40th Dithmarscher Kohltage — Kohlmarkt Wesselburen

Europe's Cabbage Capital Celebrates its Vegetable

The district of Dithmarschen on the west coast of Schleswig-Holstein is the largest contiguous cabbage-growing region in Europe: around 80 million cabbages are harvested here annually — white cabbage, red cabbage, savoy cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale. The Dithmarscher Kohltage are the annual celebration of this agricultural richness — a six-day event week that spans several towns and villages in the district. In 2026, the festival celebrates its 40th anniversary.

Wesselburen — the Town of Friedrich Hebbel and the Kohlosseum

Wesselburen is the birthplace of the playwright Friedrich Hebbel (1813) and home to the Kohlosseum — a museum and gastronomic experience center dedicated entirely to cabbage. In Wesselburen, a dedicated market takes place around the Kohlosseum during the Kohltage:

• Over 40 exhibitors at the market — crafts, gastronomy, regional direct marketers
• Live demonstrations in the Krautwerkstatt — from cabbage head to sauerkraut
• Tastings of regional cabbage dishes — classics like kale with 'Pinkel', modern cabbage interpretations
• Craft market with North German products

40th Edition — Anniversary Spirit

The 40th edition in 2026 marks a special moment in the festival's history. Since 1986, a regional initiative has evolved into a nationally recognized format that brings together restaurateurs, farmers, tourism providers, and residents. The Kohlmarkt Wesselburen is one of several parallel events in the district — cabbage festivities, town festivals, and markets are also taking place simultaneously in Meldorf, Marne, Brunsbüttel, and Heide.

Market Opening Hours and Opening Ceremony

The market is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The official opening by the Mayor of Wesselburen takes place on Saturday morning. In the state of Schleswig-Holstein, the Kohlmarkt is one of the most diverse gastronomic and cultural events with clear regional roots.