Fairy Tale Days with Ringel Market Buxtehude

Buxtehude as a Fairy Tale Town

Buxtehude is one of Germany's "fairy tale towns." The Grimm fairy tale of the race between the hare and the hedgehog, in which the clever hedgehog defeats the arrogant hare through a cunning trick, is set here. The town cultivates this literary connection with the Hare and Hedgehog Fountain, Hare and Hedgehog sculptures, and events like the Fairy Tale Days.

Fairy Tale Program in May

On the three festival days, fairy tale performances, readings, and stagings take place in the Buxtehude city center. Stages and interactive stations are set up in central squares. Theater and storytelling groups from Buxtehude and the region bring classic fairy tale plots and modern adaptations to the stage. The program is aimed at families with children but also offers delightful literary moments for adults.

Ringel Market — Arts and Crafts

The "Ringel Market" is an arts and crafts market with stalls showcasing handmade products: jewelry, ceramics, textiles, woodwork, leather goods, glass, floristry, soaps and cosmetics, toys, and much more. Unlike flea markets or weekly markets, it focuses on new, individually and handcrafted products. The exhibitors are often present in person, sharing insights into their materials and techniques.

Sunday Shopping

Sunday, May 3rd, is a "verkaufsoffener Sonntag" (Sunday shopping) in the Buxtehude city center. The shops are open, complementing the Fairy Tale Days and the Ringel Market and revitalizing the city center. Visitors can combine a fairy tale stroll, a market visit, and shopping for a fulfilling May Sunday.

Early Summer May Days

Early May is one of the most attractive travel times in Northern Germany — the trees are in bloom, the weather gets warmer, and the May days have a special optimistic mood. The Fairy Tale Days leverage this mood, creating a weekend filled with spring energy.