Tönninger Hafenfest

One Harbour, One Weekend, One Market

Tönning, with just under 5,000 inhabitants at the mouth of the Eider in North Frisia, is one of Schleswig-Holstein's most beautiful small harbour towns. Its historic harbour with the Packhaus, warehouses and bascule bridge is the venue for the annual Hafenfest (harbour festival), which has been attracting thousands of visitors to the Eiderstedt peninsula for years on the first weekend in September.

Arts and Crafts in a Maritime Setting

The centrepiece is the high-quality arts and crafts market: stalls in uniform, light-coloured pavilions line the harbour promenade opposite the Packhaus. The organisers value quality – food stalls have been deliberately kept out of the market area, as the local gastronomy takes care of the catering. Jewellery, ceramics, woodwork, textiles and maritime decorations characterise the offerings.

Historic Ships, Yachts and DLRG

During the festival, sailing yachts and motor yachts of all sizes, as well as historic ships, are moored in the harbour basin – a classic programme for North Sea enthusiasts. The DLRG (German Life Saving Association) is represented with demonstrations and activities, and the fire brigade usually with a show vehicle. Live music from the shanty, folk and acoustic genres accompanies the events.

Tönning, Eiderstedt and the Wadden Sea

Anyone visiting the Hafenfest should take the opportunity to explore Tönning and the Eiderstedt peninsula. The historic market square with the Christianskirche, the Multimar Wattforum as a large national park exhibition centre, and the nearby Eidersperrwerk (Eider Barrage) are accessible on foot or by a short car ride. The location on the Wadden Sea makes every visit a mini coastal tour.