Medieval Market at Hohnsensee – Hildesheim Lake Spectacle

A Market by the Water

The JoWiese grounds at Hohnsensee are one of Hildesheim's most beautiful event locations: an open meadow landscape directly on the shore of an inner-city lake, framed by trees and offering views across the water. During the first days of May, a historical camp is set up here, showcasing the world of the Middle Ages in all its facets – from the Wendish-Scandinavian Viking world to high medieval knighthood.

Show Combat and Camp Life

The focus is on the reenactment groups who demonstrate daily life from past centuries in authentic tents, camps, and combat arenas. Knights train with sword, lance, and shield, Vikings display their weaponry and crafts, and archers gather at the shooting range. Show combats take place several times a day and are among the main attractions. Aspects of camp life are also conveyed: cooking over open fires, equipment maintenance, and storytelling from sagas and myths.

Craftspeople and Market Stalls

The market itself brings together craftspeople from all over Germany and neighboring countries. Blacksmiths work at the anvil, leatherworkers create pouches and belts, woodturners present their goods, and horn carvers, felt makers, and glass bead makers demonstrate their techniques live. There are also stalls selling medieval clothing, jewelry, drinking horns, and books. The medieval cuisine is an experience in itself: suckling pig from the spit, stews, flatbread, mead, beer, and non-alcoholic specialties.

Music and Program

Music is an integral part of any medieval festival. Medieval bands, bagpipers, drummers, and minstrels perform on the JoWiese grounds, both as announced stage programs and as walk-acts between the camps. Fire shows in the evening add dramatic accents to the Hohnsensee shore, especially at dusk.

Family-Friendly

With a day ticket costing €12 (adults, €10 in advance) and a symbolic entrance fee of €1 for children, the spectacle is deliberately designed to be family-friendly. Hands-on activities for children, games in the camp, and child-oriented demonstrations ensure that even the youngest guests can experience a full medieval day.