Medieval Christmas Market Ummendorf Castle

Ummendorf Castle — A Börde Gem

Ummendorf Castle is one of the most beautiful preserved castle complexes in the Magdeburger Börde: a medieval moated castle with an outer bailey, castle chapel, and keep, which has been telling the region's history as the Börde Museum for decades. From agriculture in one of Europe's most fertile landscapes to legends of the Bördeschimmel to 19th-century industrial culture — the museum combines everything that defines the Börde. On the first weekend of Advent, the inner courtyard becomes the scene of a medieval Christmas market.

Market Activity Behind Walls

Around medieval stalls line up in the castle courtyard: furs and leather goods, mead and mulled wine, wood carvings, bronze and silver jewelry, incense, marzipan, and gingerbread made from historical recipes. Minstrels wander through the rows with lutes and shawms, an open fire burns in front of the keep, and the scents from food stalls mingle with smoke and wax candles. The atmosphere is intimate and lovingly staged — a market for those seeking Advent spirit beyond the commercial hustle and bustle.

Program for Families

For children, there's a blacksmith demonstration, simple hands-on activities like candle dipping and felting, plus jester shows and historical stories. Admission is deliberately kept low at just €2 for adults, with children under 16 free — a clear commitment to a family-friendly Advent weekend in the state of Saxony-Anhalt.

Börde Museum and Castle Exhibition

The admission price also includes a visit to the Börde Museum in the castle. So, those visiting the market can also explore the museum on the side — the permanent exhibition on Börde history, the special exhibitions, the castle chapel. A rare combination of market activity and cultural-historical depth that is unparalleled in the German Christmas market scene.