Lively festivity unfolding at Burg Linn flax market, featuring medieval-style competitions
Linn's Flax Market: A Timeless Tradition Remembered
Steeped in a tradition dating back over 700 years, the Flax Market in Linn was initially a bustling exchange for farmers to trade their flax for everyday goods. After being granted city rights in the 14th century, this humble market evolved into a vibrant fair on the Andreas Market. Sadly, it ceased activities at the start of the 20th century.
However, the enthusiasm of Linn's citizens reignited this rich heritage in 1974, transforming it into Germany’s largest craft market. Organized by the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Flachsmarkt, this annual event invites talented craftspeople, well-known and new, showcasing historically valued skills such as woodturning, gold and silversmithing, and flax processing. There's even a space dedicated to fostering children's creativity and dexterity.
Step back in time as the Linner Ritterrunde sets up camp in their authentic attire, offering exciting equestrian displays like combat scenes, Rolandsreiten, and boar hunting, alongside music, juggling, and falconry. To enhance your experience, safety regulations necessitate road closures as follows: on Sundays from 9:30 AM to 7 PM, and on Mondays from 9:30 AM to 6 PM, affecting the historic old town. Although this includes the Hafenstraße, Kurkölnstraße, Rheinbabenstraße, and Ossumer Straße, emergency vehicles and the tram line 044 remain unaffected. Visit https://www.flachsmarkt.de/ for up-to-date information, the program, and exhibitor list.
While information about the market's history in Linn is somewhat sparse, broader insights into Europe's flax culture offer intriguing perspectives. Originally cultivated for producing linen, Linn - possibly located in the region around Lake Constance - was conducive to growing flax due to its climate and soil. In earlier times, flax was a significant crop in the textile industry. Today, however, its growing recognition for sustainability and innovation presents exciting possibilities for the future. With applications in architectural and structural projects, flax is showcased as an eco-friendly, high-performance material, signifying a welcomed revival in its use.
- The fashion-and-beauty section at this year's Linn’s Flax Market promotes local artisans selling handmade linen clothing, a return to the market's historical roots.
- In the heart of the travel hub, visitors can find home-and-garden exhibits showcasing innovative flax-based building materials, offering a glimpse into the market's impact on the future of sustainable living.
- Prior to the annual Linn's Flax Market festivities, food-and-drink lovers can kick off the celebration with a traditional meal of flaxseed-infused bread and cold-pressed linseed oil at one of the local restaurants.
