Folk Festivals & Oktoberfest

Düsseldorf Carnival is known for its politically satirical Rose Monday parade with spectacular themed floats. The old town becomes the world's longest bar.

Kiel Week is the world's largest sailing event and at the same time one of northern Europe's biggest folk festivals. For nine days sailing, culture and a huge funfair meet on the Kiel Fjord.

Hannover's Schützenfest is the largest marksmen's fair in the world. For ten days the traditional marksmen's parade, over 250 showmen and a large festival tent with live music draw the crowds.

The Hamburger DOM is northern Germany's largest funfair and takes place three times a year (spring, summer and winter DOM). Over 250 rides and stalls on the Heiligengeistfeld.

Rhine in Flames is a spectacular series of firework displays on the Middle Rhine. On five dates between May and September, Bengal lights and high-altitude fireworks illuminate the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley.

Munich's world-famous Oktoberfest is the largest folk festival on earth. More than 6 million visitors enjoy Bavarian beer culture, fairground rides and traditional dress on the Wiesn.

The Cannstatter Volksfest is the second-largest folk festival in the world after Oktoberfest. The Wasen fairground offers Swabian hospitality, huge beer tents and spectacular rides.