Kaltennordheim - Heiratsmarkt

The Kaltennordheim Marriage Market is a traditional folk festival in the Thuringian Rhön that has been held since 1563 and thus looks back on a history spanning over 460 years. Held annually over the Whitsun weekend, the event attracts tens of thousands of visitors to the town, having evolved from its origins as a livestock and farmers’ market into one of the region’s largest folk festivals. The festival’s distinctive name derives from its history, as the market used to be a central meeting place for the inhabitants of the surrounding villages, which often led to marriages. This tradition is still upheld today, with newlyweds and their wedding party making their way through the market to the marquee.

The five-day programme begins on the Friday before Whitsun and ends on the following Tuesday, with the festivities spreading across the entire town centre of Kaltennordheim as well as the fairground in the Aue. Alongside the traditional market atmosphere with over 100 traders and various fairground rides such as a Ferris wheel and bumper cars, the tapping of the first keg of draught beer and numerous live music events in the castle courtyard form the heart of the celebrations. Special highlights include the Whitsun service on Monday, a large fireworks display in the evening, and the closing family day on Tuesday, which is rounded off with a musical morning pint and activities organised by the fire brigade.

Travel information:

By public transport:

- by train: no train connection available

- by bus: Bahnhof stop (line 133)

By car:

- Venue: Festplatz (In der Aue)

Parking:

- Car park (Feldabahnstraße)