Rossmarkt Berching

Candlemas and Old Horse Tradition

The Rossmarkt Berching traditionally takes place on the Wednesday after Candlemas (February 2nd) – a date that has remained unchanged for centuries. The roots of this tradition date back over 300 years to the 17th century, when the horse inspection took place in Berching around Candlemas. The modern "Berching Horse and Foal Market" was established in 1926 and will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026.

Medieval Old Town as a Backdrop

Berching in the district of Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz is an architectural gem: the medieval old town has preserved its complete city walls with 13 towers and four historic gates – one of the best-preserved city fortifications in Bavaria. The narrow streets and the central market square form the unique backdrop for the Rossmarkt.

The Horse Parade

The highlight of the day is the horse parade starting at 9 a.m.: About 102 horses – from small ponies to heavy draft horses – parade through the city center. The parade is commented on, and the animals are presented: South German draft horses, Haflingers, Lipizzaners, Friesians, Trakehners, Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds. Riders and drivers in traditional costume, decorated teams, shining horse tamer demonstrations.

200 Market Stalls

Around 200 traders line the streets of the medieval old town. A huge craft market with household goods, leather goods, clothing, traditional costumes, handicrafts, and sweets alternates with gastronomic stalls – bratwurst, Schäufele (pork shoulder), mulled wine, draft beer. Horse equipment (saddles, harnesses, horseshoes) is also part of the classic offerings.

Political Significance

The Rossmarkt is not only a folk festival but also a political event. Bavarian state or federal ministers regularly give speeches at the ceremony at 10:30 a.m. in the market square. In 2026, Federal Minister of Agriculture Alois Rainer spoke as the guest of honor. At 12 p.m., participant premiums are distributed to the horse owners.

10,000 Visitors and Winter Folk Festival Atmosphere

The Rossmarkt is Bavaria's only major event that draws thousands of people outdoors in the middle of deep winter (February) – about 10,000 visitors come every year. Chic horses, Franconian-Upper Palatinate food, clear winter sky over medieval towers – a unique atmosphere that is rarely found in Germany in February.

Berching and the Altmühltal

Berching is located in the southern Altmühltal Nature Park, on the Sulz – a tributary of the Altmühl. With about 9,000 inhabitants, Berching is a small but culturally and historically significant town. Also worth seeing outside of the Rossmarkt: the Bürgerturmmuseum, the parish church of St. Lorenz, the Pettenkofer Foundation.