Man in period-style helmet, holding a shield and sword (radist (123RF))

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Twice a year, the large empty fields next to Freisen Wildpark transform and transport visitors back to the Middle Ages where vendors sell their wares, knights compete, bards sing their tunes, fires blaze on hoops, dogs sniff out the fried delicacies and writers purchase pretty princess dresses to match their sparkly tiaras. (Okay that last one might just be personal to me).

The Freisener Mittelaltermarktes (Freisen Medieval Markets) are some of the largest medieval markets in the Rhineland-Pfalz area and they offer something for everyone.

From the Kaiserslautern area, it is just over a half-hour drive and even those in Spangdahlem can arrive by car in less than an hour. There is a large parking area on-site which was super convenient, and it was only two euros to park.

Vendor tents lined up at the festival (Tamala Malerk (at Freisen Medieval Market))

Once we parked, it was a short walk to the entrance. Look for the two people dressed in medieval garb to direct you on the correct path, lest you accidentally go into the Wildpark instead (not a bad mistake; but it is open more than two weekends a year).

There are several price tiers for entrance depending on your age, how many days you wish to attend and if you want to see the events on the special stage. Since we arrived on the last day of the spring event, we chose two adult one-day passes with no special events.

With tickets in hand and stamps on hands (for easier entrance and exits if you need to run back to the car), we entered the fair. The first section was the food stall area which filled our eyes and nostrils with delectable delights. My husband chose a bread-wrapped fried sausage, which I deemed a “German corn dog” and I went with the sweet choice of a Nutella crepe. Later in the day, we returned to the food area for some of the best spaetzle I have eaten in my three years in Germany and Goulash soup in a bread bowl which my husband devoured.

Cheese Spaetzle in a ceramic bowl (Tamala Malerk (at Freisen Medieval Market))

Bring plenty of cash. While some of the clothing and wares vendors accept card for the pricier items, none of the food vendors accept card. The pfand (tax) for the ceramic cups and bowls that many of the items came in was as high as five or six euros. You get the pfand back when you return the item, but you still need the cash. You will also want to stock up on 50-cent coins, which is the price to use the water closets on site.

After our first bites, we went strolling around the large vendor area where dozens of sellers had clothing, magic wands, toys, leather goods, henna tattoos, massages and more for sale. There were blacksmiths toiling away, shoemakers mending medieval footware, butter and cheese makers churning away, birds of prey gawking and the opportunity to get a photo with an owl on your shoulder. Plus, there was the chance to throw axes at wooden boards and an archery area for shooting arrows at the targets. While I didn’t take part in the archery or axe throwing, I did purchase a dress and belt costume that I just kept on over my outfit and enjoyed the repeated callings of “Look! It’s a princess!” coming from crowds for the rest of the day.

Writer in teal color medieval-style dress (Tamala Malerk (at Freisen Medieval Market))

As you stroll the market area, you can hear whatever act is on the main stage performing (this is included with your one-day ticket). The main stage is conveniently located next to the main bar and coffee areas so you can cool down with a nice drink while watching the performances. Throughout our visit, we heard and watched jugglers, belly dancers, musicians and singers.

Juggler and drummer performing on stage (Tamala Malerk (at Freisen Medieval Market))

Towards the back of the fair is the camping and special events areas. Since we did not pay for the special events ticket, we only caught some quick glimpses behind a crowd of people marveling at the women in medieval garb performing tricks on horses. Still, we had a great time walking around the camping area and even catching up with one of my husband’s German friends who had spent the entire weekend there camping in a canvas tent. His friend’s wife looked less-than-thrilled when he recapped the part about staying through the massive rainstorm that had come through the night before.

If you missed the spring edition this year, fret not; remember, I said Freisen Medieval Markets happen twice a year. In 2025, the summer festival will occur from Aug. 1-3. We will definitely check it out and shell out for the special events ticket so that we can see the knights’ tournaments and other unique performances.