Wintermärchenmarkt im Klosterhof Blaubeuren

Wintermärchenmarkt im Klosterhof — Advent Atmosphere in a World Heritage Setting

The Wintermärchenmarkt in the Blaubeuren Monastery Courtyard is one of the most atmospheric Advent and Christmas markets on the Swabian Jura. Organized by ES-Märkte, it takes place every year on the first Advent weekend — in 2026 on Saturday, November 28, and Sunday, November 29. The venue is the cloister courtyard of the former Benedictine monastery Blaubeuren, enclosed by high walls, with its late Gothic high altar (Erhart workshop, 1493/94) and its extensive convent buildings.

More than 50 Exhibitors from Arts and Crafts

Around 50 market stalls line up in the cloister courtyard: pottery from regional workshops, handcrafted jewelry, glassblowing, wood carving, felt products, textiles, candles, natural cosmetics, wool products from Jura sheep farms, honey and mead, incense, beeswax cloths, fabric dolls — a selection that showcases the entire spectrum of Swabian craftsmanship. Many exhibitors demonstrate their techniques live: woodturning, spinning, felting, lampworking. Gift ideas beyond the mass market — and an occasion to discover Blaubeuren Monastery.

Christmas Flea Market on Sunday

A special feature of the Wintermärchenmarkt: On Sunday, November 29, a Christmas Flea Market directly in front of the monastery wall complements the program. Here you can browse and buy used Christmas decorations, tree ornaments, nativity figures, old Schwibbögen (candle arches), and nostalgic Advent items. A perfect place to find forgotten treasures for your own living room — or to have that old saint figurine that used to stand at Grandma's place revived.

Culinary Delights in the Cloister Courtyard

Mulled wine, regional eggnog, apple-cinnamon punch, and non-alcoholic hot drinks are available at several stands. Accompanied by warm chestnuts, potato pancakes, Swabian Maultaschen, candied almonds, Stollen from a Blaubeuren baker, and gingerbread from the region. Candle stands often sell self-harvested honey or homemade syrup — souvenirs for your aunt or your flatmates back home.

Blaubeuren Monastery and the Alb-Donau District

Blaubeuren Monastery was founded in 1085 as a Benedictine monastery and is now part of a Protestant boarding school; the monastery complex is one of the best-preserved medieval convents in Germany. Famous is the High Altar by Michel Erhart in the monastery church — one of the most important works of late Gothic sculpture. In the immediate vicinity lies the Blautopf, the famous karst spring of the Blau river, a UNESCO Geopark. Blaubeuren is located in the Alb-Donau district (AGS 08425) and is reachable from Ulm in 20 minutes by the Schwäbische Albbahn railway.