Gäubodenvolksfest

What to Expect at the Gäubodenvolksfest

Bavaria's second-largest Volksfest after Oktoberfest, the Gäubodenvolksfest — affectionately called the "Gäubodi" or "d'Boarische Wiesn" — is a 10-day summer extravaganza held annually in August in Straubing, on the banks of the Danube. With over 13 beer tents, 150+ fairground rides, and 100+ market stalls, this is a full-scale folk festival that rivals Oktoberfest in excitement, rides, and atmosphere, yet remains distinctly regional and far more relaxed in its pace and pricing. Locals and visitors alike gather here to celebrate the agricultural heartland of Lower Bavaria in grand style.

The Gäuboden is the fertile plain surrounding Straubing on the Danube, rich in farmland and tradition, and the fest has celebrated this agricultural bounty since 1812. Expect traditional Bavarian music played live in every tent, massive beer tents with thousands of wooden benches, thrilling roller coasters and nostalgic carousels for all ages, and excellent food ranging from Brathendl (half roast chicken) and Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) to Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick, a regional favorite). Entry to the festival grounds is completely free — you only pay for rides, food, and beer. A Maß costs between €9.50 and €10.50, which is excellent value for a festival of this scale and quality.

Getting There

Straubing is located in Lower Bavaria (Niederbayern) on the banks of the Danube River. It's accessible by regional train from Regensburg (about 35 minutes) or from Passau (roughly 1 hour). From Munich, take a direct Regional Express (RE) train — the scenic journey along the Isar and Danube valleys takes approximately 2 hours and offers beautiful countryside views. By car, take the A3 motorway south from Nuremberg or north from Passau; Straubing is directly on the route. The Gäubodenvolksfest grounds at "Am Hagen" are a 15-minute walk from Straubing's train station or a 5-minute drive with ample parking available near the fest entrance.

Nearby Attractions

• Straubing Old Town: A charming Danube-side city with a beautiful main square (Theresienplatz), baroque churches, and Romanesque architecture. The city's pedestrian zone is lined with cafés, boutiques, and traditional Bavarian pubs.
• Gäuboden Museum: A regional history museum with fascinating archaeological finds from Roman Straubing (ancient Sorviodurum), including Roman artifacts, medieval weaponry, and exhibits on the agricultural heritage of the Gäuboden plain.
• Donau River Promenade & Danube Beach: A scenic riverside walk or cycle path along the Danube — flat, refreshing, and perfect for recovering from the festivities the next morning. Straubing even has a small sandy "beach" area on the Danube.
• Regensburg: A UNESCO World Heritage medieval city just 35 minutes north by train — one of the best-preserved old towns in Germany, with its iconic Stone Bridge and towering cathedral. A perfect add-on day trip before or after the fest.

Beer Pricing & Local History

Beer prices at the Gäubodenvolksfest range from €9.50 to €10.50 per Maß — notably cheaper than Oktoberfest while offering the same traditional fest experience. The festival was first held in 1812 as an agricultural show to celebrate the fertility and economic importance of the Gäuboden plain, which has been the breadbasket of Lower Bavaria for centuries. Over two centuries, it has grown from a modest farmer's market into Bavaria's second-largest Volksfest, attracting over 1.3 million visitors annually. The beer at the Gäubodi comes from regional Lower Bavarian and Franconian breweries, with rotating taps that include local favorites. Straubing itself is one of Bavaria's oldest settlements, with Roman roots dating back to the 1st century AD as the military outpost Sorviodurum. Today the Gäubodenvolksfest remains proudly authentic — the music is played by brass bands from nearby villages and towns, the rides are classic fairground favorites, and the atmosphere is unmistakably Lower Bavarian: warm, welcoming, and deeply Bavarian in the best possible way.