Hansefest 2025 in Salzwedel: A festival full of tradition and joy!

Hansefest 2025 in Salzwedel: A festival full of tradition and joy!

On Saturday, June 27, 2025, the 27th Hansefest and the 21st Altmärkische Heimatfest ceremoniously opened in Salzwedel. Mayor Olaf Meining welcomed numerous guests on stage and, in his inviting words, provided a festive atmosphere that grasped the whole city. Among the guests were also politicians from various cities, such as Ulrike Westkamp, ​​the mayor of Wesel, and Corrine Franklin, the mayor of Felixstowe. These international guests underline the importance that the Hanseatic Festival occupies in a network of historical trading cities.

The parade went from the town hall via the town hall tower and Burgstraße to the castle garden, where the first celebrations took place. Norbert Lazay, the chairman of the Old Märkische Heimatbund, recalled the first old market festival, which was celebrated in Stendal exactly 100 years ago, and the need to duly appreciate this historical moment. As a sign of connection, Ulrike Westkamp presented a place sign from Wesel to Olaf Meining, which should symbolize the good neighborhood.

colorful program for the weekend

The anticipation of an exciting weekend was great because the festivities promise a lot of variety. On Saturday, June 28, 2025, visitors can look forward to an extensive program. The appearances on the stage at the town hall tower stand out in particular, including the rifle guild, the Lucky Line Stompers and the shanty choir. In addition, a presentation mile in the Breite Straße Altmärkische Vereine will present, while in Neuperverstraße and on the old Jeetze a classic car exhibition provides nostalgia.

The Sunday, June 29, 2025, is under the sign of community experience, with an ecumenical service in the castle garden and a parade through the city. The Sunday, which is open to sales, also promises some bargains for all shopping fans. Various presentations and hands-on activities invite you to actively participate in the action, while the Hanseefest rounds off the weekend with live music, jugs and an artisan market in the Mönchskirche.

historical framework and cultural heritage

But what makes the Hanseefest so special in Salzwedel? The Hanseatic League, a historical covenant of trade cities, was launched in the 12th century to promote and protect trade. Salzwedel is closely linked to this tradition. The festival is not only a celebration of culture and community, but also an expression of the appreciative coexistence that is so important in today's times. In a world that is often complex and challenging, the Hanseatic Festival shows how history and modernity are interwoven and what rich inheritance the Hanseatic cities have left - both culturally and economical.

The mayor emphasized the role of the festival as a meeting point for local dealers and national partners. Modern-Hanse promotes values ​​such as cooperation and mutual support, which is reflected in the good mood and the exchange during the festival.

The lectures and exhibitions that take place during the festival are not only entertaining, but also offer views of the history of the Hanseatic cities in Germany. These also include important cities such as Lübeck, Hamburg and Bremen, which together with Salzwedel shape and preserve the history and culture of trade.

For everyone who would like to learn even more about the Hanseefest and the historical importance of the Hanseatic League, comprehensive information and program books are available on the website of the Hansefestes: Hansefest-salzwedel.de . If you fancy music, show programs and delicious dishes, you should not miss this unforgettable festival!