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Fasnet / Fastnacht - Carnival in Überlingen

by Kathrin_E

Überlingen is one of the most traditional centers of the alemannic Fastnacht, the variety of carnival celebrated in the South West of Germany. The main figure is the "Hänsele" in his black and coloured costume.
Two big parades are done on the carnival weekend: the "Hänselejuck" on Saturday night (20.00) when the dark streets are lit with bengalic fire, and the big parade on Sunday afternoon (14.30).

See my travelogue page for more details and pictures.

Whip cracking is an essential part of the Überlinger Fastnacht. I've added two videos - one taken during the Sunday parade, the other one during the children's whip cracking competition.

Überlingen: Hidden Gem On The Bodensee

by Kathrin_E

Everyone is talking about Meersburg - a few kms West along the banks of the lake you'll find another romantic little town which is hardly known: Überlingen.
The former imperial city still shows traces of its proud past. The photo shows the square named Hofstatt with the town hall and the Münster church in the background.
The tree in the middle of the square indicates that this photo was taken during carnival.

"Explore a romantic old town"

Narrow streets, old houses, hidden paths and stairs up and down the hill offer surprising views. Towering above everything is the Münster church with the big and the small steeple.
Stroll around and try the hidden lanes, you won't lose your way since the church is visible from almost everywhere.

"Fastnacht - The Traditional Carnival In Überlingen"

Überlingen is one of the centres of the Alemannic Fastnacht, the regional variety of carnival. These activities date back to the 15th century. Carnival feasts are first mentioned in 1474, in 1496 the city council published a law that ruled customs like wearing devil costumes or receiving the carnival cakes.

The carnival guild (Hänselezunft) is proud of its tradition, which is one of the oldest in Baden-Württemberg. Überlingen is a member of the Viererbund, an association of four old traditional guilds.

My Local customs tips and the travelogues will tell you more about the Überlinger Fastnacht, which is well worth seeing.

The page is part of a much larger project about the Alemannic Fastnacht which includes a general overview on my Land Baden-Württemberg page and individual pages about towns and villages and their Fastnacht specialities.