Volksfest Sonthofen

Folk Festival at the Marktanger

The Volksfest Sonthofen is the largest folk festival in the Oberallgäu region. The venue is the Marktanger festival grounds (Mühlenweg 8) located between the train station and the old town. The organizer is the City of Sonthofen. Over ten days, the beer tent, amusement park, and traditional Allgäu culture alternate. The festival was canceled in 2025 because the Marktanger was being renovated – it returns in 2026.

Program between Beer Tent and Carousel

Traditionally, the festival opens with alphorn players and the beer tapping ceremony by the mayor. In the festival tent, party bands and brass bands play alternately, with delicacies like Allgäu Käsespätzle, pork knuckles, and roast chicken served in between. The amusement park offers carousels, swing rides, a Ferris wheel, and children's rides, alongside shooting galleries and lottery stalls. There are dedicated days for seniors and families.

Return After Marktanger Renovation

The City of Sonthofen openly informs that the 2026 edition may be slightly smaller than usual due to the renovations at the Marktanger. Nevertheless, the resumption after a year's break is an important signal for the folk festival tradition in the Oberallgäu region, which is also cherished by Sonthofen's clubs and traditional costume groups.

Sonthofen in the Oberallgäu

Sonthofen is the southernmost town in Germany and the district capital of the Oberallgäu district. The folk festival falls exactly between Pentecost and the main summer holidays – an ideal date for locals and for holidaymakers in the Allgäu who want to incorporate a festival day between hiking tours on the Grünten and Hochvogel mountains.