Lichtenfels Basket Market
One of Europe's most important wickerwork culture festivals, held annually on the third September weekend. Basket makers and traders from home and abroad present their products here.
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Lichtenfels
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ℹ️Practical info — Lichtenfels
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Explore the German Basket City. Visit the traditional basket weaving market usually held in early autumn.
- Take a walk along the Upper Main river to enjoy scenic views of the river valley.
- Parking in the historic old town is limited, try the larger parking areas slightly outside the center.
- Explore the crafting tradition by looking for handmade souvenirs in the small weaving workshops.
🍽 Food
🍽
Franconian Bratwurst
Try this hearty sausage specialty at a traditional butcher right in the city center.
🍽
Franconian Beer
Enjoy a cold pale ale in one of the local brewery taverns of the region.
🍽
Schäufele
Order this traditionally roasted pork shoulder in the rustic country inns nearby.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Wickerwork and Baskets
Buy authentic baskets and wicker items directly from the local craftsmen in the area.
🛍
Farmers Market at the Square
Visit the market square on market days to find fresh regional produce and Franconian specialties.
🧘
Mainauen
Take a peaceful walk on the green meadows right along the river Main.
🧘
Forest trails near Kloster Banz
Hike through the quiet forests surrounding the majestic nearby former monastery complex.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
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Lichtenfels is situated on the upper course of the Main River and proudly holds the title of German Basket City, reflecting a long-standing tradition in the craft of basket weaving. The art of weaving continues to define the town's identity today, most visibly during the large Basket Market (Korbmarkt) held every September, drawing artisans from all over Europe. A detailed insight into this specialized craft is provided by the local German Basket Museum, which exhibits a vast collection of historical and contemporary woven artifacts. Architecturally, the market square is anchored by the historic town hall, while remnants of the city walls and preserved medieval gates stand as evidence of the town's fortified past. Lichtenfels also serves as the handy starting point for exploring the Upper Main region known as God's Garden: the majestic Vierzehnheiligen Basilica and the imposing Banz Abbey are located just a few kilometers away, dominating the surrounding hills. Well-maintained cycling and hiking trails run alongside the Main River, traversing the Franconian countryside. Within the narrow streets of the old town, traditional Franconian brewery inns serve dark country beer and hearty bratwurst, preserving the area's authentic regional character.
- Location: Bavaria, Germany
- Top sights: Lichtenfels City Palace · German Basket Museum · Lichtenfels Town Hall
- Nearby: Burgkunstadt (13 km)
- Population: ~20.403
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | -1 | 3 | 8 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 14 | 9 | 3 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 65 | 50 | 53 | 40 | 74 | 67 | 80 | 70 | 58 | 57 | 64 | 69 |
Geography
Facts
- The International Basket Market takes place on the third weekend of September.
- The city's total area is approximately 122.2 square kilometers.
- Lichtenfels sits at an elevation of 263 meters above sea level.
- The City Palace dates back to the 16th century.
- The world-famous Basilica of the Fourteen Holy Helpers is nearby.
- Famous mathematician Adam Ries was born in the Lichtenfels district.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Lichtenfels (10)
Frequently asked questions
Why is Lichtenfels called the 'Basket-Making City'?
The city has a long tradition in basket weaving and is home to the only state vocational school for wickerwork design.
When does the Lichtenfels Basket Market (Korbmarkt) take place?
The Basket Market takes place annually on the third weekend of September and attracts wicker artists from all over Europe.
What sights are there in the old town?
The Baroque city palace, the parish church, and the towers of the old city fortifications are particularly worth seeing.
Is Lichtenfels a good starting point for the 'Gottesgarten' area?
Yes, from here you can quickly reach Banz Abbey and the Vierzehnheiligen Basilica, which are the core of this landscape.
How is the train connection from Lichtenfels?
Lichtenfels is an important railway junction in Upper Franconia with an ICE stop and good regional connections.
Lichtenfels: where is it located?
Lichtenfels is located in Bavaria, Germany.
Lichtenfels: what is there to see?
Highlights include Lichtenfels City Palace, German Basket Museum, Lichtenfels Town Hall.
Lichtenfels: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Lichtenfels: why is it worth visiting?
Lichtenfels is situated on the upper course of the Main River and proudly holds the title of German Basket City, reflecting a long-standing tradition in the craft of basket weaving.
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