How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Bad Dürkheim Wurstmarkt
When it comes to embracing the cultural and culinary wonders of Germany, the Bad Dürkheim Wurstmarkt stands as a testament to the nation’s rich heritage. Nestled in the picturesque Palatinate region, this renowned wine festival is a haven for wine enthusiasts, food lovers, and those seeking an unforgettable experience. Here is everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to the Bad Dürkheim Wurstmarkt!
History Of The Bad Dürkheim Wurstmarkt
Stepping into the Bad Dürkheim Wurstmarkt is like stepping back in time. With a history dating back to 1417, this festival boasts the title of the world’s largest wine festival, standing as a testament to the enduring traditions that have shaped the region.
Originally, local farmers began to gather to sell their produce to the pilgrims heading towards the chapel on the Michelsberg. Thus, receiving the name Michaelismarkt. It then became too large and was transformed into a church festival.
Due to the increase selling of sausages at the festival, they changed the name to “Wurstmarkt.” The festival started as a three day event, increasing to 5, and in 1985, has increased to 9 days of celebration. Although the festival isn’t primarily big on sausages, it is now the most well-known wine festival.
When & Where
The Bad Dürkheim Wurstmarkt takes place two weekend in September, with the festival starting around 11:00am each day and ends around midnight.
2024 Dates: September 06 – 10 and 13 – 16, 2024
The wine festival takes place in Bad Dürkheim, Germany, right outside the famous giant wine barrel restaurant, Dürkheimer Riesenfass. It is the largest wine barrel in the world and has a volume of 1.7 million liters.
Address: Große Allee 504, 67098 Bad Dürkheim, Germany | Google Maps
How To Get There
Reaching the Bad Dürkheim Wurstmarkt is a breeze, thanks to Germany’s well-connected transportation network.
Depending on your starting point, taking the Deutsche Bahn train is quite easy. Your end destination will be the Bad Dürkheim train station on Mannheimer Str. and then a quick 10 minute walk to the festival grounds. Taking the train allows for safety if you plan on drinking any amount of wine and not driving home.
Alternatively, driving your own car offers you the freedom to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace. There is paid parking nearby in managed lots for an added cost.
If you’re a military family located in Germany, the drive from KMC is about 45 minutes, Wiesbaden is one hour, and from Stuttgart is about two hours.
Finally, if you’re arriving by air, Frankfurt Airport serves as the primary gateway. From there, an easy train journey takes you through picturesque landscapes and villages, delivering you to Bad Dürkheim.
About the Wine Festival
With over 30 wine stands and covered tents, this event is known as the largest wine festival in the world. It welcomes over 600,000 visitors a year. Honestly, this wine festival is more like an enormous, exhilarating carnival.
The Bad Dürkheim wine festival is free to enter and wander around. The only spending will be for any food, drink, games, or rides you choose to do.
There are many events that take place throughout the festival, such as crowning the new wine princess, fireworks, and wine tasting on the ferris wheel (it does cost extra)!
Fireworks
Fireworks take place on two separate days during the wine festival. The first night of fireworks is the Tuesday of the first weekend. Starting at 9:00 pm, watch as colorful fireworks light the sky.
The second set of fireworks take place on the final night to end out the wine festival. Once again, the final fireworks start at 9:00 pm. If you can, try to catch the fireworks while taking a ride on the ferris wheel for optimal views.
Rides & Games
Beyond the delicious food, the Bad Dürkheim Wurstmarkt brings joy to people with a captivating selection of amusement rides. From classic carousels to the large ferris wheel, the festival grounds become a playground of excitement for families and friends.
Rides open at 11:00 am and close at midnight. The rides do cost an additional price as well.
The festival pulses with the rhythms of traditional Bavarian music, creating an electrifying atmosphere that invites you to dance, sing, and revel in the joyous melodies. Folk performances and cultural showcases add an extra layer of vibrancy to the festivities, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.
Even if you don’t drink wine, the Bad Dürkheim Wurstmarkt can be a family filled day with the food, games, and rides.
Souvenirs
If collecting souvenirs at events and festivals are your thing, don’t forget to grab something here.
There are numerous items to choose from, such as t-shirts, jewelry, postcards, magnets, pins, stickers, plush toys, and more.
Food & Drink Options
The Bad Dürkheim Wurstmarkt is a haven for gastronomes, offering an irresistible array of culinary treats.
