Wolfacher Fasnet — Wohlauf und Nasenzug
Alemannic Carnival in the Kinzigtal — from 5:30 AM Wohlauf to Nasenzug
About Wolfacher Fasnet
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Wolfacher Fasnet — arguably the most idiosyncratic carnival in the Black Forest
The Wolfacher Fasnet is one of the most distinctive events of the Swabian-Alemannic carnival. The small town of Wolfach (around 5,800 inhabitants) at the confluence of the Kinzig and Wolfbach rivers in the Ortenau district hosts twelve independent parades during carnival week — a concentration not found in any other town in the region. The organizer is the Freie Narrenzunft Wolfach 1937 e.V., one of the three largest guilds in the VSAN (Association of Swabian-Alemannic Carnival Guilds).
Wohlauf — the jesters' awakening on Schellenmontag
The Wohlauf is Wolfach's signature tradition: On Schellenmontag (February 16th, 2026) at 5:30 AM, the "Wohlauf-Man" parades through the sleeping town on a rolling bed. He sings the Wohlauf song at the spots where the night watchman once sang — accompanied by hundreds of carnival-goers in white nightgowns, pointed hats, and with rattles, trumpets, and anything that makes noise. A surreal experience in the winter morning darkness that attracts thousands of visitors every year. In the afternoon of the same day, a grand parade of the guilds follows at 2 PM.
Nasenzug — the men in reversed jackets
On Fastnachtsdienstag (February 17th, 2026) at 5 PM, the historic Nasenzug takes place — one of the oldest forms of Wolfach carnival. The men of Wolfach march in reversed jackets, with wood-shaving beards and hats full of wooden curls, in a goose-step through the old town, from the city gate through the alleys, inns, and small squares out to the outskirts. The procession is intended as a jest against the long noses of the mockers — the participating men enter a purely male world for one night, reminiscent of the town's centuries-old artisanal and agricultural past.
Motto 2026: "Wolfach hebt ab"
Every Wolfach carnival is under a new annual motto, announced at the traditional Martini meeting in November. The motto for 2026 is "Wolfach hebt ab" — an invitation for the guilds and float builders to play with the theme of flight, height, and departure. This gives the parades a new thematic touch each year without altering the basic figures and rituals.
Wolfach and the Kinzigtal Valley
Wolfach is located in the middle Kinzigtal valley between the Black Forest and the Upper Rhine Plain and was historically an important rafting town — timber trade on the Rhine to the Netherlands shaped the town's culture. The Wolfach castle complex and the old town with its half-timbered houses form the backdrop for the parades. During carnival week, thousands of visitors come to Wolfach from all over the Ortenau district, the Black Forest, Ortenau, and Alsace.
Wolfacher Fasnet — edition 2026
Wolfacher Fasnet 2026 — "Wolfach hebt ab"
The Wolfacher Fasnet 2026 runs under the motto "Wolfach hebt ab" — announced at the traditional Martini meeting in November 2025. The focus of the two highlight days, as every year, is Wohlauf and Nasenzug — two of the most idiosyncratic events of the Swabian-Alemannic carnival.
On Schellenmontag, February 16th, 2026, the Wohlauf-Man awakens the town from 5:30 AM on a rolling bed, accompanied by hundreds of carnival-goers in white nightgowns. On Fastnachtsdienstag, February 17th, the men of Wolfach will march through the old town in reversed jackets and wood-shaving beards in a goose-step from 5:00 PM.
Programme Wolfacher Fasnet 2026
Wolfacher Fasnet 2026 — The Highlights
- Schellenmontag, February 16th, 2026 — 5:30 AM Wohlauf: Assembly 4:30 AM at the city gate, start 5:30 AM. The Wohlauf-Man parades through the town on a rolling bed, singing the Wohlauf song at the traditional spots of the night watchman. Hundreds of carnival-goers in white nightgowns and pointed hats accompany him with rattles, bells, and trumpets.
- Schellenmontag, February 16th — 2:00 PM Grand Parade: Festive parade of the Wolfach guilds with themed floats, music bands, and walking groups through the old town.
- Fastnachtsdienstag, February 17th, 2026 — 5:00 PM Nasenzug: Wolfach men in reversed jackets and wood-shaving beards march in a goose-step through the old town — from the city gate through all inns to the outskirts.
The complete carnival schedule 2026 with all twelve parades of the carnival week is available as a PDF on narrenzunft-wolfach.de.
Highlights Wolfacher Fasnet 2026
- Wohlauf at 5:30 AM — the famous jesters' awakening on Schellenmontag, one of Germany's earliest carnival events.
- Nasenzug on Fastnachtsdienstag — historic men's tradition in reversed jackets and wood-shaving beards.
- Motto 2026: "Wolfach hebt ab"
- Twelve parades in one week — Wolfach has the highest parade density of the Swabian-Alemannic carnival.
- Organizer: Freie Narrenzunft Wolfach 1937 e.V. — Member of the VSAN.
Prices Wolfacher Fasnet 2026
Free admission to all public parades. Catering available in the festival tent, inns, and at club stands.
Practical information — Wolfacher Fasnet
Getting There
Train: Black Forest Railway Offenburg–Konstanz, stop Wolfach — approx. 5 minutes walk to the old town. Additional special trains during carnival.
Car: A5 exit Offenburg, continue via B33 into the Kinzigtal valley to Wolfach. Large parts of the city center are closed during Wohlauf and Nasenzug — park in the outer parking lots.
Address: Hauptstraße, Wolfach city center.
Date 2026
Wohlauf: Monday, February 16th, 2026, 5:30 AM (assembly 4:30 AM), followed by parade at 2:00 PM.
Nasenzug: Tuesday, February 17th, 2026, 5:00 PM (men only).
Motto: "Wolfach hebt ab".
Admission
Free admission to public parades. Catering available in the festival tent and inns. Costumes encouraged (white nightgowns for Wohlauf participants, reversed jackets for Nasenzug).
Organizer
Freie Narrenzunft Wolfach 1937 e.V. — Member of the Association of Swabian-Alemannic Carnival Guilds (VSAN).
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Wolfacher Fasnet
Innenstadt Wolfach — Stadttor, Hauptstraße, Schlossplatz
Hauptstraße, 77709 Wolfach