Pferdemarkt Fritzlar

145 Years of Volksfest Tradition

The Pferdemarkt Fritzlar is North Hesse's largest Volksfest, marking its 145th edition in 2026. What began in the 19th century as a farmers' horse market with livestock trading has evolved into a combination of Kirmes, live music, a craft market, and a modern amusement park. The venue is the Ederaue, located directly on the Eder river.

Horse Show – The Historical Root

The horse show on the weekend is the centerpiece, connecting the Pferdemarkt to its history: presentations of Hanoverian horses, foal shows, and livestock exhibitions recall its original character as a horse and cattle trading market. Breeders and riders from all over Hesse still come today.

Top-Class Amusement Park

The amusement section is among the largest in North Hesse:

• The Phoenix – a modern high-thrill ride
• Geister Villa – a classic haunted house
• Ferris wheel with views of the Edertal valley
• Bumper cars – a family favorite
• Break Dance – a high-speed carousel

Live Music with The Tequilas and Confect

Musically, bands like The Tequilas and Confect provide the atmosphere. In 2025, the FFH Just Party debuted as a major event of the festival – this trend continues in 2026.

Daily Program 145th Pferdemarkt

The program is spread across the four festival days:

• Thursday – Market opening with the mayor's speech
• Friday – Family discounts from 1 PM to 6 PM, party program in the evening
• Saturday – Morning horse competitions, stage program in the afternoon and evening
• Sunday – Family competitions, helicopter rides from 3 PM to 7 PM, grand finale fireworks at 11 PM

The Cathedral City of Fritzlar

Fritzlar, in the Schwalm-Eder district, is a town of nearly 15,000 inhabitants. The historic old town with the famous Fritzlarer Dom (St. Peter's Cathedral), where Boniface felled the legendary "Donar Oak" in 723, is one of Germany's most significant early medieval sites. The Pferdemarkt in the Ederaue has been THE major Volksfest for this region for generations.

About the Cathedral City of Fritzlar

Fritzlar is a town in the Schwalm-Eder district with around 15,000 inhabitants. The city is closely linked to the Christianization of Hesse: in 723, Germany's apostle, Boniface, felled the famous Donar Oak here and founded the monastery. St. Peter's Cathedral in Fritzlar is today one of Hesse's most important early medieval structures. The Pferdemarkt has taken place annually since the 19th century and is THE Volksfest of the North Hesse region.