Völklinger Herbstkirmes

Saarland Funfair Tradition in the Shadow of the Völklingen Ironworks

The Völklinger Herbstkirmes is one of the most important folk festivals in the Saarbrücken regional association. It takes place every year from mid to late September in the city center of Völklingen – a Saarland industrial town that boasts the Völklingen Ironworks, an internationally significant industrial monument declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors to the funfair are only a few minutes' walk from the World Heritage site.

Three Squares, Dozens of Rides

The funfair spans three squares in the city center: Otto-Hemmer-Platz, Rathausplatz, and Hindenburgplatz. Rides for all ages – from the classic chain carousel to high-thrill attractions – game stalls with grabbers and ring toss booths, and the obligatory culinary offerings of bratwurst, potato pancakes, candied almonds, and Saarland Lyoner sausage characterize the scene.

The Traditional Funfair – A Saarland Flea Market

The highlight on the last day of the funfair (Tuesday) is the flea market: around 45 itinerant traders set up on Adolph-Kolping-Platz, City-Promenade, Pfarrgarten, and Forbacher Passage, offering textiles, household goods, spices, honey, leather goods, and gift items. This combination of funfair and flea market is rare in the Saarland and makes the Völklingen festival special.

Family Day with Discounted Prices

On Monday, Family Day, the showmen offer their rides at reduced prices – ideal for a visit with children. The funfair traditionally opens on Saturday evening at 5 PM with the ceremonial tapping of the first keg by the local district administrator, together with the Lord Mayor and members of the local council.

Discover Völklingen

Besides the funfair, a visit to the Völklingen Ironworks is worthwhile – the only authentically preserved ironworks from the heyday of the iron and steel industry and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. Those who want to combine industrial history and Saarland folk festivals will find an unusual mix here.