Surn-Hansen-Markt Perleberg

Knieperkohl – the Prignitz national dish

Knieperkohl is one of the most traditional dishes in the Prignitz – one of the northernmost regions of Brandenburg. It is a special white cabbage specialty produced through lactic acid fermentation with cabbage leaves, apple leaves, and grape leaves. The result is mildly sour and a typical winter dish in the Prignitz district.

The Surn-Hansen-Markt

The Surn-Hansen-Markt (also called Surn-Hansen or Knieper-Markt) traditionally marks the end of the Knieperkohl season at the beginning of March. It is held as a special market within the framework of the Perleberg weekly market on the Großer Markt – the central square of the Roland town of Perleberg with the famous Roland statue from 1546.

The Knieperkohl Competition

A highlight of the market is the traditional Knieperkohl competition: The mayors of the two Prignitz towns, Perleberg (Axel Schmidt) and Pritzwalk (Dr. Ronald Thiel), together with a jury, crown the best homemade Knieperkohl in the Prignitz. Those who wish to participate must register with the town of Perleberg in advance. The winner receives a voucher for the Perleberg restaurant "Stadt Magdeburg" worth €70.

Stalls and Offerings

• Landfleischerei Hildebrandt from Kletzke with freshly prepared Knieperkohl from 10:30 AM
• Neudorfer Fleischerei GmbH with Prignitz Knieperkohl variations
• Kale from the goulash cannon
• Knieperbrot and regional baked goods
• White cabbage cutting competition
• The remaining weekly market stalls: fruit and vegetables, meat and sausage, fish, baked goods, Polish specialties, plants, and floristry

A Tradition Connecting Generations

The Surn-Hansen-Markt combines a culinary tradition with the everyday hustle and bustle of the weekly market. While the stalls of the Knieperkohl specialists celebrate the cultural identity of the Prignitz, the regular weekly market operations run alongside – a successful example of the fusion of tradition and everyday life in a Hanseatic town in Brandenburg.