Schwerin Martens Market: Medieval Tradition and Regional Market Atmosphere
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Schwerin Martens Market: Medieval Market Activity in the Heart of the City
From November 6 to 8, 2026, the old town of Schwerin transforms into a colorful market landscape. The Schwerin Martens Market celebrates the arrival of the Lübeck Martensman and combines medieval tradition, regional market atmosphere, music, small arts, and a lively shopping experience for families, market-goers, and history enthusiasts.
A Custom with Over 700 Years of History
The Martens Market commemorates the historic friendship custom between the Dukes of Schwerin and the free Imperial and Hanseatic city of Lübeck. The Lübeck messenger once brought wine as a sign of connection to Schwerin. The name Rotspon refers to red wine that matured in wooden barrels. After a break, the custom was revived in 1991 and is now firmly part of the event calendar of the state capital. In 2020, the Martensman custom was added to the nationwide list of intangible cultural heritage.
Craftsmanship, Merchants, and Medieval Market Atmosphere
Merchants showcase wooden crafts, felt works, and ceramics at historical stalls. Taverns invite visitors to warm up, while squires, nobles, maids, and knights move through the market. Between craftsmanship, seasonal offerings, and medieval decorations, a special market atmosphere emerges that combines regional diversity and historical storytelling.
Program for Families and Children
The Martens Market offers a diverse children's program with fairy tale plays, puppetry, clowning, and acrobatics. On Friday, the festivities begin with a lantern parade, campfire, and stick bread. Fairy tale plays like The Frog Prince, Hare and Hedgehog, and The Fisherman and His Wife make visiting the market a colorful shopping experience for the whole family.
Music, Juggling, and Fire Show
Music from the old world, jugglers, walk acts, and artistic performances accompany the medieval market activities. On Saturday night, a fire show provides an impressive conclusion. On Sunday, the arrival of the Martensman takes center stage: At 3 PM, the carriage with horses departs from the palace to the market square. Afterward, the large barrel of Rotspon is tapped, and the wine is served.
Opening Hours and Admission
On Saturday, November 7, 2026, the Martens Market begins at 10 AM. Admission is free. The event area is located around the historic market square in the downtown Schwerin. Parking garages are available at the Schlosspark-Center, Marienplatz-Galerie, and Schweriner Höfe. The market area is within walking distance from Schwerin Main Station and Schwerin Mitte Station.
The Schwerin Martens Market combines city history, craftsmanship, market enjoyment, and family programming into a special autumn weekend. Visitors experience medieval music, scents from the taverns, handmade goods, and the traditional reception of the Martensman. Anyone who wants to experience Schwerin in its historical and festive diversity should visit this market live.
