Altländer Kirschmarkt

Altländer Kirschenwoche — Tradition of the Fruit Region

The Altes Land is not only an apple, but also a cherry paradise. The cherry harvest between June and July is one of the most intense experiences in the region's agricultural year. The Altländer Kirschenwoche bundles this harvest season into a collective celebration with events, culinary promotions, farm visits, and markets.

Jork — Tourist Heart of the Altes Land

Jork is the most important tourist destination in the Altes Land. With its historic town hall, characteristic church, and location on the Lühe waterway, Jork forms the ideal setting for the cherry market. The Altes Land Tourist Association (Tourismusverein Altes Land e.V.) is based in Jork and coordinates the region's activities.

Arts and Crafts Market at and in the Town Hall

The cherry market takes place at and in the Jork town hall. This unusual division allows both the historic interior architecture of the town hall and the open town hall square to be used as market space. Exhibitors from the arts and crafts sector present their products — jewelry, ceramics, woodwork, textiles, floristry, and of course cherry-specific products such as jam and liqueur.

Cherry Landing by Flatboat

The highlight is the traditional cherry landing. Historically, fruit from the Altes Land was transported via flatboat along the waterways — Lühe, Este, and the small ditches of the marsh — to major ports like Hamburg. Today, the flatboat symbolically sails to the market square with a load of cherries and is ceremonially unloaded there. The image is one of the most characteristic of Altes Land identity preservation.

Culinary Cherry Universe

Cherries are processed into a variety of products in the Altes Land: Fresh table cherries, cherry jam and preserves, cherry cakes and tarts, cherry liqueur and schnapps, dried cherries, cherry juice, and much more. All of this can be tasted and purchased at the market stalls.

Family Summer Sunday

With opening hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the cherry market is a classic Sunday outing. Families, senior groups, tourists, and locals meet in the square, chat, stroll, and enjoy the summer atmosphere.