Historical Market

The Historical Market in the spa town of Bad Essen at the foot of the Wiehengebirge has been an institution in the Osnabrück district for five decades now. Initially, there were only a few stalls offering historical and handmade goods. Now, nearly 140 exhibitors showcase traditional crafts in the half-timbered church square and along Linden Street. "The abundance of lovingly decorated market stalls delights and surprises us every time! The market has been a special and touristically effective event for Bad Essen for many years," explains Robert Wellmann, who has been the responsible market master for 28 years. "Delicious jams, fresh buttermilk and cheese, the 'Furzlaib' and onion bread from the stone oven, hearty ham, and homemade sausage – there’s something tasty for everyone." The volunteer-run juice shop, which has been present almost from the beginning, selling punch for a good cause, is also very popular. But it’s not just about food and drink, Wellmann notes – historical garments and fabrics, such as historical blueprints, attract visitors just as much as fragrant soaps, jewelry, and traditional crafts like basket weaving, wooden shoe and stick making, pottery, or blacksmithing. Further demonstrations of historical craftsmanship, such as glassblowing, lace-making, spinning, or cigar-making, fascinate visitors. One or more barrel organs also provide entertainment. The entire historical town center, featuring the most beautiful half-timbered church square in Northern Germany, has now become the scene of this vibrant activity. Information about the market events and its history: The Historical Market was first held in 1975 on the occasion of the 900th anniversary celebration of (Bad) Essen. At that time, the events of the anniversary year were intended to strengthen the identity of the still young community (founded during the territorial reform in 1972) and the sense of belonging among citizens in the 17 localities. In the first year, there were only six stalls in the church square. By 1997, when Robert Wellmann took over the market, there were already 88 exhibitors and programs took place on two stages. Traditionally, the market was held on Fridays and Saturdays. In 2003, Sunday was added, and the number of exhibitors increased to more than 150 by 2019. The market area expanded to include the Catholic church, and a third stage location was added. Due to the Corona years, the number of exhibitors had decreased by about a third, but it has now risen again to around 140. Today, the Historical Market is one of the largest and most significant events in the Osnabrück district. "Historical" here refers to the period between 1850 and about 1920 – a true unique selling point. For the community of Bad Essen, the Historical Market is the quintessential image event and an important date in the annual calendar. The integrative idea of bringing together the localities and citizens to foster community spirit in Bad Essen has been realized. A traditional meeting point on Sunday morning in the Bad Essen church square: At 10:30 AM, the Low German ecumenical service begins with its own hymn book "op Platt." The Minden Museum Railway will run on Saturday and Sunday, in honor of the Historical Market, from Preußisch-Oldendorf through Bad Essen to Bohmte and back at two-hour intervals. (Timetable available at www.kleinbahnmuseum.de and www.museumseisenbahn-minden.de) There is no admission fee for the Historical Market.