Kalter Markt Ellwangen

A Tradition Since 1353

The Kalter Markt Ellwangen is one of Germany's oldest folk festivals. First documented in 1353, it has evolved over the centuries from a medieval horse market into a six-day modern folk festival — one of Southern Germany's largest winter festivals, attracting around 200,000 visitors annually. The organizer is the city of Ellwangen, a former imperial city in the northeastern Ostalb district with just under 25,000 inhabitants, picturesquely located on the Jagst river between Aalen and Crailsheim.

The Program — Day by Day

The Kalter Markt 2026 runs from Friday, January 9, to Wednesday, January 14. Friday kicks off with "Beat-Night 4.0" in the Stadthalle (8:30 PM) — a concert evening with cover bands from the 60s and 70s beat music. Saturday features the traditional Kuttellauf (fun run) and the Grüner Ball (grand dance ball). Sunday is for shopping — all downtown stores open their doors, complemented by ice sculptures, a technology show, and a children's program. Monday, January 12, is the absolute highlight: in the morning, the festive horse awards ceremony (competition for breeding and riding horses), and in the afternoon, the grand parade through the city center with historical floats, rider groups, brass bands, and traditional costume associations. Tuesday is Health Day (exhibition format) and Farmers' Rally with Minister Peter Hauk. Wednesday concludes with the market fair along the main street — around 60 stalls offering household goods, clothing, sausages, and sweets.

New Location in 2026 — State Garden Show

2026 is a transitional edition: The traditional Schießwasen fairground, where the festival tent and amusement rides have been located in recent decades, is being relocated due to the Ellwangen 2026 State Garden Show — the folk festival will use the adjacent southern area in 2026. For regular visitors, this means: orient yourselves according to the plan, new location, same catering.

What 1,000 Portions of Kutteln Mean

One of the curious traditions is the Kutteln eating: at selected snack times, around 1,000 portions of traditional Kutteln (tripe stew) are distributed free to visitors — a local specialty custom that refers to the market's medieval roots as a supply festival for travelers and traders.

Ellwangen — Ostalb and History

For centuries, Ellwangen was the seat of a Prince-Provost and is today one of Baden-Württemberg's most charming small towns — with a castle, collegiate church, medieval town center, and a surprisingly vibrant cultural scene. The Kalter Markt is not the only major event: in July, the Volksschauspiele (open-air theater) follow, and in autumn, the Schiller Festival. But it is the largest — and the most traditional.