Medieval Market Maxipark Hamm

Medieval Times in the Glass Elephant Park — Maxipark as a Stage

The Maximilianpark Hamm is one of Germany's most unusual city parks: its landmark is the Glass Elephant — the former coal washing plant of the Maximilian colliery, converted into an observation deck, an industrial heritage monument in a pop format. The park, laid out in 1984 for the State Garden Show, surrounds the Glass Elephant with a butterfly house, playgrounds, and large meadows. On one of these meadows, the meadow by the Glass Elephant, the Tross der Fogelvreien annually sets up a medieval village.

When: June 4th to 7th, 2026 (Corpus Christi Weekend)

The 2026 Medieval Market runs for four days:

• Thursday, June 4th, 2026 (Corpus Christi): 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
• Friday, June 5th, 2026: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (regular park admission)
• Saturday, June 6th, 2026: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
• Sunday, June 7th, 2026: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Tross der Fogelvreien — The Historical Reenactors

The Tross der Fogelvreien is one of Germany's best-known medieval reenactment groups. With historically authentic tents, costumes, weapons, tools, and food, the troupe builds a complete medieval settlement every year — blacksmiths, weavers, leatherworkers, healers, scribes. Visitors wander through the camp as if through a walk-in time machine.

Stalls, Food, Crafts

Around the meadow, approximately 20 market stalls offer:

• Crafts: Leather goods, wood carvings, blacksmith work, textiles, pottery, jewelry based on historical models
• Food: Mead, beer from wooden barrels, suckling pig, bread soup, roasted almonds, honey cakes, sausages on a spit
• Taverns: Wooden tables and benches under awnings, traditional catering

Asgard Falconry Show and Live Music

Several live programs enrich the meadow:

• Asgard Falconry Show: Bird of prey demonstrations with falcons, owls, and an eagle. Explanations of historical falconry.
• Satolstelamanderfanz: Medieval music on historical instruments — hurdy-gurdy, shawm, davul, bagpipes.
• Basseltan: Acrobat duo with juggling, fire-breathing (in the evening), dance, and medieval comedy.
• Jousting Tournaments: Knights on horseback compete in lance-wielding contests.

Hammer Knight Search — Family Highlight for the 800th Anniversary

A special feature of the 2026 event: the "Hammer Ritter-Suche" (Hammer Knight Search), an interactive treasure hunt for children. The occasion is Hamm's 800th city anniversary — the hunt focuses on the historical Isenberg conflicts of the 13th century, following which the city of Hamm was founded in 1226. With a map and activity booklet, children explore the festival grounds, solve riddles, and win small medieval treasures.

Carousels, Ring Toss, and Crossbow Games

For families, classic medieval attractions complement the program:

• Wooden carousels, hand-cranked
• Archery and crossbow shooting ranges (age-appropriate for children)
• Ring toss, horseshoe throwing, potion identification games

Admission and Family Tariffs

The admission structure is family-friendly:

• Thursday, Saturday, Sunday: Adults €8 / Children €4 / Small Family (2 adults + 1 child) €15 / Large Family (2 adults + up to 3 children) €21
• Friday: Regular park admission (Adults approx. €5, Children approx. €2)
• Annual pass holders and RUHR.TOPCARD: Free admission on Friday, discounted on other days (Adults €4, Children €2)

Important: Dogs Not Allowed

No dogs are allowed in the Maximilianpark (except guide dogs and therapy dogs). This rule also applies during the medieval market — dog owners must leave their pets at home or arrange alternative supervision.

Maxipark — A Hamm Institution

The Maximilianpark is one of Hamm's most important excursion destinations and a symbol of successful industrial conversion: the Maximilian colliery became a city park with the Glass Elephant, butterfly house, and concert stage. The medieval market uses the meadows near the Glass Elephant as a historical stage — a contrast between industrial heritage architecture and medieval reenactment that defines the charm of this Hamm tradition.