Artern Onion Market

Most popular Volksfest in the Salt Town – on the first weekend of October since 1972

Artern — Landkreis Kyffhäuserkreis (16065) • Since 1972
Gastronomy Farmers market Heritage
Artern Onion Market
Edition
2026
Onion Market

About Onion Market

Since 1972, the Artern Onion Market has transformed the town center of the Salt Town into a colorful Volksfest on the first weekend of October. Officially opened by the mayor with the raising of the onion crown, onion braids, garlic plaits, dried flowers, salt products, and regional specialties characterize the market offerings. Amusement rides, music, and culinary stands complete the festival – the 2026 edition takes place from October 3rd to 5th.
Dates 03 Oct — 05 Oct 2026
Venue Artern (16065)
Prices Free
Status Confirmed
Edition 2026

Onion Market — edition 2026

From October 3rd to 5th, 2026, the Salt Town of Artern invites you to the traditional Onion Market. The festival opens on Friday evening with a keg tapping and the raising of the onion crown by the mayor. Onion braids, garlic plaits, salt products, amusement rides, and a Volksfest atmosphere characterize the three days of festivities in the town center.

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

Onion crown ceremony on Friday; onion braids and salt products; amusement rides; regional stage music.

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

Free admission. Volksfest prices at stalls and amusement rides.
Practical information

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

Innenstadt und Festplatz Artern
Innenstadt Artern, 06556 Artern

Onion Market at a glance

Gastronomy Farmers market Heritage Folk traditions Folklore Outdoor Multidisciplinary Landkreis Kyffhäuserkreis

History of Onion Market

Edition 2025 Oct 2025

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Published by Valentin Contard, festival listings writer. Reviewed, corrected and approved by Christophe Contard, editor-in-chief. .