7 Things to buy at a Easter Market – a sneak peek

Easter celebrations in Germany are incomplete without a visit to Easter Market, so said a colleague. So, as advised, I started out to explore Nuremberg’s oldest Easter Market or “Oster Markt” that boasts of years of tradition.

A little background on our subject: Nuremberg’s Easter Market on Hauptmarkt

The Easter Market is on Nuremberg’s Hauptmarkt or the Main Market Square. It is located between two beautiful gothic churches that were built around 14th century. On the east is Frauenkirche that overlooks the Easter Market and Lorenzkirche is just around the corner. By the way, Kirche in German translates to Church in English.

This Easter Market is huge but light on the pocket. With over 100 stalls of Easter knick-knacks, crafts, ceramics, souvenirs, clothes and culinary delights, it becomes one of the most visited places during the Easter week. The content of all the other Easter Markets is pretty much the same but the sheer size and variety makes this Easter Market stand out.

Without any further delay, Lets quickly go through the list of things that are a definite must-buy at this Easter Market.

1. All things Easter

The first in the list is most obvious. Easter thingies. A to Z of Easter knick-knacks can be found here. Easter wreathes, nests, miniature Easter trees, Easter eggs, Easter bunny, fresh flowers and what not! Generally, local artisans set up stalls here showcasing best of their work. Different types of decorations, the tying type, the hanging type, you name it, they have it.

2. Crockery and Cucina Ware

This is the next major attraction. This Easter Market is famous for ceramic kitchen and tableware, which is why the market is also called the “Häferlesmarkt“. “Häferle” in German means ceramic mug. Ceramic mugs, dishes, serving plates, spoons and more are on sale. One can also buy Germany’s signature beer mugs called “Beer Stein” or “Humpen“.

3. Eat. drink. Repeat.

Food and drinks are an unmissable part of Easter markets. Culinary delights from over the world are available. German bread-based delicacies like “Drei im weggla” or sausage in bun is a must have and Baguette with hot molten Swiss Raclette is heaven! Pizza prepared over wood fire is perfect for main course. Mediterranean specialties like “Doner Kebab” and “falafel“ wraps are also a hit among the customers. Desserts like Creamy cheesecakes with or without berry sauce and “Baumstriezel” or Chimney cake with ice cream are drool-worthy. Variety of local beer brews are sold at the stalls in the market to complement your food. Besides, hot cocoa and coffee are always there.

4. Sips and Dips, Please!

And that meant Herbs, Teas, Spices and Dips. Dried herbs like rosemary, thyme for seasoning, whole as well as powdered Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, Indian and other exotic spices, teas from all over the world are available.

5. Seasoned, spiced or smoked preserved meat

Dried or preserved meat and different kinds of sausages of beef and pork is available here. These are usually spiced and dried or smoked. These items are generally not easily available outside. These are dried products, have a longer shelf life, can be taken home and stocked.

6. Clothing

caps and Scarves, gloves and socks, tops and skirts, in a variety of materials ranging from silk to woolen, can be found here at very cheap prices. Household items like curtains and baskets can also be spotted in few stalls. Stuffed toys for children are also available.

7. Souvenirs

Last but not the least, wonderful Souvenirs that you can bring back home and always cherish. Souvenirs include key chains. postcards, cow bells, fridge magnets etc.

Small tips that might be helpful:

• Take a bag. Not all stalls give bags. I faced this when i bought ceramic wares.

• Carry Cash. Since its a local market, most stalls accept only cash. No card.

• The stalls usually have fixed prices. You can give a try or two to bargain, not more than that.

• If you plan to visit the churches, get down at Lorenzkirche “U-Bahn” or underground metro stop. The moment you get out of the U-Bahn station, you can see the Lorenzkirche right in front. You can cover Lorenzkirche first, then walk down around 700 metres to Hauptmarkt and then visit Frauenkirche

Last but not the least

You can get lost in the Easter markets for hours together, the charm of the place is such! if you get a chance to visit this place, grab it. For now, Frohe Ostern !!

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