Bartholomäus-Markt Katzenelnbogen
Edition 2026 Gastronomy Farmers market Folk traditions

Bartholomäus-Markt Katzenelnbogen

Traditional annual market of the former county town of Katzenelnbogen for St. Bartholomew's Day in August

Katzenelnbogen — Landkreis Rhein-Lahn-Kreis (07141)
Dates 22 Aug — 25 Aug 2026
Venue Katzenelnbogen (07141)
Prices Free
Status

About Bartholomäus-Markt

The Bartholomäus-Markt in Katzenelnbogen is one of the oldest and most traditional annual markets in the Aar-Einrich district. For four days around St. Bartholomew's Day, the town center of the former county residence transforms into a colorful mix of a market, amusement park, and folk festival. Traders offer household goods, clothing, leather goods, and regional specialties, while amusement rides, food stalls, and club activities liven up the squares. The market dates back to an old market rights tradition and attracts visitors from all over the Westerwald and Rhein-Lahn districts to the town year after year.

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.

Bartholomäus-Markt — edition 2026

From Saturday, August 22nd to Tuesday, August 25th, 2026, the traditional Bartholomäus-Markt will take place in Katzenelnbogen. The town center becomes the stage for market stalls, amusement rides, food stalls, and club activities around the feast day of the Apostle Bartholomew. Admission is free.

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.

Programme Bartholomäus-Markt 2026

The exact program for 2026 will be published by the organizer in the summer. The structure follows the proven cornerstones of previous years:

  • Saturday, August 22nd: Market opening, amusement rides begin operation
  • Sunday, August 23rd: Main visitor day, traditional market, possibly Sunday opening for shops
  • Monday, August 24th (St. Bartholomew's Day): Full market operation
  • Tuesday, August 25th: Last market day with winding down

Highlights Bartholomäus-Markt 2026

  • Four days of annual market with a market mile
  • Classic amusement rides for families
  • Regional club catering
  • Feast day of the Apostle Bartholomew
  • Free admission

Prices Bartholomäus-Markt 2026

Free admission. Amusement rides, food, and market goods are paid for on-site.

Practical information — Bartholomäus-Markt

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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Bartholomäus-Markt at a glance

Gastronomy Farmers market Folk traditions Folklore Family Landkreis Rhein-Lahn-Kreis