35th Wollmarkt Bad Berleburg

Bad Berleburg — the Capital of Wittgenstein

Bad Berleburg is located in the southern Sauerland region, at the transition to the Rothaargebirge mountains. With around 19,000 inhabitants, it is the largest town in the Siegen-Wittgenstein district by area and population in the Wittgenstein region. It is known for Schloss Berleburg (Berleburg Palace) of the Princes of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg, its almost 700 square kilometer municipal area (one of the largest in Germany by area), its location on the Rothaarsteig trail, and the Auer Wildkatzendorf (Wildcat Village). The sheep farming tradition is deeply rooted — Wittgenstein was a sheep farming region for centuries, and the Wollmarkt is an annual tribute to this heritage.

35 Years of Wollmarkt — A Modern Traditional Event

The Wollmarkt Bad Berleburg has been established since the 1990s and celebrates its 35th edition in 2026. Unlike medieval wool markets in other towns, the Berleburg Wollmarkt is a modern spring and folk festival with a clear sheep-centric profile — sheep shearing as a spectacle, regional wool products as a market highlight, combined with the classic town festival format and Sunday shopping.

2026 Program — From Barrel Tapping to Sheep Shearing

11:30 AM — Barrel Tapping and Opening

The Wollmarkt officially begins with the traditional Fassanstich (barrel tapping) by the mayor or a guest of honor. This marks the opening of the market, the stalls open, and the festival program begins.

Live Sheep Shearing — The Spectacle Classic

Professional sheep shearers demonstrate sheep shearing live — a traditional craft that the market showcases. Explanations about sheep breeds, wool qualities, processing, and use; visitors can experience firsthand how high-quality wool products are made from raw fleece. Complemented by a petting zoo with various rabbit breeds.

Market with 60+ Stalls

Over 60 traders and exhibitors present wool, wool products, sheepskins, regional crafts, honey, cheese, ham, bread, and Sauerland specialties. A curated mix of regional producers and national suppliers who have become regular attendees of the market.

Sunday Shopping 1 PM–5 PM

In parallel, retail stores in the town center are open from 1 PM to 5 PM. Fashion, home accessories, jewelry, books, groceries — the Wittgenstein district town showcases its shopping street at its best.

Children's Program

For young visitors: the new children's quiz "Nature Heroes on Market Mission" (with stations throughout the market grounds), face painting, and a carousel. Families are the central target group — the Wollmarkt is one of the few Wittgensteiner spring festivals with an explicit family focus.

Culinary Delights — From Classics to Tarte Flambée

The food offerings cover a wide range: currywurst, regional dumplings, tarte flambée, crêpes, bratwurst, potato pancakes, vegetarian options. Drinks range from regional beer (Krombacher is not far) to spring versions of mulled wine and non-alcoholic specialties.

Traffic and Arrival

The road closures are clearly regulated: Ederstraße from Schlossstraße, Poststraße to Graf-Casimir-Straße, Talstraße — all closed from 7 AM to 8 PM. Parking spaces on Poststraße and Talstraße must be kept clear from 7 AM. Those arriving by car should use the designated park-and-ride facilities. Public transport connection via Bad Berleburg station (RB 95).

Bad Berleburg as a Travel Destination

For those extending their market visit into a short break: Schloss Berleburg with its palace park, Auer Wildkatzendorf as a nature center for wildcats, the Rothaarsteig as a premium hiking trail, Wisent-Welt Wittgenstein (the only free-roaming European bison herd in Central Europe), Hilchenbach, and Erndtebrück nearby. A May weekend in Wittgenstein combines market bustle with nature and a palace-typical setting.