Medieval Summer Market Freisen

Three Days Traveling into the Middle Ages

Medieval markets are no longer a niche in Germany – and the Medieval Summer Market Freisen is one of the most beautiful in the greater Saar-Pfalz-Hunsrück region. For three days, the history, crafts, and joie de vivre of the Middle Ages come alive: at the Hermbacher Hof near the Freisen Wildlife Park, visitors encounter camp life with real fires and tents, knights in full armor, ladies, jesters, and minstrels.

Market Stalls with Genuine Crafts

Numerous traders present historical goods – not cheap mass-produced items, but genuine artisan crafts: hand-forged knives, silver and leather work, wood carvings, herbs and tinctures, felt goods, medieval clothing, drinking horns, and jewelry. Those who wish can watch the craftspeople at work and take a piece of their journey into the Middle Ages home with them.

Culinary Delights from Wood-Fired Ovens and Fire Pits

The market also stays true to its historical theme when it comes to food. Breads are baked in their own wood-fired ovens, and wild sausages, spit-roasted meats, and stews are prepared over open fires. Specialties include 'Stockbrote' (stick bread) – bread baked over an open fire – as well as crêpes, waffles, and the obligatory mead (honey wine) and Viking beer. Vegetarians will also find options.

Minstrels and Jesters – The Stage Program

Various performance areas are spread across the market square: Medieval music groups with hurdy-gurdy, bagpipes, drums, and shawms perform on the main stage. Jesters show off their tricks, jugglers and fire-eaters leave audiences in awe, and storytellers enchant children. The highlight is usually the fire show on Saturday evening – when the sun sets behind the Hunsrück hills, the spectacle begins.

Camp Life as the Centerpiece

Medieval reenactors from all over the German-speaking world set up their tents on the festival grounds. They live for three days like their ancestors – cooking over open fires, sleeping on straw and in tents, wearing only historical clothing. Visitors can tour the camp, chat with the reenactors, and get a direct impression of everyday life in the Middle Ages.

Freisen in the St. Wendel District

Freisen is located in the northern Saarland in the St. Wendel district, on the border with Rhineland-Palatinate. The Freisen Wildlife Park is a popular excursion destination with animals from local forests – deer, wild boar, wolves – and, together with the medieval market, offers the ideal family weekend. Combining both provides a complete program.