Zissel – North Hessian Folk and Water Festival
100 Years of Fun on the River – North Hesse's Biggest Folk Festival Celebrates Anniversary
About Zissel Kassel
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North Hesse's Biggest Folk Festival Celebrates 100 Years
The Zissel is North Hesse's largest folk and water festival – and 2026 will be a celebration: The 100th anniversary is under the motto «100 Years of Fun on the River – The Zissel is a Must for Us». From July 31 to August 3, the Kassel Fulda riverbanks will transform into a four-day festival mile.
The Zisselhäring – Landmark Since 1926
The hoisting of the Zisselhäring on Friday at the Rondell is the official festival opening – a giant fabric herring is stretched across the Fulda. The Zisselhäring has been the ironic symbol of the festival since its first edition in 1926, playing on Kassel's self-irony: 'Hering' (herring) stands for North Hesse, the 'See' (lake/sea) for the Fulda river.
Water Ski Show and Dragon Boat Cup
The grand water ski show on the Fulda is one of the most popular program points: acrobatics, jumps, and show acts right in front of the Karlsaue backdrop. The Dragon Boat Cup brings teams from all over North Hesse to the riverbank – a sporting highlight of the festival for decades.
Land and Water Parade
The heart of the Zissel are the two major parades: The water parade with illuminated boats on the Fulda and the land parade through Kassel's city center – both attract tens of thousands to the streets and riverbanks.
Three Festival Locations – One Festival
The Zissel is spread across three main venues: the Fulda riverbanks with stages and gastronomy, the Karlswiese with a nostalgic funfair and rides, and the Orangerie with the atmospheric wine village. They are connected by the Zisselmile, an entertainment mile along the Fulda riverbanks.
A 100-Year Tradition
The Zissel dates back to 1926 when Kassel water sports enthusiasts organized the first 'Water Show on the Fulda'. Since then, the festival has developed into North Hesse's identity-defining major event – with interruptions only during wartime and the Corona pandemic. It is supported by the non-profit organization Zissel in Kassel e.V.
Zissel Kassel — edition 2026
Four festival days on the Kassel Fulda riverbanks for the 100th anniversary. The anniversary program builds on the traditional Zissel highlights – with additional festive events and a special event by the University of Kassel to kick things off.
Programme Zissel Kassel 2026
Friday, July 31, 2026 — Opening
- Zisselhäring hoisting at the Rondell – official festival opening
- Welcome of the Zissel dignitaries
- Opening of the Karlswiese funfair
- Opening of the Orangerie wine village
- Evening live program
Saturday, August 1, 2026 — Sports and Show Day
- Morning — Dragon Boat Cup on the Fulda
- Afternoon — Dance show program
- Evening — Grand water ski show on the Fulda
- Late evening — Atmospheric torch swimming
Sunday, August 2, 2026 — Parade Day
- Afternoon — Grand land parade through Kassel's city center
- Evening — Water parade with illuminated boats on the Fulda
- Late evening — Fireworks over the Fulda
Monday, August 3, 2026 — Winding Down
- Karlswiese funfair and Orangerie wine village open
- Evening program on the main stage
- Festival concludes
Highlights Zissel Kassel 2026
- 100th anniversary with its own motto
- Zisselhäring hoisting as the official festival opening
- Water ski show on the Fulda
- Dragon Boat Cup with teams from North Hesse
- Land and water parades
- Fireworks and torch swimming
- Karlswiese funfair and Orangerie wine village
Prices Zissel Kassel 2026
Admission to the festival grounds is free. Carousels, food stalls, and the wine village at usual folk festival prices. Dragon Boat Cup participation is subject to a fee (team registration).
Practical information — Zissel Kassel
Getting There
By car: A7 or A44, exit Kassel-Mitte. During the festival period, city center parking is severely restricted – Park-and-Ride recommended. By train: Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe main station, then tram to the city center. Special trains often run during the festival period.
Admission
Admission to the festival grounds is free. Water ski show can be viewed for free from land. Dragon Boat Cup for teams is subject to a fee (registration via team association). Carousels and food stalls at usual folk festival prices.
Tip
If you want to see the water and land parades: Check dates and routes on zissel.de before the festival begins. If you seek tranquility: Mornings and weekday afternoons are relaxed – evenings, weekends, and fireworks are crowded.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Zissel Kassel al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Zissel Kassel
Fuldaufer / Karlswiese / Orangerie
Fuldaufer, Karlswiese, Orangerie, 34121 Kassel