Narrensprung – 德国林道狂欢节 (Fasnacht)

The Narrensprung in Lindau is the local highlight of Fasnacht (Carnival) in this Bavarian town on Lake Constance in Germany. It is part of the Swabian-Alemannic carnival tradition, a cultural festival celebrated in southern Germany and neighbouring regions, where colourful costumes, handmade wooden masks, music, and folklore fill the streets before Lent. At Narrensprung, local carnival guilds (Zünfte) join with groups from neighbouring areas to present a festive procession and cultural performances across the island’s old town, harbour, and market square.

When and main events

In 2026, the Narrensprung took place on Sunday, 1 February, and ran from about 09:00 to 16:00. The day began with a traditional Narrenmesse (carnival mass) at the Münster church, followed by morning music, traditional dances, Brauchtum (folk custom) demonstrations on the market square, and a Frühschoppen (morning drinks) by the harbour. At around 13:00, the colourful Narrensprung parade – with masked participants, musicians, and fans – wound through the narrow streets of Lindau Island, creating a joyful and lively atmosphere. Later in the afternoon, fanfare bands marched in a Sternmarsch (star march) to Reichsplatz, and celebrations with music and dancing continued at the harbour and market areas.

交通指南

Lindau is well connected by train; the easiest rail stop is Lindau-Insel station, right on the island’s old town, or Lindau-Reutin train station near the island. From there, the carnival area is within walking distance of the parade route, harbour, and market square. Regional trains from major cities such as Munich, Zurich, Friedrichshafen or Bregenz make it convenient to travel without a car.