Event Details
Welcome to the Reichsstadt Festtage in Rothenburg 2026
From 4 to 6 September 2026, the medieval old town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber turns into a living time capsule. Since 1974, the Reichsstadt Festtage (Imperial City Festival) have invited visitors to step into the era when Rothenburg held the status of a Free Imperial City, from 1274 to 1802. Nearly 30 historical groups and more than a thousand Rothenburg residents active in historical associations bring past trades, knighthood and civic life back to life; admission is free.
Highlights
- Grand torch procession with around 30 historical groups on Friday evening
- Medieval knights' camp in front of the Rödertor gate
- Fire and light show with music at the town hall opening the festival
- Historic play "Der Meistertrunk" in the Kaisersaal of the town hall
- Traditional civic life and market scenes in the Herrngasse
- Fireworks display on Saturday evening
- Craft demonstrations, medieval music and dance throughout the old town
Program
The festival opens on Friday from 6:00 PM; around 7:30 PM the grand torch procession sets off at the Doppelbrücke in the Tauber valley and moves through the old town to the market square by about 8:30 PM, where a fire and light show crowns the opening. On Saturday from 10:00 AM, the knights' camp near the Rödertor opens with historic crafts, jesters and staged combat, while medieval townsfolk and the Schillingsfürst farmers' group appear in the Herrngasse. The play "Der Meistertrunk", retelling the dramatic events of 1631 since 1881, is performed twice in the town hall's Kaisersaal, at 3:30 PM and 6:00 PM. On Saturday evening, around 9:30 PM, a fireworks display rounds off the program. Sunday continues with camp life and market stalls throughout the old town.
Tickets
The Reichsstadt Festtage are free to attend; no admission is charged for any of the public program points, including the torch procession, the knights' camp or the fireworks. Only performances of "Der Meistertrunk" in the Kaisersaal may, depending on the organiser, require a separate ticket.
Visitor Tips
- Arrive early, as Rothenburg gets especially busy on this weekend.
- For the torch procession, find a spot along the route from the Doppelbrücke to the market square.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the old town has cobblestone streets.
- Traveling by bus or train is recommended, as parking in the old town is limited.
- For the Saturday fireworks, choose a spot with a clear view of the city wall.
