Vlotho Brückenmarkt

39th Brückenmarkt — Tradition under the Weser Bridge

The Vlotho Brückenmarkt is one of the oldest and most popular spring folk festivals (Volksfeste) in Ostwestfalen-Lippe. In 2026, the 39th edition runs from Friday, March 27th to Sunday, March 29th, 2026 — as always, on the characteristic festival grounds directly under the Weser Bridge, which gives the event its name. The mighty steel structure forms an unusual canopy — showmen, food stalls, and rides spread out beneath it.

Over 38 Showmen with Premiere Loop

More than 38 showmen are participating in 2026. The classic program:

• Bumper cars — a must-have at every funfair
• Twister — the rotating main attraction
• Jumpstreet — a trampoline park variant with air-cushion landing
• Musikexpress — a classic with loud music and disco lights
• Roller coaster — family roller coaster
• Carousel for the little ones
• Bungee trampoline — up to 6 meters high

Highlight 2026: the Intoxx, a looping swing of an impressive 22 meters height — one of the most spectacular mobile attractions recently seen at German funfairs. Those brave enough will fly headfirst over the festival grounds, seeing the Weser Bridge and the meadow from a completely new perspective for seconds.

Classic Funfair Gastronomy

The food stalls offer the full range of traditional funfair gastronomy:

• Crêpes with nutella, sugar, lemon, or savory
• Bratwurst and Currywurst with fries
• Popcorn and cotton candy from the cart
• Candied apples and roasted almonds
• Beer and non-alcoholic drinks

Special Promotion "Pay Once, Ride Twice" on Friday

A Vlotho tradition: on Friday, the "Pay Once, Ride Twice" promotion applies to many participating rides. Those who buy a ticket ride two rounds for the price of one. The promotion is limited to Friday — a classic incentive to visit the festival grounds early. Coupons will be distributed starting March 20th at the Vlotho Marketing Office and in local shops, schools, and kindergartens.

Sunday with Shopping Day and Easter Theme

Sunday (March 29th) is a Sunday with extended shopping hours in Vlotho — many shops open, and the Brückenmarkt runs in parallel. Additionally, there's an Easter drawing competition: children can create pictures that will subsequently be displayed in the shop windows of participating stores — a charming neighborhood initiative that makes the weekend a complete experience for families.

Vlotho — Town on the Weser in Northern Ostwestfalen

Vlotho is a small town with around 18,000 inhabitants in the Herford district of North Rhine-Westphalia — directly on the Weser river, on the border with Lower Saxony. Historically, the town was an important hub for inland navigation and preserves a distinctive townscape with its old town center and Vlotho Castle. The Brückenmarkt under the Weser Bridge has been the town's spring festival since 1987 and is a firm start to Vlotho's event season.