ABOUT THE FAIR
The Festival of Crystals is an annual, publicly accessible trade fair and collectors’ event that has established itself as a high-quality platform for minerals, gemstones and geoscientific knowledge. It takes place at the Stadthalle in Haslach im Kinzigtal, as well as on the adjacent forecourt with an additional marquee area. This combination creates both a focused indoor exhibition and a lively open-air festival atmosphere. Held in summer—typically on the first weekend in August—the event is regarded as a regular meeting point within the European minerals community.
The festival is organised by Frieder Heizmann from Wolfach. Its core focus is on minerals and crystals, complemented by gemstones, including identification and authenticity testing, as well as fossils, jewellery, ornamental stones and mining-related antiques. Visitors not only gain access to rare collector’s items and high-quality commercial stock, but also to specialised services such as analysis, valuation and the identification of finds.
A key distinction of the festival is its curated supporting programme, which sets it apart from purely commercial fairs. Changing annual themes provide a conceptual framework, while special exhibitions highlight specific geological or regional features. Expert talks cover topics such as the formation and transformation of rocks, the processing and use of gemstones, and also interpretative approaches, including the debated “effects” of stones. This combination of science, craftsmanship and complementary perspectives gives the event its distinctive breadth.
Exhibitors predominantly represent the mineral trade, gemstone processing, jewellery design and geoscience, alongside related collecting and antiques sectors. The audience is equally diverse: in addition to dedicated collectors and trade professionals, the event attracts geologists, jewellery designers, those interested in esoteric topics, and families. This creates a rare interface between specialist audiences and the interested public.
Particular highlights include the high-quality special exhibitions and the opportunity to view and acquire exceptional pieces from private and international collections.
The fair also has a strong regional connection to the Black Forest, an area historically and geologically linked to mining and mineral deposits. Haslach im Kinzigtal provides an ideal setting: the Stadthalle is centrally located and easily accessible, both by car via the region’s federal roads and by public transport along the Kinzig Valley railway line. Combined with the scenic surroundings, a visit to the fair becomes not only professionally rewarding but also an attractive travel experience.
The Festival der Kristalle will take place on 2 days from Saturday, 01. August to Sunday, 02. August 2026 in Haslach im Kinzigtal.