Gingst Handicraft Market

West Rügen Craftsmanship Tradition at the Museum Farm

Gingst, a community of 1,300 inhabitants in the Amt West-Rügen (Vorpommern-Rügen district), preserves a unique ensemble of rural architecture with its museum farm on Karl-Marx-Straße. The "Historische Handwerkerstuben" (Historic Craft Rooms) are housed in the Low German hall houses and barns — a small open-air museum documenting Rügen's craftsmanship from the 18th to the early 20th century. Once a year, the museum farm transforms into a lively market where contemporary handicrafts and historical tradition merge.

What Makes the Market Special

Unlike many commercial medieval markets, the Gingst Handicraft Market primarily showcases works by artists and craftspeople from the Vorpommern-Rügen region. Pottery and ceramics (including local pottery and regional product manufacturing), jewelry made of amber and silver, felt crafts, hand-woven textiles, basket weaving, wood carvings, bookbinding, and glass art are regularly represented. Fashion designers from Stralsund and Greifswald complement the offerings. The diversity lies in the details — many pieces are unique.

Living Craft Techniques

A highlight is the demonstration of traditional craft techniques: If you've ever wanted to see how a blacksmith hammers an iron nail on the anvil, how linen is made on an old loom, or how felt is made from sheep's wool, this is the place to be. Some exhibitors offer small workshops where visitors can try their hand.

Music and Culinary Delights

Accompanying the market, live music from the region (folk, acoustic, singer-songwriter) creates the atmosphere. Local providers offer refreshments with homemade cakes, smoked fish from the Bodden lagoon, freshly baked bread from a stone oven, and sea buckthorn liqueur. The organizer is the Tourismusverein Westrügen (West Rügen Tourism Association), and Jenny Neumann (Saltyfox) has been responsible for organization for several years.