Eisleber Wiesenmarkt

Since 1521 — one of Germany's oldest folk festivals

If one had to name a single date in the festival calendar of Saxony-Anhalt that everyone truly knows, it would be the Eisleber Wiesenmarkt. In 1521, Emperor Charles V granted the city market privileges — five centuries later, the "Wiese" is the largest folk festival in Central Germany and one of the oldest uninterrupted annual markets in Germany. Every September, hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to the birthplace and deathplace of Martin Luther.

Geographically, Eisleben is located in the Mansfeld-Südharz district, between Halle, Hettstedt, and the South Harz region. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site (Luther's birth and death houses), and the Wiesenmarkt takes place on the festival grounds directly by the meadow, extending into the city center: Market Square, Plan, Lindenallee — the famous merchant mile where traders and showmen have lined up for centuries.

Nearly 50 Rides and a 60-Meter Ferris Wheel

The folk festival itself is impressive in its scale: Around 50 rides will be set up on the grounds in 2026, including a classic roller coaster for ups and downs. The highlight of the 2026 edition is the Ferris wheel "Mein Rad – Classic Cruiser": At 60 meters high, it's the largest Ferris wheel ever erected in Eisleben. In addition, there are haunted houses, carousels, swing boats, food stalls, shooting galleries, lottery stalls, and the festival tent for evening events.

Parade, Keg Tapping, Bird Shooting

The opening on Friday at 2 PM is one of Saxony-Anhalt's most traditional spectacles: Around 1000 participants in historical costumes parade from the Market Square, across the Plan and Lindenallee, to the festival tent on the meadow. At 3 PM, the traditional keg tapping by Mayor Carsten Staub follows — and thus, the Wiese is officially open.

On Saturday morning, the marksmen gather for the traditional bird shooting. Sunday's program includes a church service, a seniors' breakfast, and a grand fireworks display in the evening. Monday (Wiesenmontag) is Family Day with special discounts on many rides and activities for people with disabilities.

The "Kleine Wiese" as a Second Act

Those who missed the first round or just can't get enough can come back the following weekend: The Kleine Wiese (September 25–27, 2026) is the more compact second festival week, featuring a farmers' market, regional products, showmen, and a relaxed atmosphere. A tradition within a tradition.

More Than Just a Funfair

The Wiesenmarkt is an anchor of identity for the people of Eisleben. Emigrants return home especially for the "Wiese," clubs plan their meetings around it, families have fixed rituals (the Ferris wheel on Saturday evening, the gingerbread heart from a specific stall). It's the one weekend a year when the entire region comes together in Eisleben — and anyone who has been there can feel it.