Autumn Market at Molfsee Open-Air Museum

Folk Life Open-Air Museum as Market Scenery

The Schleswig-Holstein Open-Air Museum Molfsee is one of Germany's largest open-air museums. On a 60-hectare site on the outskirts of Kiel, over 60 historic buildings from the 16th to 19th centuries are gathered — thatched-roof houses from Dithmarschen and Angeln, Dutch windmills, bakehouses, smithies, and a Haubarg farmstead. The museum is part of the Stiftung Schleswig-Holsteinische Landesmuseen Schloss Gottorf and the main location for the state's folk life collection. The Autumn Market uses this ensemble as its backdrop.

150 Stalls for Arts and Crafts

Around 150 exhibitors set up their stalls throughout the museum grounds for one day — along the paths, in the courtyards of the historic houses, and in the barns. The offerings are strictly curated: no industrial mass-produced goods, but authentic crafts from the region and from all over Northern Germany. You can find pottery, goldsmith work, woodturning, basket weaving, felting, weaving, wood carving, and woven table linen.

Cafés and Snacks in Historic Rooms

During the market, the museum operates several cozy café areas within the historic houses — coffee and cake in the farmhouse kitchen, hot soups by the open hearth, regional specialties at the snack stand. A small museum railway transports visitors around the grounds, making the tour easier, especially for children and older guests.

An Autumn Day — Mobility and Comfort

The open-air museum grounds are equipped with gravel and clay paths as well as unpaved trails. Due to the historic character, wheelchair and walker access is limited — the museum provides information on accessible paths in advance. Sturdy footwear is recommended. In case of rain, the market partially moves into the historic buildings.

Getting Here from Kiel and the Surrounding Area

Molfsee is located on the southern edge of Kiel and is easily accessible by city bus, car, and coach from the Hamburg area. Tour operators from Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg offer day trips to Molfsee — the Autumn Market is one of the set excursion destinations of the autumn season.