Scarecrow Market and Open Courtyards Altlandsberg

Altlandsberg — Brandenburg Farming Town with a Castle

Altlandsberg is located in the Märkisch-Oderland district, around 25 kilometers east of Berlin and directly accessible by tram from Hellersdorf. The town boasts a 750-year history and a remarkably complete medieval town layout: town walls, remnants of the castle complex, the church, the Schlossbier, and the farming town alleys. With the castle distillery experience rediscovered in 2010 and the Altlandsberg Castle Estate, the town has positioned itself as a cultural destination in the Berlin surrounding area.

Scarecrow Competition as a Town Festival Idea

The Scarecrow Market is Altlandsberg's very own town festival invention. Every first Saturday in September, Altlandsberg citizens, clubs, schools, and private individuals design scarecrows – creatively, ironically, artistically, and close to everyday life. These sculptures made of straw, fabric, and speeches are erected and awarded prizes in the old town around the Schlossterrasse, Kirchplatz, and Marktplatz. The format is witty, original, and unique for Brandenburg – comparable scarecrow markets can only be found in a few places in Germany.

Open Courtyards and Fresh Produce Market

Parallel to the Scarecrow Market, the "Open Courtyards and Barns" festival takes place. Private courtyards and barns in the old town open their gates to guests – you can get a look behind the scenes of the traditional farming town. A parallel fresh produce market with regional vendors offers seasonal products: fruit, vegetables, cheese, honey, bread, and sausage. This combines into an all-day harvest festival experience with cultural-historical educational value.

Arrival and Day Trip

Altlandsberg is accessible by Tram 88 from Berlin-Hellersdorf or by RB25 from Berlin Ostkreuz – just under 45 minutes from Berlin city center. Those who wish to extend their day can combine the Scarecrow Market with a visit to the Altlandsberg Castle Estate, the Neuzelle Abbey Märkisch-Mark, or a tour through the Strausberg landscape. Free admission to the entire program.