Sim-Jü Werne — Simon-Juda-Market

Werne — City on the Lippe with History

Werne, with just under 30,000 inhabitants in the district of Unna in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, is an old Hanseatic city on the Lippe river. The historic city centre with the market square, St. Christopher's parish church, and the Renaissance town hall forms the stage for one of Westphalia's oldest folk festival events: Sim-Jü, short for Simon-Juda-Market. The first documented mention of the market dates back to the year 1362 — making Sim-Jü one of the oldest documented free markets in Münsterland.

Sim-Jü — A Market for the Lippe Region

The name refers to the feast day of Saints Simon and Jude Thaddaeus (28 October), which originally defined the market date. Today, Sim-Jü traditionally takes place from Saturday to Tuesday around Simon-Juda — four days during which the city centre is completely transformed. The folk festival is considered the largest of its kind on the Lippe and attracts tens of thousands of visitors annually from Werne, the entire Münsterland region, and the nearby Ruhr area (Hamm, Lünen, Bergkamen).

200 Showmen and Spectacular Rides

At Sim-Jü 2026, over 200 showmen will once again present rides and food stalls. This year's attractions change annually; past editions have featured spectacular rides such as Excalibur (a 46-meter mega mushroom swing), the Chaos Pendulum (80 km/h, 47 meters high), the Playball (twelve gondolas with increasing speed), and the Ghost Temple (Halloween-themed haunted house). In addition, there are classics like Wave Flyer, Shake & Roll, and two bumper cars.

The Market — Sim-Jü's Core Identity

What makes Sim-Jü special is the Krammarkt (market) — the traditional trading market with around 100 licensed traders (out of 1,000 annual applications). The Krammarkt begins on Tuesday at 8:00 am and is the real highlight for many regular visitors. Household goods, tools, clothing, sweets, toys, food specialities, and Westphalian products are traded here — a vibrant piece of medieval tradition in the 21st century.

Programme — From Tapping to Fireworks

The four festival days each have their own character. On Saturday, Sim-Jü is opened with the traditional tapping ceremony at the market square — the hoisting of the Freifahne (free flag) and the tapping of the barrel at 2:00 pm by the mayor. On Sunday, an ecumenical service and the Sunday shopping (1:00 pm to 6:00 pm) take place. On Monday around 9:00 pm, the grand fireworks display over the Lippe river takes place. On Tuesday from 8 am, the Krammarkt begins — the traditional Sim-Jü day.

Sim-Jü Party in the Kolpingsaal

In addition to the market events, the annual Sim-Jü Party takes place in the Kolpingsaal — a dance event with a DJ programme, traditionally sold out. Tickets are available via Eventim.

Westphalian Folk Festival with Continuity

Sim-Jü is not a tourist spectacle, but a genuine folk festival with unbroken tradition. Visitors experience not a stylized medieval market scene, but the vibrant everyday life of Werne in festival mode. Admission to the festival grounds is free; payment is made exclusively at the stalls.