Auer Dult, Munich's Oldest Fair
Antiques Market and Carnival in Munich Dates Back to Medieval Times
Jul 31, 2009
Three times a year, Munich residents flock to Mariahilfplatz (a square surrounding one of Munich's oldest churches) for the Auer Dult, a 9-day long festival. Located just southeast of Munich's city center, the Au Fairs take place in spring, summer and fall.
Origins of the Auer Dult
The Auer Dult has taken place in Munich's Au district since 1796, but its origins date back to at least the 14th century. Records show a fair took place twice per year starting in 1310 in St. Jakobs Platz, located just off Munich's famous Viktualienmarkt in the city center.
"Dult" is a medieval German word that originally referred to a church holy festival. As communities set aside certain days to celebrate a saint, merchants set up stands around the outside of the church to sell their wares. Over the years, these church-focused festivals gave way to more general markets as they grew in size and popularity.
The 3 annual Auer Dults each have special names. The spring festival, which takes place during the latter part of April into early May, is called the Maidult. The summer fair, running from the last week of July into first week of August, is Jakobidult; and the fall dult, from the middle to the end of October, is Kirchweihdult.
Dults occur in other places in southern Germany and Austria, but Munich's Auer Dult is the most famous.
Shopping and Food at the Auer Dult
The present-day Auer Dult features about 300 stalls and food stands and covers an area of about 5 acres (20,000 square meters). It is best known for its antique and household goods stalls. Visitors find rare books, estate jewelry, old furniture, artwork, antique lamps and silver, as well as kitchen gadgets, tableware, handmade ceramics, baskets, and medical instruments. Handmade children's toys, candles and leather goods, and traditional Bavarian clothing are also on offer.
Food and candy stands sell traditional food and drink such as bratwurst, pickled fish sandwiches, Flammbrot (an oven-baked baked bread smothered in onions and bacon), sugared almonds, strudel, and--at the autumn Auer Dult--hot mulled wine and punch.
Fun for Kids at the Auer Dult
Old-fashioned entertainment characterize the Auer Dult. At the entrance to Mariahilfplatz, an organ grinder plays music. Inside the fair grounds are antique merry-go-rounds, a swing carousel, Ferris wheel, bumper cars and pony rides. There are also regularly-scheduled puppet shows.
Opening Hours and Family Day
The goods stalls at the Auer Dult are open daily from 9:00am to 8:00pm and the rides from 10:30am to 8:00pm. The fair typically runs from a Saturday to the following Sunday. Tuesday is Family Day and features discounts on rides and snacks.
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