Gevelsberg - Frühkirmes

If there’s one thing the people of Gevelsberg know how to do, it’s a fair – and because the big bash in June is still far too far off, the town treats itself to a proper adrenaline rush with the ‘Frühkirmes’ to get things going. It’s the official wake-up call from hibernation: as soon as the first rays of sunshine tickle the Ennepe Valley, the square by the Ennepe beach transforms into a colourful party zone. You could say the Frühkirmes is the perfect ‘appetiser’ before the main course in summer – a bit more compact, but not a bit less intense.

The whole thing has that typical Gevelsberg vibe: everyone knows each other, everyone greets each other, and everyone shares a passion for anything that flashes and spins. It’s that cool contrast when you’ve actually only popped out to get some bread rolls and suddenly find yourself standing in front of a huge propeller catapulting people into the spring sky. As soon as dusk falls, the neon lights flash in competition with one another, and the whole town smells of that unbeatable mix of roasted almonds, fresh bratwurst and a touch of adventure.

What makes the Frühkirmes so appealing is the relaxed atmosphere. It’s not quite as insanely crowded as its big brother in June, which means: you have more space to stroll about, the queues at the stalls are shorter, and you can easily go for two more spins on the bumper cars without getting stuck in a traffic jam straight away. It’s the meeting place for all the fairground enthusiasts in the region who simply fancy finally being outdoors again, sipping a cold beer and putting their stomachs to the test on a thrilling ride.

Of course, there’s no skimping on the food either. Anyone on a diet should steer well clear of the area, because here you’re absolutely powerless against the scent of freshly baked crêpes and savoury treats. The Frühkirmes in Gevelsberg is simply the promise: spring is here, the fair season is open, and the town is once again showing why it’s right up there at the top when it comes to a love of folk festivals.

Travel information:

By public transport:

- by train: Gevelsberg main station (600 m away)

- by bus: Rathaus stop (lines 551, 556, 575)

By car:

- Venue: Am Ennepebogen

Parking:

- Car park next to the venue

- Großer Markt car park