Gallusmarkt Wetzlar

Medieval Market with City History

The Gallusmarkt Wetzlar dates back to the early 14th century – one of the oldest documented markets in Central Hesse. Its name refers to Saint Gallus, whose feast day is traditionally celebrated on October 16th and who is the patron saint of autumn markets in many central German cities. Wetzlar – a former Free Imperial City with the Imperial Chamber Court – maintains this market tradition to this day and will celebrate it again in 2026 on the third weekend in October.

Festival Mile Through the City Center

With around 150 market stalls, the Gallusmarkt is one of the longest continuous festival miles in Hesse. The market extends from the historic old town with its half-timbered houses through Langgasse, across Karl-Kellner-Ring to Bahnhofstraße. Three market areas merge: a flea market (clothing, household goods, spices), a traditional weekly market with regional vendors, and the Wetzlar shopping mile, whose shops are open on Sundays.

Stages and Live Music

Instead of classic festival tents, the Gallusmarkt relies on open-air stages in three squares in the city center: Haarplatz, Eisenmarkt, and Lahninsel in the Lahn. Local and regional bands play daily; the Lahninsel, situated between the two arms of the Lahn river, is a particularly atmospheric concert venue in the evenings. The market traditionally concludes with large fireworks on Sunday evening.

Wetzlar as a Festival Backdrop

Wetzlar, with its cathedral, the old town around Eisenmarkt, and the Lahn river, provides a particularly atmospheric festival backdrop in October. Goethe's Lotte city – parts of "The Sorrows of Young Werther" are set here – uniquely combines its baroque city center and folk festival during the Gallusmarkt.