Cranger Kirmes in the Ruhr Metropolis

Nobody really knows exactly when the tradition of the funfair in Crange was established. It is said that during the fifteenth century, it was customary for a horse fair to be held in this part of today’s Herne. Some six hundred fairs on, the Cranger Kirmes is the second largest folk festival throughout Germany.

Some 4 million people visit this spectacular annual event, which takes place on a vast urban area. The fair always commences on the first Friday in August and usually runs for ten days or so. It offers pleasurable hurly-burly, cheering, laughing, eating and drinking. A funfair with cult status.

Loved by the locals, a special bond has been built and the fair has attained a special kind of cult status. Whether it’s wild roller coaster rides, scary ghost trains, exciting water rides, the big wheel or maybe just a big cotton candy, Zuckerwatte, cool beer or tasty sausage, Bratwurst, visitors can find everything here.

The daily routine of the funfair also includes special events such as the opening and closing firework displays, children’s and senior’s afternoons as well as a family day.

Since the fairground is actually the streets of the town down by the canal, public transport is advisable, or even travel on one of the Weisse Flotte boats.

By Anneke Söpper, updated VG, Jan 2 2022