Salzwedel Christmas and Baumkuchen Market

The City That Invented Baumkuchen

Salzwedel in the Altmarkkreis Salzwedel district is one of the oldest towns in Saxony-Anhalt – founded in the 12th century, a Hanseatic city since the 13th century, and one of the most picturesque old towns with half-timbered houses, brick Gothic architecture, and rivers. What made the town famous throughout Germany in the 19th century, however, was its contribution to the art of baking: the Salzwedel Baumkuchen. In the early 19th century, confectioner Ernst August Garlipp perfected the traditional layered cake into that fine, multi-layered specialty that has since been a regional brand, making the town the "Baumkuchen town".

The Hanseatic city's Christmas and Baumkuchen Market takes this tradition as its starting point. Classic Christmas market stalls stand on the Rathausturmplatz and along the Breite Straße – but the heart of the market is the Baumkuchen demonstration bakery by Salzwedeler Baumkuchenbäckerei: on a special rotating spit over an open fire, the Baumkuchen is applied layer by layer, a process that can fascinate visitors and is not offered at every Christmas market.

Mulled Wine, Children's Carousel, Santa Claus

In addition, the market offers the usual, charming program: regional crafts, mulled wine (Glühwein) and punch, bratwurst and regional baked goods, a children's carousel, and visits from Santa Claus for the youngest guests. A varied supporting program – with school choir performances, club events, and brass bands – fills the evenings.

Salzwedel and the Altmarkkreis District

Salzwedel is located in the far north of Saxony-Anhalt, on the border with Lower Saxony. The Altmarkkreis Salzwedel district is predominantly rural – and the Hanseatic city's Christmas market is one of the most important attractions in the region between Wittingen, Klötze, and Gardelegen during Advent. Thanks to its duration (almost six weeks), you have plenty of time to visit it without pressure.