Gera Pottery Market

Gera — the Otto Dix City

Gera, with around 92,000 inhabitants, is the third-largest city in Thuringia and an independent city in the state of Thuringia. It is known as the birthplace of Otto Dix and as an East Thuringian economic and cultural center on the middle reaches of the White Elster river. The Market Square, with its town hall and historic fountain, forms the heart of the city center — and the venue for the annual pottery market.

17th Gera Pottery Market 2026

The Gera Pottery Market on the last weekend of May is one of the most traditional pottery markets in Central Germany. The 17th edition in 2026 brings together 48 potters — 22 of them from Thuringia and others from Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Bremen, North Rhine-Westphalia, as well as international guests from Latvia and Hungary. The range includes classic Bürgel ceramics, garden objects, figures, jewelry, and sculptures.

Opening, Music, and Town Hall Tower

The opening on Saturday at 10 a.m. is traditionally performed by the Lord Mayor of Gera. Folk groups “Bastschuh” and “Folkgemeinschaft Gera”, as well as the historic carillon in the town hall tower, provide musical accompaniment for the market day. The town hall tower is open to visitors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days — the panoramic view over the Market Square with the pottery stands and over the Gera city center is one of the highlights.

Other Vendors and Culinary Delights

In addition to potters, beekeepers offering honey and bee products, wood carvers, basket weavers, and jewelry artists offer their goods. Thuringian grilled specialties, crêpes, and freshly roasted almonds dominate the culinary offerings. Free admission — one of the social highlights of May in East Thuringia.