Illinger Wurstmarkt

Sausage, Market, and Market Town

When the apple cider season begins and the sun hangs lower, Illingen calls for the Illinger Wurstmarkt. Over the years, the market has developed into a regionally renowned meeting point that attracts visitors from far beyond the borders of the Neunkirchen district. On a Sunday in October, the town center fills with sausage stands, snack stalls, club offerings, and showmen—and the local shops open for Sunday shopping.

Opening at the New Market

The official start is marked by the traditional barrel tapping on the main stage at the New Market—the central square in the heart of Illingen. This officially opens the market for visitors, and the program begins live with musical accompaniment. Mayor Andreas Hübgen traditionally performs the tapping.

Regional Sausage Specialties—and More

As the name suggests, much revolves around sausage—from classic Lyoner (the favorite sliced sausage product in Saarland) to hearty bratwurst, Schwenkbraten (grilled pork neck), smoked meats, and regional sausage specialties from Saarland butchers. Alongside these, you'll find coffee and sweets, fresh apple cider, Federweißen (young wine), onion cake, and of course, beer. Local craftspeople offer their products—pottery, wood carvings, knitwear, beekeeping products.

Sunday Shopping

In parallel with the market, Illingen's shops are open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. for Sunday shopping. The Wurstmarkt has thus become a day for strolling—many visitors combine their market visit with shopping in Illingen's town center.

Illingen—the "Ill Valley Metropolis"

With the tongue-in-cheek nickname Ill Valley Metropolis, Illingen sees itself as the center of the Ill Valley—a rural area in the Neunkirchen district between Saarbrücken and Saarlouis. The market town, with its six districts (Illingen, Hüttigweiler, Hirzweiler-Welschbach, Uchtelfangen, Wustweiler), has around 16,000 inhabitants and is known for its vibrant club scene, its hiking opportunities, and, of course, its Wurstmarkt.