Wilbaser Markt Blomberg

Blomberg — the "Tulip City" in the Lippe District

Blomberg is located in the south of the Lippe district in East Westphalia, with around 18,000 inhabitants, nestled between the Teutoburg Forest and the Weser Uplands. Known as the "Tulip City" (the tulip is the city's coat of arms plant), with the medieval Blomberg Castle on a ridge, the historic old town with its city walls and churches, and as the home of the Wagner Festival in the St. Martini Church. But every year on the second weekend in September, attention turns to the festival grounds along the B 1 — where Lippe celebrates its historic grand market.

A Market History Since 1446

The Wilbaser Markt is first documented in 1446 — in a monastery book from the Lippe region. This makes it older than the Munich Oktoberfest (founded 1810) and one of the most traditional annual markets in Germany. The name "Wilbas" comes from the Low German vocabulary — its meaning is debated, possibly referring to the former abandoned settlement of Wilbasen. The market evolved from the medieval farmers' market after the harvest season: livestock, grain, tools, fabrics, and winter supplies were traded here. Today's form combines this historical market character with modern funfair attractions.

Unique in Germany — the District as Organiser

What makes the Wilbaser Markt a German specialty is its organiser: the Lippe District itself. While most German annual markets are organised by cities, municipalities, or private organisers, the Wilbaser Markt is the only market in Germany supported by a district administration. The Lippe District's tourism department coordinates showmen, traffic, security, and marketing — a tradition historically rooted in Lippe's special administrative law.

Programme 2026 — Four Days of Market Bustle

Friday, September 11, 2026 — Opening

The market opens on Friday afternoon — exact times will be posted on-site and published in the Lippe press. Festive keg tapping ceremony by the Lippe District Administrator or the Mayor of Blomberg — the official start signal for the market activities.

Saturday and Sunday, September 12–13

The main visitor days with full operation of all ~300 stalls, rides, and booths: traditional carousels, Ferris wheel, roller coaster, haunted house, shooting galleries, lottery stalls, sweet stalls (candy apples, candied almonds, gingerbread hearts), food stalls (bratwurst, potato pancakes, doughnuts). The daily schedule alternates between family atmosphere during the day and beer tent atmosphere in the evening.

Monday, September 14, 2026 — Conclusion with Fireworks

Monday evening is the traditional closing day — marked by a grand fireworks display over the festival grounds. Thousands of visitors from the entire Lippe district gather for this spectacle — the emotional highlight of the market.

~300 Showmen — The Showman Offerings

With approximately 300 showman and market vendor businesses, the Wilbaser Markt is one of the major folk festivals in East Westphalia. The mix includes classic rides (bumper cars, Break Dance, Wave Swinger), family attractions (carousels, children's rides, bouncy castles), craft stalls (tools, household goods, kitchen appliances, clothing), and food stalls. Showman families often attend for several generations — tradition meets market logistics.

Getting There and Connections

The festival grounds along the B 1 are located on the outskirts of Blomberg — not in the central city, but a decentralised large event area with extensive parking. By car: B 1 (Hanover–Detmold–Paderborn) provides direct access. Public transport: from Detmold or Blomberg train stations by bus to the festival grounds, with increased special services on market days.

Blomberg and the Lippe Region as a Travel Destination

Visitors to the market can see more of Lippe: Blomberg Castle with its castle museum and views over the old town, St. Martini Church (home of the Wagner Festival), the historic old town with its half-timbered houses. Nearby: the Hermann Monument near Detmold, the Externsteine rocks near Horn-Bad Meinberg, Wewelsburg Castle near Büren. Those staying longer will find one of Germany's densest landscapes of castles and palaces in the Lippe region — a perfect combination of market bustle and historical exploration.