Traditional annual market of the former county town of Katzenelnbogen for St. Bartholomew's Day in August
The Bartholomäus-Markt in Katzenelnbogen is a classic annual market, as it has been part of German small-town culture for centuries. Its name derives from St. Bartholomew's Day on August 24th, the feast day of the Apostle Bartholomew, on which markets were traditionally held in many towns in southern and central Germany.
In Katzenelnbogen, the market runs for four days – from Saturday to Tuesday around St. Bartholomew's Day. The market mile stretches through the town center: household goods, tools, clothing, shoes, leather goods, sweets, regional specialties. Those looking for a market trader who can't be found in online retail – brush makers, candle makers, craftspeople with handmade goods – will often find them here.
In parallel, the folk festival area is set up with classic amusement rides: chain carousel, swing boat, Ferris wheel in the style of a small family funfair, plus stalls with sweets, candied almonds, cotton candy, and gingerbread hearts. Food stalls and club catering provide the culinary foundation.
The local clubs traditionally use the market to present themselves and improve their finances – an important social aspect that makes the Bartholomäus-Markt more than just a commercial event, turning it into a town and club festival.
The 2026 edition follows the traditional four-day format. The Bartholomäus-Markt is one of the fixed points in the Aar-Einrich event calendar and attracts thousands of visitors from the region to the castle town every year.
The exact program for 2026 will be published by the organizer in the summer. The structure follows the proven cornerstones of previous years:
Location: Town center Katzenelnbogen, 56368 Katzenelnbogen.
Date: Saturday, August 22nd to Tuesday, August 25th, 2026.
Admission: Free.
Getting there: By car via the L324 to Katzenelnbogen. Parking available on the outskirts of town. Bus connections from Diez and Nastätten.
Family tip: Classic folk festival offerings with family rides. The market visit can be combined with a trip to the castle ruins and the historic town center.
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