Artern Onion Market
Most popular Volksfest in the Salt Town – on the first weekend of October since 1972
2026
About Onion Market
Onion Market — edition 2026
The 2026 edition falls on the traditional first weekend of October and follows the proven schedule: festival opening on Friday, full festival operation on Saturday and Sunday with market stalls, stage program, and amusement rides.
Highlights Onion Market 2026
Programme Onion Market 2026
Friday, October 3rd, 2026
- Evening – Keg tapping and opening with dancing
- Raising of the onion crown by the mayor
Saturday, October 4th, 2026
- Market operation with onion braids, garlic plaits, dried flowers
- Stalls with salt bread, salt ham, salt mustard, salt candy, salt eggs, and salt
- Stage program with regional music
- Amusement rides for children and adults
Sunday, October 5th, 2026
- Family Day with Frühschoppen, continuous market operation
- Culinary offerings: suckling pig, bratwurst, potato pancakes, waffles, mushroom dishes
- Festival conclusion
Prices Onion Market 2026
Practical information — Onion Market
Getting There
Artern is located between Sangerhausen and Sondershausen, easily accessible via the B 86. From Artern train station (Halle–Erfurt line), it's a 10-minute walk to the town center.
Admission
Market visits and stage programs are free. Amusement rides and market offerings at usual Volksfest prices.
A Tradition Since 1972
The Artern Onion Market is one of the oldest and most popular Volksfests in Northern Thuringia. Since 1972, it has brought together traders, showmen, and visitors from the entire Kyffhäuser region and beyond. The market is closely linked to the identity of the Salt Town Artern – the local saltworks and its salt products (salt bread, salt ham, salt mustard, salt candy, salt eggs, salt) are integral parts of the market.
The Onion Crown as an Opening Ritual
The highlight of the opening is the ceremonial raising of the onion crown by the mayor. This ritual gives the market its name and its unmistakable character. Onion braids, garlic plaits, dried flower arrangements, and regional souvenirs line the market stalls.
Volksfest Atmosphere
The market activities are accompanied by amusement rides, a stage program with regional music, and a rich culinary offering: suckling pig, bratwurst, potato pancakes, waffles, mushroom dishes, and international cuisine.
Artern – Kyffhäuser District in Northern Thuringia
Artern is located in the Kyffhäuser District in Northern Thuringia, on the edge of the Goldene Aue. The town owes its significance to historical salt production – this tradition still shapes market stalls, gastronomy, and city marketing today.
Where it takes place Onion Market
Onion Market at a glance
History of Onion Market
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Published by Valentin Contard, festival listings writer. Reviewed, corrected and approved by Christophe Contard, editor-in-chief. .