Hubertusmarkt Kempen

The Hubertusmarkt — Lower Rhine Market Tradition Since 1372

If you travel to Kempen on November 3, 2026, you'll be heading to one of the oldest and largest open-air markets in the Lower Rhine region. The Hubertusmarkt takes place once a year in early November — in 2026 on Tuesday, November 3. The entire historic Old Town transforms into a vast market thoroughfare with over 200 stalls between 9 AM and 6 PM.

Market Rights Since 1372

Kempen received its market rights in 1372 — the Hubertusmarkt itself dates back several centuries in its origins and is named after Saint Hubertus, the patron saint of hunters, foresters, and marksmen. The traditional date is November 3, the Catholic feast day of the saint — hence the strict adherence to the date even in 2026.

The Market Quarter — The Entire Old Town

Unlike most markets, the Hubertusmarkt is not confined to one square. The stalls line eight central streets of the Old Town: Buttermarkt (the traditional market center), Engerstraße, Burgstraße, Peterstraße, Ellenstraße, Studentenacker, Judenstraße, and Kuhstraße. You walk through the narrow alleys of the medieval town, passing stall after stall — a market tour takes several hours if you take your time.

Over 200 Stalls — A Shopper's Paradise

The range of goods is legendary in its breadth: browsers and collectors can find almost anything at the Hubertusmarkt. From umbrellas and fragrance oils to mustard mills — as aptly described by the Kempen city administration. Classic market assortments (textiles, household goods, tools, leather goods, toys, sweets) are mixed with specialty stalls (spices, handicrafts, brush manufactories, eyeglass cleaning cloths, mustard mills). If you're looking for a specific stall, ask at the Buttermarkt — it's the geographical center.

Gastronomy and Food Stalls

In addition to the sales stalls, there's a gastronomic program: bratwurst stands, potato pancake stalls, mulled wine (already in season in November), crêpes, fries, regional specialties. You eat standing up, at barrels, or find a seat in the Old Town's eateries. The restaurants and cafés in Kempen's Old Town are very busy on the Hubertusmarkt day — if you want to reserve a table, you should do so well in advance.

Attraction Far Beyond Kempen

The Hubertusmarkt attracts thousands of visitors from the Ruhr area, the entire Lower Rhine region, and the neighboring Netherlands. With Kempen's location about 20 km east of the Dutch border, the market is a classic cross-border folk festival (Volksfest) — Dutch family outings are a common sight on Tuesday, November 3. A mix of languages can be heard in the alleys: German, Dutch, Low German.

Kempen — The City of Thomas in the Lower Rhine Region

Kempen, with around 35,000 inhabitants, is one of the most beautiful medium-sized towns in the Lower Rhine region. Characterized by an almost completely preserved medieval town center with ramparts, the brick Church of St. Mariae Geburt, and a dense network of historic alleys. It is the birthplace of the late medieval mystic Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471), author of "The Imitation of Christ". Kempen belongs to the Viersen district and is accessible via the A 40 / A 44 motorways and the Krefeld-Kleve railway line. The Buttermarkt is the natural city center — and on November 3, the natural center of the Hubertusmarkt.