34th Katharinenmarkt in Hoya

Hoya — Historic Setting

In the Middle Ages, the town of Hoya was the seat of the County of Hoya and developed into an important trading post on the Weser in the 13th century. Hoya Castle, the Collegiate Church of St. Catharinen, and the historic old town ensemble with half-timbered houses on Lange Straße offer an authentic backdrop that few other North German cities can match for a medieval market.

Tradition for 33 Years

The Katharinenmarkt is named after Saint Catherine — the patron saint of Hoya's Collegiate Church of St. Catharinen. Since 1993, the market has developed into one of the most important medieval markets in Northern Germany. With its 34th edition in 2026, the festival underscores its firm place in the region's event calendar.

Medieval Program

Only traders in medieval clothing are permitted at the market, and the range of goods is limited to historically appropriate products: leather, wood, blacksmith work, ceramics, jewelry, medieval clothing, mead, wool fabrics, bows, swords. Beyond the pure market function, there is a dense program:

• Craft demonstrations (blacksmith, dyer, potter, bow maker)
• Medieval music with hurdy-gurdy, bagpipes, shawms, drums
• Show fights by knight and mercenary groups
• Juggling and acrobatics in the alleys
• Camp life with historical tents and campfires
• Medieval food and drinks: suckling pig, stick bread, stews, mead, wine

Family and Children's Program

The Katharinenmarkt is particularly attractive for families: archery for children, coin striking, old games, costume stations, child-friendly explanations from the craftsmen. Many families from the region come with children in medieval attire — the contact with the Middle Ages is experienced up close here.

Organizers

The market is organized by Katharinenmarkt zu Hoya e.V., an association that has preserved and continuously developed the tradition for decades. The association is present on Instagram as @hoyahistorisch. The close connection to the town of Hoya and the Samtgemeinde Grafschaft Hoya guarantees the high quality and authenticity of the market.