Kunsthandwerkermarkt & Adventszauber Burg Blomendal

Advent Magic Behind Castle Walls

When Blomendal Castle is festively illuminated in December, the Advent magic begins in Bremen's north. The medieval moated castle in the Blumenthal district offers perhaps the most atmospheric setting a Christmas market in the state of Bremen can provide. On an Advent weekend, the castle courtyard and rooms fill with stalls where craftspeople showcase their handmade creations — from ceramics and jewelry to textile art and Christmas decorations. Candlelight, the scent of mulled wine, and ancient walls combine here to create an atmosphere that no city center marketplace can replicate.

A Castle from 1354

Blomendal Castle was built in 1354 by the noble families of Oumünde and Steding at the confluence of the Blumenthaler Aue and Beckedorfer Beke rivers — it is considered the oldest secular building in Bremen's city area. Unlike most manors in the region, it was a true defensive structure, secured by a fortified tower, defensive installations, and a drawbridge over the moat; the knights of Oumünde who resided here were described, depending on interpretation, as customs and tax officials or as robber barons. The moated castle has been a listed monument since 1973. It is maintained by the Blomendal Castle Association, founded in 1977, which is committed by its statutes to preserving the historical substance while making the castle accessible as a cultural meeting point for citizens.

Arts and Crafts in a Historic Setting

The Christmas market — formerly known as Burgfrieden — combines this voluntary commitment to the castle with an atmospheric Advent offering. Handmade arts and crafts are displayed, accompanied by mulled wine, regional specialties, and winter treats. Blumenthal is located in the far north of Bremen on the Weser river; with Blomendal Castle, the district boasts an architectural gem that is otherwise primarily used for concerts, theater, lectures, and private celebrations. The Advent Magic opens this special place to everyone, making it one of the most charming Christmas markets away from the big city center — a winter excursion that warmly brings together history and craftsmanship.