Saxony celebrates: Horstsee fishing attracts thousands to Wermsdorf!

Saxony celebrates: Horstsee fishing attracts thousands to Wermsdorf!

The Horstseefischen, the largest and oldest fishing festival in Saxony, started in Wermsdorf on Friday, and thousands of visitors once again showed up at the Horstsee. The always popular event will take place this year from October 10th to 12th, 2025 and is an absolute highlight in the region's event calendar. The new fish queen Janine Rossol and August the Strong gave the official starting signal for the festival with the first net that was pulled out of the water.

Visitors who were entertained were able to watch the first catch, a magnificent carp, which increased the anticipation of the culinary delights. Georg Stähler, head of Wermsdorfer Teichwirtschaft, presented the vacuum-sealed carp fillets, which are characterized by their easy consumption. The weather contributed to the good spirits, although the water level was about a meter lower than usual, which made harvesting the fish a little more difficult.

Program and attractions

The dealer mile offered a colorful assortment, ranging from shoes to hats and toys. From a culinary point of view, visitors were able to enjoy freshly smoked fish, fish rolls and vegetarian alternatives, among other things. Anyone who was thirsty could get a 0.4 liter cup of beer for 4.50 euros or a fish sandwich for 5 euros. Every household budget is protected with the price of just 9 euros for a kilogram of ready-to-cook carp.

With over 130 vendors, barkers, restaurateurs and rides, there was never a dull moment. Rolling Food GmbH, the new organizer, received praise for the generous arrangement of the stands and the varied entertainment program. This weekend, visitors can not only experience live fishing, but also enjoy numerous musical performances. The music program on Saturday includes performances by the Wermsdorf brass musicians, the duo Acoustic Vibes and the Gugge Belgern, followed by a big party in the marquee from 8 p.m. Sunday has further musical highlights in store with the Ottendorf Brass & Swing Orchestra.
Opening times are Fridays from 11 a.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m.

A festival with tradition

Fishing from the Horstsee is a folk festival that has been celebrated since 1969 and is once again attracting numerous anglers and gourmets this year. Up to five tons of fish, including carp, pike, trout and catfish, are caught and offered for sale. The Horstsee fishing is not only an important event for the region, but also an excellent opportunity to celebrate the over 500-year tradition of fish farming in Wermsdorf.

Fishing in Lusatia has a long history, and similar fishing festivals take place in the region in autumn. On October 26th, the fishing festival at the Lindenvorwerkteich in Frohburg and fishing at the Schadebachteich near Bad Düben attract visitors, while the fishing festival at the Großer Teich in Torgau is celebrated on November 1st and 3rd. These festivals provide a platform for people to not only enjoy fresh fish, but also get to know the region and its delicacies better.

Horstsee fishing promises to be not only a feast for the senses, but also a commitment to the region's cultural identity. If you haven't planned anything yet, you shouldn't miss the opportunity and perhaps take a trip to Wermsdorf yourself!

Further information about Horstsee fishing is available at www.horstseefischen.de to find.