Skip to content

Events

Cranger Kirmes in the Ruhr Metropolis

August 1 - August 11 2024

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

Stadtmarketing Herne GmbH

Kirchhofstrasse 5
44623 Herne

+49 2323 919 0515

Image of popcorn

MOVIES IN RUHR

Original language movies are popular among expats living across the Ruhr Metropolis. Films are screened regularly in English original with subtitles, known as OmU and without, portrayed as OV. A wide variety of cinemas or movie theatres can be found, both large and small.

HIKING IN RUHR

Many open spaces entice hikers into the surrounding countryside. Try heading out to wonderful hillsides and woodlands or reclaimed industrial areas. The Ruhr region also offers pathways and trail around impressive lakes or former important waterways.

Welcome to the Ruhr

The Ruhr metropolis offers wide swathes of woodlands, dozens of rivers as well as over fifty cities, towns, villages and municipalities. Each is unique. Many urbanisations offer a lively atmosphere just waiting to be experienced by expats.