Simon-Juda-Markt (Traditional Market & Funfair)
Oldest Market in the Region since 1314 — Traditional Market and Funfair on the last Friday of October in Altenkirchen's city centre
About Simon-Juda-Markt
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Tradition since 1314 — Over 700 Years of Market
The Simon-Juda-Markt was first mentioned in documents in 1314, making it one of the oldest markets in Rhineland-Palatinate. For over seven centuries, the market—with interruptions due to wars, epidemics, and reforms—has maintained its position as the central trading event of the region. In the Middle Ages, the granting of market rights was a significant privilege that gave a town economic importance. Altenkirchen benefited from its location on old trade routes between Cologne, Frankfurt, and Siegerland.
Naming — Simon and Judas Thaddaeus
The market is named after the apostles Simon the Zealot and Judas Thaddaeus, whose liturgical feast day is celebrated on October 28th in the Catholic Church. Many old annual markets are named after saints' feast days, as these traditionally set the dates for the most important regional trading gatherings. The Simon-Juda-Markt therefore takes place on the last Friday of October — on October 30, 2026.
120 Stalls in the City Centre
Around 120 stalls set up in the pedestrian zone, on the market square, and on the castle square. The offerings range from clothing, shoes, household goods, and textiles to food, sweets, and snacks, as well as handicrafts, toys, and jewellery. Traditional market stalls selling gingerbread hearts, candied almonds, and potato pancakes shape the culinary offerings.
Funfair as Accompanying Programme
In parallel to the market, a small funfair with rides, sweet stalls, and shooting galleries is set up in one area of the city centre. Carousels and small swings cater to families with children, while adults stroll through the market.
Opening from 8:00 AM
The market traditionally opens early — the first vendors are ready from 8:00 AM. Market stalls selling traditional costumes, clothing, and household goods, in particular, attract customers from rural areas in the morning. As the day progresses, the audience shifts towards urban day-trippers and families. The market ends in the late afternoon.
Simon-Juda-Markt — edition 2026
2026 Programme
The key points of the programme follow centuries-old tradition:
- From 8:00 AM — Market opening, first stalls open
- Morning — Peak crowds from rural areas, clothing, household goods
- Midday — Highest visitor numbers, culinary stalls well-frequented
- Afternoon — Family time, funfair operation, strolling public
- Late Afternoon — Stall dismantling
- Distribution — Pedestrian zone, market square, castle square
- Approximately 120 stalls
Programme Simon-Juda-Markt 2026
Event Schedule
Early Morning Hours — Setup
Vendors arrive early in the city centre and set up their stalls. The city administration and market master ensure the allocation of pitches and compliance with market regulations. The first snack stands open for the vendors.
From 8:00 AM — Market Opening
Official opening of the market. First buyers arrive, including many regular market-goers from the surrounding rural communities. Clothing, shoes, textiles, household goods, brushes, and tools are the focus of the early shopping hours.
Morning and Midday — Peak Crowds
The city centre fills with thousands of visitors from the Westerwald, Siegerland, and Rhineland. Culinary stalls selling potato pancakes, bratwurst, gingerbread hearts, candied almonds, and mulled wine-like hot drinks are well-frequented. Shops in the city centre also benefit from the market audience.
Afternoon — Families and Funfair
Families with children flock to the city centre in the afternoon. The funfair with rides, sweet stalls, and shooting galleries attracts the youngest visitors. Strolling through the pedestrian zone, shopping at the stalls, and visiting cafes characterise the afternoon.
Late Afternoon — Dismantling
Stall dismantling begins in the late afternoon. Vendors pack up their goods, and the city administration takes over the cleaning of the stall areas. The city centre is returned to its normal state by evening.
Detailed information is available on the Altenkirchen city website under "Shopping and Leisure".
Highlights Simon-Juda-Markt 2026
- Oldest market in the region — documented since 1314
- Approximately 120 stalls throughout the city centre
- Clothing, household goods, food, crafts, and toys
- Accompanying funfair with rides
- Culinary specialities — potato pancakes, gingerbread hearts, candied almonds
Prices Simon-Juda-Markt 2026
Practical information — Simon-Juda-Markt
Date and Time
Friday, October 30, 2026 (last Friday of October), from 8:00 AM until late afternoon.
Location
Pedestrian zone, market square, and castle square, 57610 Altenkirchen (Westerwald).
Admission
Free.
Getting There
By car via the B 256, A 3 (exit Siegen-Süd, then B 62) or A 45. Road closures are in place in the city centre during the market. Park-and-Ride facilities in the vicinity of the city centre.
Tips
Early arrival is recommended, as crowds are highest in the morning and at midday. Bring cash, as not all market stalls accept card payments.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Simon-Juda-Markt al mejor precio.
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