The Best Folk Music in Germany

Discover the best folk music in Germany by reading about the top folk artists, attending festivals and listening to traditional German folk songs.

What is folk music?

People have been playing folk music in Germany for centuries. The term “folk music” (in German, Volksmusik) covers a wide range of musical styles, from traditional music played on traditional instruments to more modern, contemporary folk music. Folk music is often passed down from generation to generation, and it often has regional or even local significance.

There are four main types of folk music in Germany: Schlager, Volkstümliche Musik, Heimatlieder, and Liedermacher. Schlager is a catch-all term for popular music that is often sung at German festivals and on the radio. Volkstümliche Musik is a more traditional type of folk music; it’s often danceable and upbeat, and it’s popular at Oktoberfest and other German celebrations. Heimatlieder are sentimental songs about the beauty of nature or longing for distant places; they’re often slow and melancholy. Liedermacher are singer-songwriters who write their own songs about current events or personal experiences; they’re sometimes compared to American folk musicians like Bob Dylan.

No matter what type of folk music you’re interested in, you’re sure to find something you love in Germany.

Origins of folk music in Germany

Folk music in Germany has its origins in the various traditional music styles of the German-speaking people. The oldest weapons found in Central Europe were discovered in Germany, and it is thought that the first musical instruments were made from these weapons. Folk music was an important part of the German people’s identity before the advent of modern communications and mass media.

The term “folk music” can have a number of different meanings. In its broadest sense, it refers to the music of a group of people who share a common culture, language, or history. For example, the folk music of Scotland is very different from the folk music of England, even though both countries are part of the United Kingdom.

In Germany, there are many different regional traditions of folk music. The best-known include the Bavarian “Volksmusik”, which originated in the Alpine regions of southern Bavaria; the “Schlager” music of northern Germany; and the “Liedermacher” tradition of protest songs that began in the 19th century.

Bavarian folk music is perhaps most famous for its oompah bands, which play a type of polka called an “Altmärkischer Walzer”. This dance originated in the Altmark region of Saxony-Anhalt, and was brought to Bavaria by migrants from that area. Bavarian folk music also includes a number of songs about farming and rural life, as well as love songs and drinking songs.

The Schlager tradition began in northern Germany in the late 19th century. Schlager means “hit” or “popular song”, and these songs were very popular with working-class people who did not have much money to spend on entertainment. Many Schlager songs are about love, but there are also many humorous songs about everyday life. Some famous Schlager singers include Heinz Rühmann, Hans Albers, Marlene Dietrich, and Zarah Leander.

The Liedermacher tradition began in the 19th century as a form of protest against social injustice and political repression. Liedermacher means “songwriter”, and these singer-songwriters wrote and performed their own songs about current events and personal experiences. Famous Liedermacher include Wolf Biermann, Hannes Wader, Reinhard Mey, Konstantin Wecker, and Udo Lindenberg.

The different types of folk music in Germany

Germany has a long and varied tradition of folk music, with regional differences and distinctively different styles emerging over the centuries. The best-known form of German folk music is probably schlager (literally “hit”), a genre that includes elements of pop, rock, and traditional folk music. Schlager is often associated with the annual Volksmusikfestivals (folk music festivals) held in different parts of the country.

Other popular genres of German folk music include oompah band music, originally from Bavaria; alter Egge musik, a form of dance music from the Eifel region; and Rheinische Musik, a style from the Rhineland area that features use of the accordion.

Where to find the best folk music in Germany

Folk music has been a part of German culture for centuries, and there are many ways to enjoy it today. Whether you’re looking for traditional songs or modern interpretations, here are some of the best places to find folk music in Germany.

The Rhineland: This region is famous for its lively folk music scene. You can find traditional music in the taverns and bars of Cologne and Düsseldorf, or enjoy more contemporary sounds at festivals like the Rheinkultur in Bonn.

The Black Forest: The Black Forest is home to a unique form of folk music known as Vogelmusik. This type of music is often played on the flute, and you can hear it at festivals like the Vogelmusikfest in Freiburg im Breisgau.

Bavaria: Bavaria is perhaps best known for its brass bands, which often play folk songs. You can hear them at festivals like the Munich Oktoberfest or the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt. You can also find traditional Bavarian folk music in the villages around Lake Constance, such as Meersburg and Lindau.

The best folk music festivals in Germany

Germany is home to some of the best folk music festivals in the world. From big, international events to more intimate gatherings, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the best festivals to check out:

-Bavarian Folk Music Festival: This annual event takes place in Munich and features a wide range of traditional Bavarian music and dance.

-Berlin Folk Festival: One of the biggest and most popular folk festivals in Germany, this event features a wide variety of folk musicians from all over the country.

-Cologne Folk Music Festival: This smaller festival takes place in the city of Cologne and focuses on traditional German folk music.

-Dresden Folk Music Festival: This festival takes place in the city of Dresden and features a mix of traditional and contemporary folk music from all over Germany.

