Wernigerode Town Hall Festival
60th Edition — Nine Stages in the Heart of the Colorful Town on the Harz Mountains
About Rathausfest Wernigerode
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Sixty Years of Rathausfest in One of Germany's Most Beautiful Half-Timbered Towns
Anyone who has visited Wernigerode knows why the town calls itself the "Colorful Town on the Harz Mountains": brightly painted half-timbered houses, Wernigerode Castle perched like a fairytale castle, and the famous market square with its late-Gothic Town Hall. Every year in mid-June, this very setting becomes the stage for one of the largest city festivals in the state of Saxony-Anhalt.
Nine Stages, 250 Artists, Three Days
The Rathausfest spans three days and utilizes almost the entire historic city center in the Harz district: from the market square to Breite Straße and Westernplatz. A total of nine stages offer live music in all genres: traditional Harz folk music, folk, rock, pop, singer-songwriters, and family concerts. In between, there are market stalls, food trucks, show acts, and a historically furnished medieval market that connects to the town's over 800-year history.
A Festival with History
The Rathausfest has its roots in the 1960s — in 2026, it will be its 60th edition. What began as a folk festival (Volksfest) with a focus on crafts and local heritage has evolved into an open city festival with an international artist lineup and a strictly free admission policy. This combination — established tradition, free access, high-quality program — creates its unique charm.
Wernigerode as the Harz's Tourist Hub
Alongside Quedlinburg and Bad Harzburg, Wernigerode is one of the central tourist destinations in the Harz Mountains. The Harz Narrow Gauge Railways start their Brocken journey from Wernigerode station, the castle towers over the old town on a ridge, and its location on the northern edge of the low mountain range makes it an ideal starting point for hikes. Visitors to the Rathausfest should plan at least an extra day to explore the town itself.
Rathausfest Wernigerode — edition 2026
For its 60th edition, the Rathausfest brings around 250 artists to nine stages in Wernigerode's old town over three days. Program highlights include regional folklore, rock, pop, folk, as well as family and children's concerts. The pedestrian zone transforms into a market mile, and Westernplatz becomes a historic medieval market with craft demonstrations.
Programme Rathausfest Wernigerode 2026
Friday, June 19, 2026 — Opening
- From 5:00 PM — Market mile setup and opening
- 6:30 PM — Official opening by the Mayor on the main stage at Market Square
- Evening concerts on several stages, traditionally featuring Harz folk and rock acts
Saturday, June 20, 2026 — Main Day
- All day: Live music on 9 stages (Market Square, Westernplatz, Breite Straße, etc.)
- Historic medieval market with craft demonstrations
- Children's and family stage with interactive activities
- Evening highlight: Main concert on the Market Square stage
Sunday, June 21, 2026 — Family Day
- Morning pint (Frühschoppen) from 11:00 AM
- Family program with children's concerts
- Folk and acoustic sessions as the concluding program strand
- Festival winds down in the late afternoon
The complete stage and artist program will be published by Wernigerode Tourism GmbH in May 2026.
Highlights Rathausfest Wernigerode 2026
- 60th Anniversary Edition
- 9 stages spread throughout the city center
- Over 250 artists
- Free admission to all offerings
- Historic medieval market at Westernplatz
Prices Rathausfest Wernigerode 2026
Completely free admission to all stages and areas.
Practical information — Rathausfest Wernigerode
Getting There
By train: Wernigerode station (RE connections from Halle, Magdeburg, Hanover). Approx. 15 min walk from the station to the old town. By car via the A36 (Wernigerode exit). Parking: Park & Ride recommended on the outskirts, shuttle buses during the festival weekend.
Admission
Completely free — all nine stages, the medieval market, and the children's program. Food, drinks, and market goods are extra.
On-Site
Tourist Information in the Town Hall, restrooms distributed throughout the festival grounds, pharmacy service, first aid stations.
Tip
Combine your visit with a trip up the Brocken on the Harz Narrow Gauge Railway from Wernigerode station, a visit to Wernigerode Castle, or a hike to Agnesberg.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Rathausfest Wernigerode al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Where it takes place Rathausfest Wernigerode
Historische Innenstadt Wernigerode
Marktplatz Wernigerode, 38855 Wernigerode