Frankfurt's Wäldchestag
Come and visit the Wäldchestag in Frankfurt from 6 to 10 June 2025 and immerse yourself in a world of fun and culinary enjoyment!
It has been a Frankfurt tradition since the 18th century that on the Tuesday after Whitsun, its citizens swarm to the city forest to enjoy their very own local holiday, the "Wäldchestag" (Forest Festival).
This festival is only celebrated in Frankfurt and dates back to 1792. However, the actual origin of the Wäldchestag is still not clearly determined. One theory claims that the festival evolved from the annual Whitsun cattle drive and the following forest picnic of the servants and maids. According to a different story, its origin was the annual festival processions of the craftsmen, which were followed by a joyful get-together in the city forest.
The Wäldchestag is no longer only celebrated on Tuesday but has developed into a four-day festival that can be enjoyed over the Whitsun weekend. The large fairground at the Oberforsthaus offers entertainment for every taste: a wide range of gastronomic experiences with cozy marquees, summer gardens and snack stands, traditional fairground attractions such as game stalls and shooting galleries as well as modern entertainment with high-tech rides and stage shows.
Even today, the semi-official holiday is still very popular among young and old. Until the 1990s, most of Frankfurt‘s shops closed in the early afternoon on Tuesday and many Frankfurters headed off into the forest to celebrate. In recent years, this special tradition has been somewhat forgotten. But #visitfrankfurt is opening the next chapter: With the ‘Back to the rootsExternal Link’ campaign, they are calling on all Frankfurters to rekindle the old love for Wäldchestag!
Opening Hours of the Wäldchestag 2025
The opening tour with Lord Mayor Mike Josef will take place on Friday, 6 June 2025 at 7 p.m. The start is at the stage at the Schwarzwaldhaus by the fireplace.
Friday, 6 June: 5 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Saturday, 7 June: 12 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Sunday, 8 June: 12 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Monday, 9 June: 12 p.m. - 12 a.m.
Tuesday, 10 June: 12 p.m. - 12 a.m.
How do I reach the Wäldchestag?
Visitors can easily reach the fairground without a car, as the public transport system offers an extended train and bus schedule for the Wäldchestag:
Station: Oberforsthaus
Tram Lines 21 and 20
Bus Lines 61, 78, 80 und 84