Kirchheim Wool Market

Kirchheim Wool Market — Tradition, Craftsmanship, and Sheep Farming at the Foot of the Swabian Jura

The Kirchheim Wool Market is one of the most traditional wool markets in Southern Germany. On the first weekend of October, Wollmarktstraße — the street name itself hints at centuries of tradition — becomes the focal point: Around 60 traders from all over Germany and neighboring countries offer their products related to sheep, wool, and sheep farming. You won't find the usual market fare here, but a high-quality special program — from traditional sheep farming crafts to modern wool creations.

Wool, Knitting, and Creative Crafts

The focus is on the wool products themselves: yarns from local sheep breeds, dyed sock wool, hand-spun virgin wool yarns, felt products of all kinds, hats, scarves, gloves, and clothing made from pure wool. In addition, hand spinners demonstrate their art on traditional spinning wheels, worsted yarn workshops show the processing of raw wool into yarn, and felt makers demonstrate their techniques live at their stands. Anyone who wants to knit or felt themselves will find everything here from raw materials to finished tools.

Sheep Farming Articles and Traditional Crafts

A special feature of the Kirchheim Wool Market is the traditional sheep farming articles: handmade shepherd's shovels, cowbells, shepherd's horns, traditionally made sheep shears, as well as leather goods, wood carvings, and basket weaving. Shepherds and shepherdesses from the Swabian Jura are personally on site and offer advice on their products. There are also regional specialties — lamb sausage, sheep cheese, lamb salami, and honey directly from the producer.

Sheep, Herding Dogs, and Sheep Shearing

Live demonstrations make the wool market particularly attractive for families. Various sheep breeds are presented in a dedicated area — from the Blackhead sheep to the Mountain sheep. Herding dogs demonstrate their work with a small flock of sheep, and a traditional sheep shearing shows how the raw material for the wool industry is obtained from the warm wool coat. For children, there are petting opportunities and small wool workshops to participate in.

Kirchheim unter Teck and the Esslingen District

The historic town of Kirchheim unter Teck is picturesquely located at the foot of the Swabian Jura in the Esslingen district — Teck Castle towers over the valley basin and gives the town its name. Sheep farming has a centuries-old tradition in the region: Jura sheep farming shapes the landscape to this day. During the wool market, you will be connected with the living roots of this craft — Kirchheim is not only the venue but an authentic center of Swabian Jura tradition.