A Celebration of Cherry Season in the Altes Land
Each year in early July, the Altes Land region鈥攋ust south of Hamburg鈥攃elebrates the cherry harvest with the cheerful and fruity Altl盲nder Kirschwoche (Cherry Week). Spread across charming orchards, caf茅s, and villages, this popular event offers a unique chance to explore northern Germany鈥檚 famed fruit-growing region while indulging in everything cherry.
Visitors can experience the cherry harvest firsthand by joining guided farm tours, hopping on tractor-drawn 鈥淐herry Express鈥� rides, or simply setting out with a handcart to pick cherries directly from the tree. With the help of local growers and guides, guests learn about cherry cultivation, pruning techniques, and even clever frost protection methods. Rainy weather doesn鈥檛 dampen the fun either鈥攖hanks to innovative foil-covered 鈥渞oof cherries鈥� that keep the fruit safe and delicious.
Throughout the week, caf茅s and restaurants serve up seasonal treats like cherry pancakes, cherry soup, and the region鈥檚 beloved Kirschkuchen (cherry cake), while farm shops offer tastings of fresh varieties like Merchant, Valeska, Kordia and Regina. For grown-ups, there鈥檚 cherry brandy, liqueur, and schnapps matured in wooden casks.
The week concludes with the festive Kirschmarkt in Jork. This traditional cherry market kicks off with cherries arriving by boat in a historic ceremony at the town hall. Craftspeople, musicians and folk groups create a lively village fair atmosphere, while guests young and old take part in cherry stone spitting contests鈥攚here the record stands at over 16 metres!
For more information, visit the .
Date:
30 June 鈥� 6 July 2025聽