-Frankfurt Folk Music Festival: One of the most popular festivals in Germany, this event features a wide range of folk musicians from all over the world.

The best folk music clubs in Germany

There are many different types of folk music clubs in Germany, each with its own unique atmosphere and style. Whether you’re looking for a lively place to dance the night away or a more relaxed setting to enjoy some traditional tunes, you’re sure to find the perfect spot in one of these five great clubs.

The Schwalbennest is one of the most popular folk music clubs in Germany, known for its lively atmosphere and great selection of music. Located in the city of Frankfurt, the Schwalbennest has been open since 1975 and attracts visitors from all over the world. If you’re looking for a place to dance, this is the perfect spot – there’s always a great party going on at the Schwalbennest!

For a more relaxing experience, head to Würzburg’s Alte Mainbrücke where you can enjoy views of the river while listening to traditional German folk music. The bridge has been turned into a stage for live music performances, and it’s a great place to relax with a beer or glass of wine while taking in the sights and sounds of Würzburg.

If you’re visiting Munich, be sure to check out Heimatliederhalle, one of the city’s most popular folk music clubs. This club offers a wide range of German folk music, from traditional songs to more modern renditions. There’s also a restaurant on-site serving traditional Bavarian cuisine – perfect for refueling after a night of dancing!

Dresden’s Alter Schlachthof is another top spot for enjoying German folk music. This former slaughterhouse has been transformed into an atmospheric club hosting regular live music performances. The club also has a restaurant serving regional specialties like Saxon sausages and Dresden pancakes.

Last but not least, Berlin’s Max & Moritz is one of the best places in the city to enjoy German folk music. This club offers both traditional and contemporary folk music, making it the perfect place for everyone from students to grandparents to enjoy an evening out. Max & Moritz also has a restaurant serving delicious German food – make sure to try the potato soup!

The best folk music radio stations in Germany

Folk music is an important part of German culture, and there are a number of great radio stations that specialize in this genre. Here are some of the best:

NDR 2: This station, based in Hamburg, covers a wide range of German folk music, from traditional to contemporary.

Bayern 1: This station, based in Munich, offers a mix of folk music from all over Germany.

Deutschlandfunk Kultur: This station offers a mix of music, art, and culture from all over Germany.

SWR 2: This station, based in Stuttgart, covers a wide range of German folk music, from traditional to contemporary.

The best online resources for folk music in Germany

Germany has a long and rich history of folk music, dating back centuries. Today, there is a growing interest in this musical genre, with many people looking to explore and experience it for themselves. If you’re interested in learning more about folk music in Germany, there are a few online resources that can be helpful.

One great resource is the website of the German Folk Music Association (Deutscher Volksmusikverband). This site offers information on folk music events taking place around the country, as well as resources for learning more about the genre.

Another useful website is Folk365, which is devoted to promoting folk music from around the world. This site includes a section on German folk music, with information on artists and bands, upcoming events, and record labels specializing in this genre.

Finally, YouTube can be a helpful tool for finding German folk music videos. A simple search will yield a wealth of results, allowing you to sample different types of folk music from all over Germany.

The best folk music CDs and DVDs from Germany

The best folk music CDs and DVDs from Germany all come from traditional regions with strong cultural identities. This is where you’ll find the music that best represents the culture and history of the people. The music is often very regional, with each region having its own unique sound. This is what makes German folk music so special and interesting. It’s also why it can be hard to find the best Folk music CDs and DVDs from Germany. Here are some of the best:

– Bavaria: Die lustigen Musikanten von Bayern (The cheerful musicians of Bavaria)
– North Germany: Niedersächsische Lieder und Tänze (Songs and dances from Lower Saxony)
– Rhineland: Mädchenschottische aus dem Eifeldorf (Girls’ schottische from the Eifeldorf village)
– Westphalia: Westfälische Lieder und Tänze (Songs and dances from Westphalia)

The best folk music websites from Germany

If you’re a fan of folk music, you’ll want to check out the best folk music websites from Germany. These sites offer a great selection of songs and artists, and they’re all worth exploring.

The first site on our list is Wave World Music. Wave World Music is a great resource for German folk music, with a wide variety of songs and artists to choose from. You can also find a lot of information about German culture on this site, which makes it a great place to start if you’re new to the country.

Another great option for finding German folk music isAccordions Worldwide. Accordions Worldwide is a comprehensive website that offers a wide range of accordion-related resources, including a directory of accordionists from around the world. If you’re looking for German folk music specifically, though, the website’s search function lets you narrow your results down to only those artists who are based in Germany.

If you’re interested in learning more about German culture through its music, then you should definitely check out Deutsche Volksmusik. This website offers a wealth of information about German folk music, including history, lyrics, and sheet music. You can also find links to German radio stations that specialize in folk music, which can be a great way to immerse yourself in the genre.