Historical Korn and Hanse Market Haselünne

Haselünne — one of the few Hanseatic cities in Emsland

Haselünne is one of the few Hanseatic cities in the Emsland region and can look back on a remarkable urban history. In the Middle Ages, the town belonged to the Bishopric of Münster and was part of the regional trade network connected to the Hanseatic League. This historical identity comes alive at the Historical Korn and Hanse Market, transforming the entire cityscape into a medieval-early modern market with a high degree of authenticity.

22nd Edition — Every Two Years

The market takes place every two years and celebrates its 22nd edition in 2026. This makes the festival a particularly anticipated event — fans have two years to look forward to the weekend.

Over 4,000 Costumed Participants

One of the most spectacular components of the festival is the grand parade with over 4,000 costumed participants. Citizens, clubs, showmen, and historical reenactors from the region and all over Northern Germany transform into merchants, nobles, craftsmen, soldiers, monks, pilgrims, jugglers, and peasants. This scale is exceptional even in a supra-regional comparison of medieval festivals, making the Haselünne spectacle one of the largest of its kind in Germany.

Over 200 Historical Market Stalls

Over 200 historical market stalls open on the market grounds — from craftsmen demonstrating their skills live (blacksmiths, potters, spinners, weavers, saddlers, bow makers), to traders with historical goods, to caterers offering medieval food and drinks. The stalls must meet strict authenticity standards — modern advertising, plastic tableware, and anachronistic elements are prohibited.

Stage Program

Several stages offer a packed program:

• Medieval music (hurdy-gurdy, bagpipes, shawm, drums)
• Theater plays and historical performances
• Jugglers, fire-eaters, stilt walkers
• Knight tournaments and sword fighting demonstrations
• Dancers in historical costume

Award from Stiftung Lebendige Stadt

The festival was honored in 2013 with the award from the Stiftung Lebendige Stadt — an important recognition of its cultural value and its contribution to the revitalization of Haselünne's city center. This award underscores the festival's significance far beyond the Emsland region.

Family-Friendly Historical Fun

Despite its authenticity, the market is explicitly family-friendly. Children and teenagers immerse themselves in another world — with hands-on craft demonstrations, children's programs, medieval games, and culinary experiences.