From bratwursts to flavorful sandwiches, each bite is a testament to the region’s dedication to culinary excellence. There are plenty of options for everyone’s preference with numerous desserts as well. Pizza, sandwiches, sausages, fries and potato sticks are just a few other options.
And let’s not forget the wine – a symphony of flavors awaits, with Palatinate Rieslings and Dornfelders taking center stage. Pair these indulgent treats with pretzels, sausages, and other traditional sides for a truly authentic experience.
One tip I’ve learned since living in Germany is learning the key descriptions when ordering wine.
- Trocken – Dry
- Halbtrocken – Semi-dry, does have some sweetness, my personal favorite!
- Lieblich – Sweet
- Schorle – Wine (or juice) mixed with sparkling water, like a spritzer!
- Trollschoppen – Wine mixed with sparkling wine
Tips for Visiting
Theres are so many tips to consider while planning your visit to the Bad Dürkheim Wurstmarkt.
Plan Ahead
If you love to plan ahead for future years, the Wurstmarkt has dates up until 2030 currently.
- September 12 – 16 and 19 – 22, 2025
- September 11 – 15 and 18 – 21, 2026
- September 10 – 14 and 17 – 20, 2027
- September 08 – 12 and 15 – 18, 2028
- September 07 – 11 and 14 – 17, 2029
- September 06 – 10 and 13 – 16, 2030
Research the festival schedule and events in advance to make the most of your visit.
If you plan on staying in the area or close by, book your accommodations in advance because places sell out. And remember to be responsible, don’t drink and drive!
Cash is Key
Majority of stalls only take cash and having it on hand ensures for a smooth experience. There is an ATM on site if needed, but be aware of fees.
Most drinks cost around €4.00+, as well as a €3.00 deposit (pfand) for the glass. If you return your glass at the end or when you’re done drinking, they return your deposit back. You can choose to keep the glass if you prefer, you’ll just forfeit your deposit.
In addition to euros, have coins available for when you need to go to the bathroom. It usually costs around €0.50 or €1.00!
Stay Hydrated
Remember to drink water to keep refreshed, hydrated, and fully enjoy the festivities. Drinking wine in the nice, hot weather will definitely catch up to you.
Bring a bottle of water to save money, or better yet, consider switching to a wine schorle that is mixed with water.
Best Time to Visit
If you want to avoid the crowds and rowdiness, going early when it opens is your best bet! As the day goes on, it does get a bit wild.
By mid afternoon, I watched quite a few people throwing up and dropping their glasses. And by night time, the tents can be packed with no where to sit.
Bring Snacks
Outside food is allowed, so if you want to save some money, pack some snacks to nibble on. I literally witnessed a guy pull out an entire loaf of bread from his back pack last year, so anything goes. Like mentioned previously, also bring water to stay hydrated and save money.
Are Dogs Allowed?
Like many festivals in Germany, the wine festival is no different. Dogs are allowed, but I recommend taking your pup at the start of the day, as well as during a weekday. The crowds get rowdy and people drop their glass throughout the grounds.
Otherwise, if you cannot make it when the festival starts or can’t avoid a weekend, I would leave your dog at home.
Exploring Bad Dürkheim & Beyond
While the Wurstmarkt may take center stage, Bad Dürkheim and its surroundings offer a plethora of experiences for everyone. You can wander through the quaint street of Bad Dürkheim, as well as the numerous vineyards. Or if hiking if a preference, there are plenty of landmarks to explore.
Flaggenturm, often called the “coffee mill” due to it’s shape, overlooks the beautiful vineyards in Bad Dürkheim. Gradierbau Saline is a graduation building that was part of salt pan plants and is the longest of its kind. Schloss- und Festungsruine Hardenburg are medieval castle ruins you can hike to for panoramic views of the town.
There is also a casino located in town, Spielbank Bad Durkheim, if that interests you. Pfalzmuseum für Naturkunde – POLLICHIA-Museum, which is a natural history museum, but closed on Mondays.
If experiencing a spa while visiting is on your list, there is Hamam Türkisches Badehaus and Day Spa-Heussers Wellness Oase.
The Bad Dürkheim Wurstmarkt isn’t just a festival; it’s an immersive journey through time, flavors, and culture. As you bask in the festivities, you’re not merely savoring the food and wine – you’re partaking in a tradition that has shaped a town and its people for centuries. Beyond the delectable bites and exquisite sips, Bad Dürkheim beckons you to explore its history, indulge in its cuisine, and relish its natural beauty. This is one festival in Germany you do not want to miss!
