Historischer Markt Großbottwar

Medieval times in Großbottwar's Old Town

Großbottwar is located in the Bottwartal valley in the Ludwigsburg district and boasts one of Württemberg's most beautiful preserved half-timbered old towns. With its rich collection of Renaissance and half-timbered buildings — including the famous Storchennest-Haus from 1525 — the old town provides an ideal backdrop for medieval reenactments. The Historischer Markt, organized by MAG Großbottwar (Mittelaltermarkt-Arbeitsgemeinschaft), utilizes this very setting and has been drawing thousands of visitors to the town annually for almost two decades.

19th Edition in 2026

The 19th edition runs from September 26 to 27, 2026. The market opens on Saturday at 2 PM and runs until midnight, and on Sunday from 11 AM to 7 PM. The admission price is thematically phrased in the language of the Middle Ages: 6 Silberlinge Wegzoll (silver coins toll) for both days; children "under measuring stick height" (below approx. 110 cm) are free. The toll ticket is valid for both days.

What awaits you

The alleys of the old town are alive with activity: jugglers, jesters, and stilt walkers entertain with their acts in the narrow streets. Fire-eaters and musicians provide medieval sounds — from bagpipes and hurdy-gurdies to tambourines. Craftsmen demonstrate their skills in open workshops: knife sharpening, blacksmithing, bookbinding, rope making — all in medieval style. Merchants offer mead and beer, roasted suckling pig, wood-fired bread, game sausages, cheese, and medieval sweets. In the squares, magicians, fortune-tellers, and theatre groups perform. Knights in armor conduct demonstrations and small tournaments.

Children's Program and Night Watchman Theatre

The market is explicitly family-friendly: knights' tournament for children, barrel carousel, storytelling, and archery are the main attractions for the youngest visitors. A special experience is the Night Watchman Theatre Tour on Saturday evening: at eight stations, the story of Großbottwar citizen Jakob Friederle is told — a theatrical city tour that brings the heritage of the old town to life.

Großbottwar and the Bottwartal Valley

Großbottwar is a town in the Ludwigsburg district, located in the Bottwartal valley — one of the most beautiful valley landscapes in northern Baden-Württemberg. The town, with its approximately 8,500 inhabitants, thrives on viticulture (Bottwartal wines are among Württemberg's most sophisticated vintages), tourism, and its medieval heritage. The Stork's Nest city wall, the Renaissance castle, and the 13th-century town church, along with the half-timbered town, form a cohesive historic town center. Visitors to the Historischer Markt should take time for a stroll through the old town — the setting is part of the experience.