Heilbronn - Pferdemarkt

The Heilbronn Horse Market is a deeply rooted tradition that transforms the city centre into a lively venue for customs, trade and entertainment every year on the penultimate weekend in February. Originally established in 1770 as a cattle and horse market, the event has developed into one of the region's most important folk festivals, attracting tens of thousands of visitors to the city on the Neckar every year.

The centrepiece of the event is the horse show at the riding grounds on Trappensee lake. Here, breeders and private owners present their animals to an expert jury, with the focus on the elegance and discipline of the horses. These displays not only attract experts, but also offer families an impressive spectacle that celebrates the historical connection between humans and working animals. At the same time, a huge market takes place in the city centre around the town hall and Kiliansplatz, where hundreds of traders offer their wares – from practical household aids and handcrafted works of art to culinary specialities.

An essential part of the Heilbronn Horse Market is the large amusement park on the festival grounds at Harmonie. Here, modern rides, classic carousels and games of skill create the typical folk festival atmosphere. The smell of roasted almonds, gingerbread and hearty bratwurst mixes with the music of the attractions to create an experience that heralds the end of winter. Particularly popular with visitors are the regional wine stands, which underline the city of Heilbronn's connection to winegrowing and invite visitors to take a convivial break.

Despite modernisation over the centuries, the market has retained its special character as a meeting place for town and country. It is the unique mixture of agricultural exhibition, bustling market activity and exuberant folk festival fun that makes the Heilbronn Horse Market so special. When the traditional antique and flea market rounds off the festival weekend on Monday, the full diversity of this traditional event, which is firmly anchored in the consciousness of Heilbronn's citizens, is once again evident.

Travel information:

By public transport:

- By train: Heilbronn railway station (distance 1.4 km)

- By bus: Besigheimer Straße stop (lines 31, 32, 41, 42)

By car:

- Venue: Fairground at Wertwiesenpark

Parking:

- Wertwiesenpark car park P1, P2 and P3 (Wertwiesen)

- Stadtgalerie car park (Allerheiligenstraße 6)

- Theresienwiese car park (Theresienstraße)