Pelzmärtelmarkt Pappenheim

Advent Atmosphere with Franconian Traditions

The Pelzmärtelmarkt brings pre-Christmas atmosphere to the old town of Pappenheim, the historic count's city in the Altmühltal valley, in November. While a classic Christmas market doesn't open until Advent, the season of markets in Franconian-influenced Pappenheim begins as early as the beginning of November with the Pelzmärtel.

What is the Pelzmärtel?

The Pelzmärtel is a Franconian figure related to St. Nicholas and St. Martin. Dressed in a thick fur coat, he rewards good children and admonishes naughty ones – a pre-Christmas folk custom that has been passed down, especially in Middle and Upper Franconia. In Pappenheim, it has taken the form of an atmospheric market that attracts thousands of visitors to the old town every year at the beginning of November.

Market in the Historic Old Town

The stalls are located in the alleys around the market square, the town church, and the city castle. Wooden huts offering mulled wine, bratwurst, gingerbread, and stollen alternate with stalls where artisans, farm shops, and artists from the Altmühltal valley offer their products. The atmosphere benefits from the picturesque backdrop of the city: narrow alleys, half-timbered houses, the view of Pappenheim Castle, decorated with fairy lights in many places.

Program for Young and Old

The Pelzmärtelmarkt is a market 'for young and old': there is a children's program with craft activities, appearances by the Pelzmärtel, music, concerts in the town church, and culinary offerings. Pappenheim associations, schools, and initiatives participate – an example of the dense club life of a historic small town in the Weißenburg-Gunzenhausen district.

Pappenheim as a Travel Destination

Pappenheim, with its over a thousand-year history, Pappenheim Castle, and medieval old town, is an excellent destination for visiting the market: Hiking along the Altmühl river, a castle tour, and dinner in a Franconian inn can be easily combined with the Pelzmärtelmarkt – a small but fine pre-Christmas trip to southern Middle Franconia.