Altländer Blütenfest

The Apple Blossom Dictates the Date

The Altes Land region on the Lower Elbe is Northern Europe's largest contiguous fruit-growing area. Over ten thousand hectares of apple and cherry trees are in full bloom at the end of April – a natural spectacle that attracts thousands of visitors annually. The Altländer Blütenfest in Jork is the cultural culmination of this natural phenomenon. Due to climatic changes, which have pushed the apple blossom earlier and earlier in recent years, the festival date for 2026 has been moved forward to the last weekend in April.

Crowning of the Altländer Blossom Queen

The highlight of the festival is the ceremonial crowning of the new Altländer Blossom Queen. The young queen represents the Altes Land for one year as an ambassador – at trade fairs, festivals, and in the media. The election and crowning at the Jork marketplace are a central event that makes the regional identity visible.

Around 130 Craft Stalls

Around the marketplace and in the surrounding alleys, approximately 130 craftspeople, regional producers, fruit growers, and culinary artisans present their goods. Apple juice directly from the producer, cherry specialties, regional honey, and crafts from the Altes Land and the surrounding Hamburg area characterize the offerings.

Street Theater Festival 'Hut ab' on Sunday

On Sunday, the street theater festival 'Hut ab' (Hats Off) additionally transforms the town center into an open stage. Street artists, walk-acts, acrobats, musicians, and comedians perform at various spots in the town. The format gets its name from the hat into which spectators throw their contributions.