Altenburg Farmers' Market

Market of Direct Marketers in the Heart of Altenburg

Twice a year, the Altenburg Farmers' Market transforms the historic market square of the 'Skatstadt' into a green stage for the region. Direct marketers from the Altenburger Land — Thuringia's easternmost district on the Saxon border — set up stalls with products typical of the region: Altenburg goat cheese from the Hartha dairy, spicy and mild Altenburg mustard, sausage from nearby Thonhausen, ostrich meat and mill bread from Lumpzig, old apple and potato varieties, honey, liqueurs, ceramics from the Bürgel and Altenburg surroundings. The market square, framed by the Town Hall and the Brüderkirche (Brothers' Church), lends the event atmosphere.

Historical Agricultural Machinery Live

A hallmark of the Altenburg Farmers' Market is the demonstration of old agricultural machinery. You can watch how a scythe is sharpened (dengeln), how a belt-driven threshing floor threshes grain, or how a historical Lanz tractor is started with a loud chug. In spring 2026, the market will take place parallel to the 'Tag der Erde' (Earth Day) — with additional activities focusing on soil protection, regional variety diversity, and old cultivated plants.

Children, Animals, and a Straw Pyramid

For families, the market is a highlight in Altenburg's festival calendar. Sheep, goats, chickens, and other farm animals from the surrounding farms roam the market square; alongside them, there are straw pyramids to climb, a Kettcar course, and hands-on stations. A colourful supporting programme with music and small demonstrations rounds off the day.

Altenburg — 'Skatstadt' with Market Tradition

Altenburg, in the Altenburger Land district of Thuringia, has been a market town since the Middle Ages — the city's historical market regulations date back to the 12th century. Today, Altenburg is primarily known as the 'Skatstadt', the inventor and home of Germany's most famous card game. From the market square, you can reach the Residential Palace with the Playing Card Museum, the Lindenau Museum with its collection of early Italian panel paintings, and the historic burgher houses of the old town within a few minutes' walk.