Apoldaer Zwiebelmarkt

Apolda — the Bell City in Weimarer Land

Apolda is a small town with around 21,000 inhabitants in the Weimarer Land district in the state of Thuringia. The city is famous for its bell-founding tradition: church bells have been cast in Apolda since 1722 — renowned works hang in Cologne Cathedral, Berlin's Gedächtniskirche, and churches worldwide. Today, the city officially bears the title "Bell City." The Apoldaer Vereinsbrauerei (founded 1887) is the city's second cultural pillar; its beers are served everywhere during the Zwiebelmarkt.

Zwiebelmarkt — Largest Folk Festival of Weimarer Land

The Apoldaer Zwiebelmarkt on the last weekend of September is the largest folk festival (Volksfest) in Weimarer Land and one of the best-known onion markets in Central Germany. Over 300 stalls line the city center from the market square to Bahnhofstraße and Schloßgasse. The onion is at the center: onion braids (Zwiebelzöpfe) in various colors — the market's most popular souvenir — are complemented by onion cakes, onion jams, onion schnapps, and more.

Medieval Market at Apolda Castle

Apolda Castle and its surroundings are the setting for a romantic medieval market: knights in armor, jesters, fire-eaters, medieval music bands, archery demonstrations, and a bustling market with leather goods, blacksmith work, bows, medieval tunics, and hearty knight skewers. A highlight for families and history buffs.

Family, Handicrafts, and Beer

Besides onions and medieval attractions, other main attractions offer a packed program: artisans from Thuringia and Saxony with ceramics, basketry, wood carvings, and jewelry, a main stage with live bands, carousels and rides for children, food trucks with Thuringian and international cuisine, and of course, Apoldaer beer in many serving varieties.