Berger Markt with Stadtschreiberfest

Frankfurt's Oldest Market

The Berger Markt is not just any neighbourhood festival. It is Frankfurt's oldest documented market: as early as 1728, it is recorded in Bergen's municipal accounts as one of three annual markets – the September event was the "main and summer market". It probably already existed in the decades after the Peace of Westphalia in 1648. The market was so important that people from Sachsenhausen simply called it "Sachsehäuser Kerb" – as documented by Friedrich Stoltze in his writings.

Bergen-Enkheim – A Frankfurt District with a Village Character

Today, Bergen-Enkheim, as Frankfurt's easternmost district, lies between Mainkur and Vilbeler Höhe and has retained its village character: half-timbered houses, courtyards, orchards – a world where a traditional market doesn't seem historical, but natural. The Berger Markt is organised by Kulturgesellschaft Bergen-Enkheim mbH in cooperation with the Frankfurt Economic Development Agency.

Stadtschreiberfest – Where Literature Becomes a Folk Festival

The actual hallmark of the Berger Markt is the Stadtschreiberfest, which takes place on the Friday evening before the official market opening – since 1974. Under the motto "Literature as a Folk Festival", the €20,000 literary prize Stadtschreiber von Bergen-Enkheim is awarded publicly, with a ceremonial handover of keys and festive speeches. Laureates have included Heinrich Böll, Sarah Kirsch, Wilhelm Genazino, Robert Gernhardt, and Eckhart Nickel – the list of winners is a who's who of German-language literature. The respective Stadtschreiber (city scribe) occupies the Stadtschreiber apartment above the old town hall for one year.

Apple Wine Queen, Cattle Market, and Parade

On Saturday evening, the city crowns the Apple Wine Queen of Bergen-Enkheim – a traditional office that links Frankfurt's apple wine pride with the Berger Markt. The main programme follows with a parade, a district animal show with awards, and – as a special feature – the traditional cattle drive through the town. The cattle market on Tuesday morning in the meadow at Frohn-Grundweg is one of the last surviving traditions of its kind in the Rhine-Main region. The event concludes with a grand fireworks display on Tuesday evening over the Frohngrund.