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Hessentag 2025: Bittersweet balance – gastronomy suffers from a lack of visitors!
The Hessentag 2025 in Bad Vilbel from June 13th to 22nd recorded mixed visitor numbers and challenges for restaurateurs.
Hessentag 2025: Bittersweet balance – gastronomy suffers from a lack of visitors!
The city of Bad Vilbel is dedicated to Hesse Day, which began on June 13th and lasts until June 22nd. The event revolves around a sense of community and urban development, which Prime Minister Boris Rhein also emphasized in his opening speech. Despite the great anticipation of the festival, the mood does not remain positive everywhere. The organizers describe Hessentagsstrasse as a place full of enjoyment and a lively atmosphere, but it steals some moments of light, as fnp.de reports.
Unfortunately, many restaurateurs complain about disappointing visitor numbers. Tim Wegge, a local restaurateur, expresses his frustration with the lack of popularity and the high perishability of his goods. “We were really hoping for more,” he says of the sales figures so far. Gian Pöschko, the stand operator of “Apfelkerb und Kolibri”, is also skeptical that the official 300,000 visitors are correct. Due to low income, some restaurateurs are even considering dismantling their stalls, a clear indication of serious economic concerns.
Visitor numbers in focus
The first three days of Hessentag actually attracted around 300,000 visitors, which at least leads to a positive half-time balance, as n-tv.de notes. The forecast of welcoming a total of up to 750,000 guests could still be achieved if the weather cooperates. However, there have already been setbacks, including the cancellation of the Kings of Leon concert for medical reasons.
Current highlights include the large FFH Ferris wheel, which offers visitors a panoramic view of Bad Vilbel, as well as concerts such as the sold-out event with Roy Bianco & The Abbrunzati Boys. The “Just White” party on Saturday attracts large crowds of young visitors, which lifts spirits. The new FFH Bizzl Lounge also ensures a relaxed atmosphere with DJ vibes, while the comedy night on opening day caused peals of laughter.
Improvements and security
The city of Bad Vilbel has also implemented some innovations in transport and banter to the event this year. The local transport concept works well, many visitors travel by S-Bahn and regional trains. There is a high demand for parking spaces for bicycles. In addition, new signposts and banners were installed to improve visitor guidance. City spokesman Yannick Schwander assures that the city is satisfied with how the Hessentag has gone so far, despite the difficulties on Hessentagsstrasse.
The security measures include an increased police presence, which ensures peaceful conditions; there were only a few reports of theft and bodily harm. Despite the challenges, the organizers hope that the number of visitors will continue to increase in order to make Hessentag what it should be - a celebration of community.
Visitors who want to experience the last days of Hessentag should look forward to a colorful program and culinary delights that Bad Vilbel has to offer. By the way, the next Hessentag are already being prepared for 2026 in Fulda, from June 12th to 21st.