Tholey Herb and Monastery Garden Market
Large herb market around the Abbey of St. Mauritius in the 'Art and Culinary' format
About Tholey Herb Market
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One of Germany's Oldest Monasteries
The Benedictine Abbey of St. Mauritius in Tholey is one of the oldest monasteries in Germany – its roots reach back to the 7th century. Anyone who has strolled through the monastery garden understands why this place is so perfect for a herb market: For centuries, monks cultivated and used medicinal herbs for their pharmacy here. This tradition lives on in the modern herb market – in a contemporary way, yet connected to the historical spirit.
Over 35 Exhibitors
On Saturday, July 12, 2026, the Rathausplatz in Tholey and the adjacent monastery garden will transform into an open marketplace. Over 35 exhibitors – herb farmers, beekeepers, medicinal plant experts, artisans, and garden centers – will present their products: teas, tinctures, essential oils, ointments, honey, spirits, herbal cookbooks, floristry, and decorations for home and garden. Each stand tells its own small story about medicinal plants and their uses.
Monastery Garden and Monastery Festival
Parallel to the market, the Benedictine Abbey of St. Mauritius celebrates its Monastery Festival. Monastery tours, insights into monastic life, and music in the monastery garden complement the market activities. Those seeking a moment of peace will find it in the meditative corners of the garden – far from the hustle and bustle of the market.
'Art and Culinary' — The New Format from 2026
Starting in 2026, the municipality of Tholey will enhance the traditional market offerings with the new 'Art and Culinary' format. Local artists, galleries, and restaurants will be integrated into the program – making the market a day that combines enjoyment, craftsmanship, and monastic culture. Additional dates are planned throughout 2026, but the mid-July summer date remains the highlight.
Tholey in the St. Wendel District
Tholey is a municipality in the St. Wendel district in northern Saarland with just under 12,000 inhabitants. In recent years, the town has gained fame for the spectacular choir windows of the abbey church, designed by the South African-German artist Mahbuba Maqsoodi and the internationally renowned Gerhard Richter. This combination of ancient monastic tradition and contemporary art makes Tholey one of the most exciting cultural destinations in Saarland today.
More Than a Market — Workshops in the Lead-Up
In the two weeks preceding the market, herb walks, workshops, and lectures on medicinal plants traditionally take place. Those wishing to delve deeper can find information and register through the Tourist Information Office at Römerallee 5.
Tholey Herb Market — edition 2026
As in previous years, the market opens on Saturday morning at 11 AM and runs until late afternoon. Stall fees are often sold out months in advance — the market is one of the best-attended herb markets in Saarland. In parallel, the Benedictine Abbey of St. Mauritius celebrates its Monastery Festival in the monastery garden with guided tours, music, and opportunities for interaction.
In the lead-up to the market — two weeks prior — the municipality of Tholey traditionally organizes herb walks, workshops, and lectures on medicinal plants, in cooperation with local experts.
Programme Tholey Herb Market 2026
Saturday, July 12, 2026 — 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- 11:00 AM — Market opening on the Rathausplatz
- 11:00 AM–6:00 PM — Over 35 stalls: Herbal teas, medicinal plants, spices, essential oils, honey, floristry, decorations
- Monastery Garden — Monastery Festival of the Benedictine Abbey of St. Mauritius with guided tours, music, and culinary offerings
- Various short lectures on the use of medicinal plants (program on-site)
- Art exhibition and gastronomy in the 'Art and Culinary' format
- 6:00 PM — Market closes
In the Lead-Up — June to Early July 2026
- Herb walks with experts in the Tholey area
- Workshops on herb processing, ointment making, and medicinal plant use
- Lectures on the history of monastic medicine at the Abbey of St. Mauritius
- Registration via Tourist Information Tholey
More detailed information on participants and parallel art events for 2026 will be published from spring 2026 on tholey.de/abteiveranstaltungen.
Highlights Tholey Herb Market 2026
- Over 35 exhibitors focusing on herbs and medicinal plants
- Part of the Monastery Festival of the Benedictine Abbey
- New 'Art and Culinary' format from 2026
- Workshops and herb walks in the lead-up
Prices Tholey Herb Market 2026
Free admission. Workshops and guided herb walks are subject to a fee, registration via the Tourist Information Office.
Practical information — Tholey Herb Market
Getting There
By car via the A1 (Tholey exit) or A8 (St. Wendel exit), then take the L122 to Tholey. Parking is available in the town center and around the abbey; it gets full on market days – arrive early.
Public Transport
St. Wendel train station (DB), then take bus line 333 or 386 to Tholey. Approximately 30 minutes from St. Wendel.
Admission
Free entry to the market and monastery garden. Workshops and herb walks are subject to a fee – registration via the Tourist Information Office.
On Site
Catering provided by local restaurateurs, cafés around the Rathausplatz, and culinary stalls at the market. Classic Saarland specialties and vegetarian options are available.
Contact
Tourist-Information Tholey, Römerallee 5, 66636 Tholey, Tel. +49 6853 50866, [email protected]. Website with program overview: tholey.de/veranstaltung.
Combine with Abbey Visit
The Abbey Church of St. Mauritius, with the famous windows by Gerhard Richter and Mahbuba Maqsoodi, is open all year round – a market day and abbey visit can be ideally combined.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Tholey Herb Market al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Tholey Herb Market
Rathausplatz Tholey und Klostergarten Abtei
Rathausplatz / Klostergarten Abtei St. Mauritius, 66636 Tholey