Farmers’ markets offer healthy alternatives

By Molly Hayden USAG Bavaria Public Affairs. Photo by Richard Jay / Shutterstock.com

Growing everything from the famous white asparagus to the eponymous Hallertau hops, Bavaria continues to be the most important agricultural state and the largest producer of food in Germany.

But farming in Bavaria is more than sustenance, it’s tradition.

For centuries, townspeople have flocked to the local markets to purchase fresh produce, dairy, bread and Bavarian specialties.

Today, locals and tourists alike fill baskets to the brim with traditional items and much more.

The scents from blooming flowers and colorful spices flow through the market as farmers and artisans peddle their wares. Local honey, farm-raised meat and seafood, pastries and seasonal produce make the farmers’ market a one-stop shop.

If you are new to Germany, you may come across items you haven’t seen before. If you’re unsure how to prepare a certain fruit or vegetable, simply ask the farmer. They usually have a few tips on how to make the most out of what they are selling.

Below is a list of local farmers’ markets near USAG Bavaria. If any of the listed days is a German holiday, the markets are usually held the day prior.

Most markets run from April-October; although, hours vary depending on the weather.

• Amberg: Wednesdays and Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 1 pm. (GPS: Marktplatz, 92224 Amberg)

• Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Friday morning to noon (GPS: Am Kurpark, 92467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen)

• Grafenwoehr: Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (GPS: Marktplatz, 92655 Grafenwoehr)

• Neumarkt: Saturdays, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (GPS: Unterer Markt, 92318 Neumarkt)

• Weiden: Wednesdays and Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (GPS: Unter Markt, 92637 Weiden I d. Opf.)

• Vilseck: Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (GPS: Marktplatz, 92249 Vilseck)

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, farmer’s market locations require that patrons wear FFP2 masks — and follow all safety mitigation guidance — within the vicinity. Please follow the rules posted at each market.

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated from an earlier version published in 2013. This version displays the dates/locations of local markets in 2021.