Lambertusmarkt Selfkant-Höngen

A Tradition That Lives Again

When the fairy lights are strung up around Höngen's Kirchstraße on the first weekend of November, market stalls are set up, and mulled wine kettles are fired up, it's Lambertusmarkt in Selfkant-Höngen. The market dates back to an old tradition surrounding Saint Lambert of Maastricht (patron saint of the Höngen church) and was revived in November 2024 after a 14-year break by Yvonne Engert and Simon Lenz as a private initiative. The very first revival in 2024 attracted the entire village and many visitors from Selfkant and the nearby Dutch province of Limburg.

Höngen — Germany's Westernmost Point

Höngen is a district of the municipality of Selfkant (Heinsberg district) — and is located at the westernmost point of Germany. The Dutch border (province of Limburg, Sittard-Geleen) is only a few hundred metres away. This location makes the Lambertusmarkt a cross-border meeting festival: Dutch visitors come just as much as guests from Westphalia and Rhineland, and the mix of languages between High German, Low German (Selfkant dialect) and Limburgish-Dutch contributes to the market's charm.

Programme and Atmosphere

The market unfolds its programme over two days:

• Saturday afternoon and evening — Opening at 2 PM, festive market activities until late evening. Live music with local bands like Kellerjungs and Saate Harmonie, performances by regional choirs and music associations. On stage, musical contributions alternate with participatory programmes for the whole family.
• Sunday morning and afternoon — Opening at 11 AM with 'Frühschoppen' (morning pint), family programme until 7 PM. A bouncy castle, carousel, craft activities, and face painting keep the youngest visitors entertained.

At the approximately 36 stalls, exhibitors from Selfkant, the Heinsberg district, and the nearby Dutch region offer handicrafts, regional specialities, Advent wreaths, dried flowers, jewellery, honey, cheese, sausage, homemade jams, and autumn decorations. Food and drink are available with mulled wine, pea soup, grilled sausages, 'Reibekuchen' (potato pancakes), and sweet regional specialities.

"Traditions must be lived"

The motto of the revived Lambertusmarkt — "Traditions must be lived" — perfectly captures the organisers' self-understanding: traditions die if no one gets involved. Yvonne Engert and Simon Lenz, through their private initiative, have shown that a village market doesn't have to be run by a large organisation — but by committed citizens who want to preserve their homeland as a liveable community. The Municipality of Selfkant supports with permits, electricity, and logistics.

Kulturhaus Selfkant — The Heart of the Market

The Kulturhaus Selfkant at Kirchstraße 13 is the heart of the market. It hosts the stage programme, exhibitions, a café, and the children's activities. The market area radiates outwards from the cultural centre along Kirchstraße and parts of the village centre.

Donation Basis Instead of Entrance Fee

The Lambertusmarkt charges no admission fee. Donations are welcome and go towards organisational costs and the preparation of the next edition. The low-threshold concept makes the market a true Volksfest (folk festival) that reaches everyone — regardless of their wallet.

Saint Lambert of Maastricht — The Patron Saint

Saint Lambert (c. 636–705) was Bishop of Maastricht and is considered the patron saint of the city of Maastricht, many churches in the border region, as well as farmers and craftsmen. His feast day is 17th September — Lambertusdag. In Höngen, the Catholic parish church is dedicated to the saint, hence the market's name. Historically, the Lambertusmarkt was closer to the feast day in September; in the new edition starting in 2024, it has moved to November to avoid overlapping with other regional events and to benefit from the pre-Christmas atmosphere.