Concise Summary
Who knew that Germany also did wine? Although this fair is called Wurstmarkt (literally the “sausage market”), it is an annual folk festival famous for its celebration of excellent local wines.
Located in the heart of Palatinate, Germany’s second largest wine-growing region, the Wurstmarkt prides itself on being the world’s biggest wine festival. It is often compared to Munich’s Oktoberfest and takes place every second and third weekend in September in the spa town of Bad Dürkheim along the German Wine Road.
History of the Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt
The culinary event has been celebrated for around 600 years, and what started as a fair for local farmers and wine growers now attracts more than 600,000 visitors consuming hundreds of thousands of liters of wine annually.
This area was once home to ancient wineries, and it is thought that 2,000 years ago, the Romans were cultivating the same grape varieties as today. By the 12th century, growers began to gather here to sell their produce to the pilgrims heading to the chapel (Michaelskapelle) on top of a nearby mountain (Michaelsberg). By 1417, the event was known as Michaelismarkt. The Fest eventually became known as the Wurstmarkt in 1832 due to the large number of sausages available for sale.
While pilgrims continued their tradition on St. Michael’s Day until the 15th century, the Wurstmarkt has evolved into an attraction in itself. Attend on the opening day to watch the Mayor inaugurate the event and participate in a jubilant parade. Furthermore, stay for the wine.
Attractions of the Wurstmarkt in Bad Dürkheim
Over 150 local wines from nearly 40 historic wineries are featured during the Wurstmarkt, with offerings ranging from fine rieslings and pinot noirs to sekt (sparkling wine) and eiswein (“ice wine,” perfect for desserts).
The centerpiece of the Wurstmarkt is the world’s largest wine barrel, known as Dürkheimer Riesenfass (often referred to by locals as Fass or Därgemer Fass). It has a diameter of 13.5 meters and can hold 44 million gallons of wine, having been transformed into a multi-level wine shop and restaurant. Consequently, a visit during the festival is a must.
Visitors can enjoy their wein in several large tents, similar to those at Oktoberfest, where wine connoisseurs sit at long wooden tables, or at a traditional schubkärchler (small wine stand). Wine is served in classic stemmed glasses, or visitors can opt for a hefty half-liter dubbeglas. This glass is smaller than Oktoberfest’s 1-liter Mass, but still substantial for wine. Therefore, sharing several glasses among a group is a great option. If you prefer variety, rest assured that traditional beer halls and non-alcoholic options are also available.
Additionally, guests can indulge in the delicious cuisine of the Palatinate region. Here, wine is used in sauces for dishes like sauerkraut and even to enhance burger patties. Fill up on juicy bratwurst and finger-sized Nuremberg rostbratwurst—these options are a part of the festival experience, serving as necessary counterbalances to the wine.
Aside from food and drink, visitors can enjoy live music, carnival rides, literature contests in Pfälzisch (the regional dialect), and fireworks. Traditional German brass bands play schlager music and popular hits. So, if you feel inclined, sing along, dance on benches, and enjoy a sense of pure gemütlichkeit with your neighbors.
Visitor Information for Dürkheim Wurstmarkt
- Dates: Held over the second and third weekend of September. For 2023, that is September 8-10 and September 15-17.
- Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
- Location: Bad Duerkheim (located 70 miles south of Frankfurt)
- Address: Kurbrunnenstraße, 67089 Bad Dürkheim, Germany
- Map of the event
- Website: www.bad-duerkheim.com/duerkheimer-wurstmarkt.html
- Phone: +49 6322 9566-250
- Getting There: The closest international airport is Flughafen Frankfurt. The best way to reach Bad Dürkheim is by train. Take an Intercity express train (ICE) to Mannheim; from there, use a regional train via Neustadt to reach Bad Dürkheim. Visitors may also choose to rent a car.
