Garz Christmas Market on Rügen

Advent atmosphere in Rügen's oldest town

Garz on Rügen, located in the south of the island in the Vorpommern-Rügen district, is considered Rügen's oldest town. In the Middle Ages, the Slavic fortress on the present-day castle rampart was a center of power for the Rani — remains of the rampart are still clearly visible today and form the atmospheric setting for the Garz Christmas Market. When the stalls are set up and the lights are turned on on the 2nd Advent weekend, the castle rampart transforms into a small Christmas microcosm, far from the hustle and bustle of the Baltic Sea resorts.

What makes the market special

In contrast to the maritime Christmas markets in Binz or Sassnitz, Garz focuses on down-to-earth appeal: craftspeople from the surrounding area display wood carvings, knitwear, ceramics, and textile work, while regional producers offer smoked fish, homemade honey, jams, and sea buckthorn products. Mulled wine, punch, candied almonds, and Christmas stollen are naturally part of it, as are bratwurst and potato pancakes.

Program for families

A whole range of activities is aimed at children and families: a fairy tale forest invites wonder, a lovingly decorated fairy tale fountain and a festively decorated pyramid create Christmas magic. A carousel spins, a small animal enclosure houses sheep or ponies, and stories are read aloud in a fairy tale house. Santa Claus is on site on both days and entertains the little visitors all day long.

History and identity

The market is more of a village festival than a tourist spectacle — and that's precisely its charm. Those who want to experience the real Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, away from the main routes, will find an authentic Advent market with a long tradition in Garz, supported by clubs, schools, and the town of Garz on Rügen itself.