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The city of Fulda is expecting around 700,000 visitors for Hesse Day. Residents will experience numerous traffic restrictions during this time.
Fulda – Fulda is getting ready for the Hesse day – and the interest of citizens is great. At two information events in the Fürstensaal The rows at the city palace were well filled: numerous residents obtained first-hand information – and asked questions about it.
It quickly became clear during the presentation, which was led by Thomas Flugel: Hessentag will really get the city moving. The head of the traffic office traced the course of the so-called Hessentagsweg: From Lindenstrasse via Uniplatz, Bonifatiusplatz and Domplatz, the action extends into the lower town – past places such as Severiberg, Rittergasse, Hopfengarten, Rosengarten and on to the Aue including the environmental center and stadium.
Restricted zones and parking bans: What Hessentag means for Fulda
“The Hessentag should trigger a lot of interest. We want to attract visitors to the city center and not organize a Hessentag on the green field,” emphasized Flugel. The city sees the major event as an opportunity to present itself from its best side. The challenge for Fulda is not entirely new. Flugel described Hessentag with a wink as a “mixture of Christmas market, Rose Monday and cathedral square concerts – for ten days in a row”. It is obvious that this does not work without restrictions.
For this purpose, the city center was divided into two zones: a large red area and a small green area. In the green area – for example at the train station as well as in Kurfürstenstrasse and Schlossstrasse – access is only possible with special authorization upon request. In the red zone you are only allowed to drive in and out between 1 a.m. and 9 a.m. every day. The city wants to find alternative solutions for residents who cannot reach their private parking spaces during this time.
Despite the restrictions, Flugel tried to reassure people: basic accessibility remains the same, especially on foot. Doctors' practices, pharmacies, shops and other facilities are still accessible. All parking options outside of the event areas are available as usual. The Hessentagsstrasse itself is not accessible during the event – not even for bicycles and e-scooters. Detours will be set up for long-distance bicycle traffic.
In addition, residents have to prepare for restrictions before they begin: construction work starts about two weeks in advance and dismantling takes around a week. A particular focus is on practical solutions: individual regulations should be found for emergencies such as ambulance trips or tradesmen. Additional loading zones, disabled parking spaces and taxi ranks are also planned at the edges of the event area. There will even be a transport service for people with limited mobility.
Meanwhile, Flugel has a clear recommendation for visitors from outside: if possible, travel by bus and train. After all, the city is expecting a total of around 700,000 visitors. The request is supported by free shuttle buses from the visitor parking spaces to the Hessentag site.
contact
Specific questions about your personal access situation can be sent by email verkehr.hessentag@fulda.de be directed. Information is also available on the telephone numbers (0661) 102 3667 and (0661) 102 3668.
The application for access permission to the green area can be submitted informally or in person. You can contact by email parkkarten.hessentag@fulda.de be addressed in person in the City Palace, Room B 207, 2nd floor.
Necessary information: name and address, official registration number of the vehicle, short justification including proof (e.g. access to the private parking space – rental agreement), telephone number and/or email.
There is a free voluntary transport service during Hessentag for people with limited mobility and very old people who live in the restricted area or who have to attend appointments there (such as doctor's appointments). If necessary, this can be requested on (0661) 102 3030.
The big parade will bring with it its own rules for residents. There is then an absolute parking ban along the route – starting at Heinrich-von-Bibra-Platz. Residents will be informed separately about this via drop-in slips.
The question and answer session showed what concerns many people: parking spaces, garbage, compensation. A resident spoke openly about an “extreme situation” and asked for financial compensation. However, Flugel made it clear that there was no provision for compensation. At the same time, he pointed out that restaurants, hotels and many shops are looking forward to Hessentag.
He was also able to put the worry about mountains of rubbish like those after Rose Monday into perspective: “A day in Hesse is different.” Finally, those affected by Fulda had the opportunity to ask further questions to city employees and representatives of the city police. In the end, the impression was of a well-prepared but also challenging major event. The city is relying on dialogue – and on the people of Fulda celebrating the Hessentag despite all the restrictions see it as what it should be: a festival for the whole city.
