Where to find Germany's Easter and spring markets

Just as Germany's iconic Christmas markets brighten up the festive season and mark the beginning of winter, the country's equally vibrant, if lesser-known, Easter markets celebrate the holiday and mark the start of spring. 

They might not be as big as some of the famous Weichnachtsmärkte, or have as much Glühwein on offer, but there are still plenty of treasures and local traditions to take part in.

We've listed below a few of the most well-known Easter markets across Germany and what you can expect.  

Nürnberger Ostermarkt, Nuremberg, until April 6th

One of Germany's most popular and oldest Easter markets is underway in the Bavarian city of Nuremberg.

Dating back to the 15th century, the Ostermarkt is the city’s oldest market and returns each year to the city's main square (Hauptmarkt).

Expect more than 100 stalls, showcasing ceramics, crafts, clothes, books and regional foods like Nuremberg's iconic gingerbread (Lebkuchen) and sausages (Bratwurst). If you're hungry, you can find these and other treats at one of the many snack stalls, or check the the market bread shop for some traditional Easter Brot. 

Of course, you’ll also find Easter items such as painted eggs, decorations and more.

The main focus of the market is tableware and household products, which is why the market is also known as the “Häferlesmarkt”, with "Häferle” being one of the German words for a ceramic mug. 

READ ALSO: Five Easter traditions that could only happen in Germany

Berlin's Easter Markets

There are plenty of reasons to visit Berlin in spring. It is after all cherry blossom time and nothing beats the first spring visit to one of the city's many beer gardens. 

But even if the weather fails to play nice, you can still have a pleasant time exploring local markets. 

Head to Mexikoplatz, west of the city, for the Platz Für Kunst (Space for Art) Ostermarkt on March 29th for an art-themed Easter Market. Alongside decorations, exhibitors will showcase art, design and other crafts. 

Meanwhile, the arts and crafts Easter market at Leonhardtstraße in Charlottenburg is taking place on March 28th from 11am and the Kulturgut's Easter market featuring coffee, cake and live music is happening on March 29th in Alt-Marzahn in the north east. 

Dates are yet to be confirmed for this year but the area around Potsdamer Platz in Mitte usually turns into an Easter market with live music, food stalls, a beer garden and a carousel for kids. 

Find more Easter markets and events in the capital city here.

Munich and the surrounding region

Around Munich and across Bavaria, there are plenty of spring and Easter festivals taking place, including the Easter Egg Hunt in Glentleiten Open-Air Museum on April 5th and the Tölz Easter Market at Andechs Monastery, running from March 27th to April 6th.

Head to the Olympic Park in Munich on Easter Sunday, April 5th, for one of the largest classic spring celebrations: the Osterfest or Easter festival.

This event promises an exciting programme full of fun, entertainment and various attractions for the whole family from 11am. 

Prepare for magic clown Manu to wow you with magic tricks, while little ones can get their face painted. Plus two Easter bunnies will hop through the park handing out sweet treats.

More easter festivals and events in and around Munich can be found here.

Gingerbread hearts are a common gift sold at Easter and spring festivals in Germany. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Sina Schuldt

Sigmaringen Ostermarkt, Baden-Württemberg, April 7th

If you're looking for a more traditional Easter market and you're in the south-western region, head to Sigmaringen in the Upper Danube area.

From 8am to 6pm on April 7th, around 50 market stalls will open offering high quality wares of independent designers and businesses. 

Arrive hungry: there are lots of culinary offerings at this market, including potato dumplings, fish, crêpes, hot dogs, Flammkuchen, and many desserts too.

Hamburger Frühlingsdom, Hamburg, until April 19th

Those in the north of the country around Hamburg should visit the spring edition of the city's famous DOM funfair.

Open on Saturday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday – but closed on Good Friday –  the fair offers hours of entertainment for all ages.

Be ready to jump on fairground rides and explore fun houses, while enjoying treats like candy floss, beer, Bratwurst and Schmalzkuchen (essentially bite-sized chunks of sugared doughnuts) in between. 

The Easter bunny is also expected to drop by on various occasions – so keep an eye out. 

READ ALSO: Seven unmissable events in Germany this March