Market Square

General information:

When touring a city, everyone wants to see something and discover something. In this sense, the Marktplatz, or market square, at the heart of Heide, on an undeveloped area of approximately 47,000 m² offers nothing at all: just a wide open area as far as the eye can see. It’s exactly this that makes it so famous and unique, because it is the largest undeveloped market square in Germany.

In terms of history, this square served as a meeting place for the Assembly of the free and independent Farmer's Republic of Dithmarschen (1447-1559). A decision of their counsel, which included 48 regents, to change the location from Meldorf to Heide was politically motivated: the trade routes from south to north and from west to east led along the little communities of Rüsdorf, Lohe, Rickelshof, and Wesseln, thus forming a perfect “intersection” of economic and community life. The “Counsel of 48” met here every Saturday, enacted laws, dispensed justice, issued punishments, and received or sent embassies.

The Saturday bustle continues today, just with a different focus. Up to 120 dealers offer their goods at a traditional farmer’s market that stretches back more than 500 years: fresh regional products, baked goods, useful items for house and home, or even living birds and small animals. Shopping, meeting friends, seeing and being seen – all of Dithmarschen meets here on Saturdays. The market is open from 7:00 - 13:00.

Trivia

The following events take place here at Marktplatz:

• Farmer’s market (first historical reference in 1467)
• Flea market
• Heider Marktefrieden, Heide's own medieval themed market
• Carnival
• Circus (i.e. Krone, Sarasani, Barum)
• Dithmarscher Kohltage (in English, “Dithmarschen Cabbage Days”)
• Motorcycle Church Service
• Heider Market Beach
• Heide’s Winter Wonderland and Big Skating Rink
• Concerts