Haller Jakobimarkt

800 Years of Jakobimarkt — Market Veteran in Schwäbisch Hall

The Haller Jakobimarkt is celebrated at the end of July around the feast day of the Apostle James (25 July) and is one of the region's oldest market traditions. Its roots date back to the 13th century — when Schwäbisch Hall was a Free Imperial City, lived off the salt trade, and was one of the most important trading hubs in Southern Germany. The Jakobimarkt was originally a market for wares and livestock in late summer; today, it is the big summer town festival.

Haalplatz and Town Centre — Market Area

The venue is the historic Haalplatz with its unusual paving and views of the town's salt-making heritage, along with the town centre around the market square with the famous steps leading up to St. Michael's Church. Around 100 market traders set up their stalls — the assortments are classic and diverse:

• Textiles: jumpers, scarves, socks, stockings, underwear
• Leather goods: bags, belts, wallets, gloves
• Knitwear: hand-knitted and industrially produced
• Household goods and basketry: brushes, pans, pots, baskets
• Cleaning, personal care, and cosmetic products
• Sweets and snacks: candied almonds, gingerbread, Magenbrot (gingerbread), bratwurst, fries

Steinbach Amusement Park — Over 50 Years of Tradition

Parallel to the market, the amusement park on the Kocherwiesen in the Steinbach district takes place — a Volksfest (popular festival) with a festival tent atmosphere and family entertainment. For over 50 years, showmen have been bringing rides of all sizes — Ferris wheel, bumper cars, looping coaster, chain carousel, family roller coasters, smaller attractions for children. A festival tent with a local brewery and live music in the evening. The amusement park usually runs for several days around the market weekend.

Event Schedule

Friday, 24 July: Amusement park opens on Kocherwiesen Steinbach. Family prices on opening day.

Saturday, 25 July (Jakobi Day): Opening of the market on Haalplatz and in the town centre. Amusement park in full operation. Evening entertainment in the festival tent.

Sunday, 26 July: Main market day, traditionally a busy day with high visitor numbers from the Hohenlohe district and beyond. Family entertainment in the park.

Monday, 27 July: Final day — relaxed atmosphere, many regular visitors, often remaining stalls with discount offers.

Schwäbisch Hall — Salt-Making Town with Market DNA

The former Free Imperial City of Schwäbisch Hall (AGS 08127, capital of the Schwäbisch Hall district) is located in the Kocher valley and, with around 41,000 inhabitants, is one of Württemberg's most distinctive medium-sized towns. The salt-making tradition (with the Heller, the currency unit named after the city) and the market tradition are part of the city's DNA. The famous St. Michael's Church with its open-air stage (summer theatre) on the steps, the Comburg monastery, the intact old town, the Hällisch-Fränkisches Museum, and the Kunsthalle Würth make Schwäbisch Hall an exciting year-round destination — and the Jakobimarkt is its most important summer festival.