Brarup-Markt

Over 430 Years of History

The Brarup-Markt is more than just a Volksfest — it's a living piece of North German history. Its first documented mention dates back to 1593: a dispute over a broken pot recorded in court minutes. However, its roots run much deeper. Even before the Christianization of the Angeln region in the 12th century, people gathered at a spring on Boykil pasture, believed to have healing powers. This spring served as both a pilgrimage site and a Thingplatz (assembly place).

The St. James' Way Connection

In the late 12th century, the St. Jacobi Church was built next to the spring. Both the spring and the church were dedicated to St. James, making July 25th (Jakobi Day) the traditional market day. This established the connection to the pilgrimage tradition of the Jakobsweg (St. James' Way), symbolized by a pilgrim's scallop shell and staff in the church's seal. To this day, the market takes place around Jakobi Day, during the last weekend of July — from Thursday to Tuesday.

From Farmers' Market to Volksfest

Originally, the Brarup-Markt was a classic farmers' market with livestock and goods trading. Over the centuries, it evolved into a grand annual market with rides, festival tents, and carousels. Today, the market is one of the largest Volksfeste in Schleswig-Holstein — attracting around 150,000 visitors annually to Süderbrarup, a village with just 4,500 inhabitants.

Brarupmontag — Horse Market and Brarup Breakfast

The highlight of the festival week is Brarupmontag. Starting at 9:00 AM, the traditional horse market commences: riders, breeders, and traders from across the region gather on the festival grounds, where horses are inspected, traded, and celebrated. This is accompanied by the famous Brarupfrühstück (Brarup Breakfast) — a hearty, rural tradition featuring bread, cold cuts, cheese, eggs, and a glass of schnapps. Those who last through the morning can then move on to Brarup-Beef: beef from regional farmers.

Rides and Festival Tents

The entire market area in the center of Süderbrarup is taken over by fairground attractions for six days:

• Around the World, Troika, Polyp, Breakdance — classic rides
• Ferris wheel with panoramic views of the market grounds
• Children's carousels and game stalls for families
• Several large festival tents with live music and dancing — Friday and Saturday until 3:00 AM
• Market stalls offering sweets, crêpes, bratwurst, fries, almonds, and North German specialties

Family Day on Tuesday

Tuesday (July 28th, 2026) is traditionally Family Day: discounted prices at all rides, special offers for children and parents. A final day for families to celebrate together compactly before the market is dismantled in the evening.