Frankfurt Forest Festival
17.05 – 21.05.2024
A unique tradition
The unofficial bank holiday
of the metropolis on the River Main
The exact origins of this festival are not clear, but many residents of Frankfurt were traditionally granted an additional holiday on the Tuesday after Whitsun to visit the festival grounds. Even though only a few companies still follow this tradition today, Wäldchestag still has a very special significance in Frankfurt.
"Wäldchestag is our city's bank holidays and has a long tradition. Frankfurters visit the city forest on the long Whitsun weekend and experience a festival for the whole family in a unique atmosphere", says Mike Josef (Lord Mayor of the City of Frankfurt am Main).
How it all started
The history
of the Wäldchestag
The history of the Wäldchestag forest festival cannot be clearly established. In the absence of documentary evidence, two variants of its origin are considered possible.
Traditionally, the craftsmen of Frankfurt held their large, festive processions at Whitsun, and numerous craftsmen's festivals were held during spring, mostly, it is believed, due to the fact that the administrative year in the free imperial city ran from 01 May to 30 April, a fact that was not changed until 1729. The term of office of the guild leaders began with the new administrative year, which was also a reason for extended celebrations and merriment.
It is possible that the beginning of the third Whitsun holiday may also be validated by the custom of driving the cattle out to pasture for the first time after Whitsun, with farmhands and maids going out with them to feast on "food and drink". Frankfurt street names such as "Pfingstweide" (Whitsun Meadow), which were mentioned as early as 1300, still bear witness to this old Whitsun tradition today.
Even if nowadays only a few people get the day off on Wäldchestag in a metropolis like Frankfurt, as would have been the old tradition, a visit to the city forest on the Whitsun weekend and especially on Tuesday - Wäldchestag - is obligatory for most Frankfurt locals. Those who aren;t granted time off from their company simply meet up with their colleagues for an after-work forest party in one of the festival's beer gardens or enjoy a cool glass of wine in the shade of the trees at the weekend.
Action, games and treats
Come and visit the Wäldchestag in Frankfurt and immerse yourself in a world of fun and culinary enjoyment! Stroll past lottery, shooting and gaming stands, where your skill and luck could reward you with great prizes. Let yourself be enchanted by the stalls with their diverse offerings. Follow the scent of sweets and savouries to the snack and specialty stands, where you will find everything from hearty snacks to exotic dishes. For those with a sweet tooth, there are plenty of confectionery stands offering an endless selection of sweet temptations.
The festival's crowning glory is the wide range of fairground rides and children's rides. There really is something for everyone here.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about the Wäldchestag
17. 05 – 21.05.2024
Friday: 5:00 pm - 1:00 am
Saturday: 12:00 pm - 1:00 am
Sunday: 12:00 pm - 1:00 am
Monday: 12:00 pm - 12:00 am
Tuesday: 12:00 pm - 12:00 am
The festival's traditional location is the “Oberforsthaus” in Frankfurt's city forest.
To arrive at the festival stress-free, we recommend using public transportation. We also have great news for all bike enthusiasts: There is a special bike area for storing your bikes as well as parking spaces for e-scooters.
For drivers: There are limited parking spaces, so it's best to plan your journey in advance:
The Mörfelder-Landstraße parking lot will be available from 17.05 from 07:00 am until 22.05.2024 at 05:30 am.
Please note: The Isenburger-Schneise and Gleisdreieck parking lots are not available.
In addition, the traffic routing around the Oberforsthaus traffic circle will change during Wäldchestag. Mörfelder Landstraße will be closed between Isenburger Schneise and Niederräder Landstraße in the eastbound direction (Sachsenhausen) from 07:00 on May 17 until 05:30 on May 22.
Additional note: On 18th May, there will also be a Bundesliga football match taking place. Please take this into account in your planning.
Have fun and a safe journey to the Wäldchestag!
Station: Oberforsthaus
Yes, at the Oberforsthaus in the Frankfurt city forest
Bicycle storage stations are located between the bus stops "Am Oberforsthaus" and “Schützenhaus”, while the parking area for e-scooters is located in front of the bike area.
The following parking services are offered: