Apfelmarkt Aplerbeck 2026

Aplerbeck — Southern Dortmund District with an Apple Name

With around 35,000 inhabitants, Aplerbeck is one of Dortmund's largest districts and the main town of the borough of the same name in the southeast of the city. The name Aplerbeck is etymologically derived from the old word Apfel (apple) — it likely originally referred to a stream (beck) lined with apple trees. The fact that the residents of Aplerbeck celebrate their Apple Market as a central district festival today is therefore no coincidence, but a direct reference to their local history.

The Apple Market — Autumn Highlight in Southern Dortmund

For years, the Apfelmarkt Aplerbeck has been one of the largest harvest markets in the Ruhr area — a three-day district festival held annually on the first or second weekend of September. Around 70 exhibitors gather on the upper Köln-Berliner-Str., Aplerbeck's market square, and the surrounding alleys: direct marketers, craftspeople, restaurateurs, beekeepers, cheesemakers, farmers from the Dortmund region.

Apple — The Culinary Star

As the name promises, the apple is the culinary star:

• Apple drinks — freshly pressed apple juice, apple spritzer, apple-elderflower cuvée
• Apple wine — from the Frankfurt classic to regional variations from Westphalia
• Apple cake in countless varieties — covered apple cake, apple strudel, apple crumble
• Baked apple specialties — filled with marzipan, walnuts, and raisins
• Apple sauce, apple chutney, apple jelly for the pantry

For those not focused on apples: The broader offering includes bratwurst, potato pancakes, crêpes, regional cheese, honey, bread, and wine.

Craft Demonstrations — Live Performances

A special feature of the Apple Market: traditional craftspeople demonstrate their skills:

• Blacksmiths work at the anvil — visitors can watch how a horseshoe or a nail is made
• Rope makers spin ropes from hemp and sisal
• Basket weavers weave from willow branches
• Potters turn on the potter's wheel

This is particularly impressive for children — many craftspeople offer small hands-on stations.

Schmidt Apiary — The Animal Exhibition

A highlight for families: The Schmidt Apiary sets up a small animal exhibition on its own area featuring rare and endangered domestic animal breeds. On display are, among others, Mangalitza woolly pigs (with long, curly fur), old breeds of chickens and geese, sheep with special wool qualities — plus a small exhibition of old fruit and vegetable varieties that have disappeared from commercial cultivation in recent decades.

Farmers' and Craft Market on the Weekend

On Saturday and Sunday (September 5th and 6th, 2026), the Apple Market expands with a separate Farmers' and Craft Market on the upper Köln-Berliner-Str. — an additional market mile with more direct marketers and handicraft stalls.

Sunday Shopping

On Sunday, September 6th, Aplerbeck's shops open their doors for Sunday shopping — boutiques, bookstores, pharmacies, cafés, and restaurants in the district are open concurrently with the market activities. An ideal combination for family outings: market stroll, lunch, coffee and cake, a bit of shopping — all within walking distance.

Program Over Three Days

Friday, September 4, 2026 (4:00 PM–1:00 AM)

Opening in the late afternoon, followed by market activities until late into the night. Live bands, stage program, convivial get-together at the beer stands.

Saturday, September 5, 2026 (1:00 PM–1:00 AM)

Full operation with all exhibitors, craft demonstrations, animal exhibition, farmers' market. Highlight: Fireworks around 10:00 PM.

Sunday, September 6, 2026 (12:00 PM–10:00 PM)

Family day with Sunday shopping, children's program, festive conclusion in the evening.

Getting There and Practical Information

Aplerbeck is directly accessible from Dortmund Central Station via subway line U47 in 20 minutes — the terminus Aplerbeck is located directly at the festival grounds. By car: B 1 / B 236 to Aplerbeck, parking available on the outskirts of the district. Due to high visitor numbers, public transport is strongly recommended.