). The old town, with the mighty St. Nicholas Minster, the city walls, patrician houses, and the promenade directly on the lake, provides an extraordinary backdrop for the Fasnacht. It's a 10-minute walk from the train station to Münsterplatz — the city center is partially closed during the parades; parking garages on the outskirts are recommended.
Überlingen Fasnacht — edition 2026
Five Days of Fasnacht in the Lakeside Old Town
The Überlingen Fasnacht 2026 runs from Schmotziger Donnerstag, February 12th, to Fasnacht Monday, February 16th, 2026 — five days of intense Swabian-Alemannic Fasnet that will storm through the old town around the Minster, Hofstatt, and Landungsplatz.
The highlight is the Grand Jubilee Parade on Sunday, February 15th, starting at 12:00 PM: The host guild Überlinger Löwen will lead the procession, followed by the Hänselezunft and a multitude of friendly guilds from the Lake Constance and Hegau regions. Hänsele, witches, animal figures, and Guggenmusik bands will form a colorful parade through the old town.
Schmotziger Donnerstag already gets the town moving — with the traditional Town Hall Storm in the morning and the Hemdglonker parade in the evening. Saturday and Monday feature additional evening parades with special lighting effects.
Programme Überlingen Fasnacht 2026
Program of Fasnacht Days 2026
- Thursday, February 12th — Schmotziger Donnerstag
- City center closure 8:00 AM–8:00 PM
- Morning: Town Hall Storm by the jesters — handover of keys
- School liberations, masked processions in the old town
- Evening: Hemdglonker parade by the jesters in nightgowns
- Saturday, February 14th — Evening Parade
- City center closure from 5:30 PM until Sunday 6:00 AM
- Grand evening procession with torches and light effects
- Followed by Fasnacht in the old town's pubs
- Sunday, February 15th — Grand Jubilee Parade
- City center closure from 12:00 PM until parade end
- Grand parade with the Überlinger Löwen, the Hänselezunft, and friendly guilds
- Multiple times a day: Hänsele-Juck in the old town
- Monday, February 16th — Evening Parade
- City center closure from 5:00 PM until parade end
- Evening parade, masked balls, and Fasnacht in the pubs
Detailed routes and start times for the parades will be published by the guilds and the city of Überlingen shortly before the start of Fasnacht.
Highlights Überlingen Fasnacht 2026
- Grand Jubilee Parade on Fasnacht Sunday, Feb 15th, from 12 PM with the Überlinger Löwen and friendly guilds
- Unique Hänsele-Juck — street dance with whip by the Überlinger Hänselezunft
- Town Hall Storm and Hemdglonker Parade on Schmotziger Donnerstag, Feb 12th
- Atmospheric evening parades on Saturday and Monday
- Setting: historic lakeside old town with Minster and harbor promenade
Prices Überlingen Fasnacht 2026
All parades and street events are free of charge. Individual masked balls and club events in pubs may charge admission.
Practical information — Überlingen Fasnacht
Getting There
Train: Überlingen station (RB from Friedrichshafen or Singen). From there, a 5–10 minute walk to the old town.
Car: A98/B31 to Überlingen-Mitte. During the parades, the city center is closed to car traffic — pay attention to parking garages on the outskirts, P+R facilities, and signage.
Address: Münsterplatz / Hofstatt / Landungsplatz, 88662 Überlingen.
Program Overview 2026
Thursday, Feb 12th (Schmotziger Donnerstag): Rathaussturm, Hemdglonker parade in the evening. City center closure 8:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Saturday, Feb 14th: Evening parade starting approx. 5:30 PM (closure until Sunday 6:00 AM).
Sunday, Feb 15th: Grand Jubilee Parade starting at 12:00 PM (closure until parade end). Main event with all guilds.
Monday, Feb 16th: Evening parade starting approx. 5:00 PM (closure until parade end).
Admission
Free admission to all parades and street events. Food and drinks available in the old town and at club stands.
Organizer
Narrenzunft Überlinger Löwen and Hänselezunft Überlingen e.V., with numerous guest guilds.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Überlingen Fasnacht al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Überlingen Fasnacht
Überlinger Innenstadt — Münsterplatz, Hofstatt, Landungsplatz
Innenstadt Überlingen, 88662 Überlingen