Frühjahrsmarkt Wilburgstetten

Spring Market in the Hesselberg Region

The Frühjahrsmarkt Wilburgstetten is one of the most important spring festivals in the Ansbach district (Middle Franconia, Bavaria). Every year on the first Sunday in May, the small community on the western edge of the Hesselberg mountain transforms into a market mile: Bahnhofstraße, the main thoroughfare through the town, is closed, and for about half a kilometer, stalls, display cases, and activity areas line the street.

Long Tradition, Broad Participation

Over 40 clubs, businesses, and stallholders participate in the market. This makes the Frühjahrsmarkt one of the most widely supported events in the region: local craftspeople present their products, sports clubs, the fire department, and youth groups promote their activities, bakers and butchers offer regional specialties. A special feature is the traditional book flea market organized by the municipal library.

Sunday Shopping

On market day, the town's shops remain open — a central attraction for visitors from the entire region between Dinkelsbühl, Wassertrüdingen, and Feuchtwangen. A small car show in front of the train station presents the latest models from regional dealers.

Program and Atmosphere

The program begins at 11 a.m. in front of the Bahnhofsgaststätte Berdan-Graser with a performance by the elementary school students. Afterwards, a reception by the mayor officially opens the market, followed by continuous activity until approximately 4 p.m. Artistic performances, a special train at the station, and culinary stalls run by the clubs round off the day.

Special Feature: When the 1st of May Falls on a Sunday

If the first Sunday in May falls exactly on May 1st (Labor Day), the market is canceled without replacement — a rule that has been in place for decades to observe the public holiday. In 2026, the first Sunday in May falls on May 3rd, so the market will take place as usual.

Wilburgstetten Community

Wilburgstetten is located in the far west of Middle Franconia, at the transition between the Hesselberg, Frankenhöhe, and Swabian Ries regions. The community, with its approximately 2,500 inhabitants, is accessible via the Crailsheim–Nördlingen railway line and the B25 federal highway. The Frühjahrsmarkt is one of the largest community events of the year.