Villinger Frühjahrsmesse

Medieval Old Town as Market Stage

The Villinger Frühjahrsmesse takes place every year around Ascension Day in the historic city center of Villingen – the part of the twin city Villingen-Schwenningen (Schwarzwald-Baar district, state of Baden-Württemberg) that is still enclosed by the medieval city walls with its four gates. Through the impressive Riet Gate, you enter the festival grounds and are immediately immersed in the hustle and bustle of one of the largest traditional markets in the entire region.

Market Rights Since 999

Villingen has demonstrably held market rights since the year 999 – granted by Emperor Otto III. This makes the city one of the oldest documented market towns in Southern Germany. The Frühjahrsmesse, its sister event the Sommermesse, and the Martinimarkt in November are the direct descendants of these medieval market rights – "one of the most traditional and largest markets in the region within the historic city walls," as the city aptly puts it.

Three Main Axes, Three Moods

• Niedere Straße — Italian delicacies, cheese, olive oil, Mediterranean flair
• Bickenstraße — Toy stands for children, small gifts
• Obere Straße — New products, household items, everyday goods
• Münsterplatz and Latschariplatz — Carousels, children's carousel, small rides
• Rietgasse — Freshly roasted almonds, gingerbread, sweet temptations

Over 150 Exhibitors from All Over Germany

Showmen and market traders travel from all corners of Germany to present their goods on the narrow cobblestone streets. Fashion accessories, leather goods, tools, household appliances, sweets, honey, spices – the selection is wide, the atmosphere dense. The scent of roasted almonds and freshly baked waffles fills the entire old town during the four market days.

Open for Shopping and Culinary Delights

During the Frühjahrsmesse, Villingen's shops have extended opening hours. Restaurants, cafés, and bistros set up their tables in the pedestrian zone, allowing you to combine your market stroll with a break on the terrace at any time. The culinary diversity ranges from Swabian-Baden home cooking to Italian cuisine and Black Forest specialties.

Villingen — A Gem in the Schwarzwald-Baar District

The twin city of Villingen-Schwenningen is located at the transition from the southern Black Forest to the Baar plateau at an altitude of around 700 meters. The source of the Danube (more precisely: the Brigach, one of the two headwaters) originates in the city area. Those who want to combine the market with sightseeing should plan a visit to the Franziskanermuseum, the Münster Unserer Lieben Frau, and the medieval city wall.