Germany's many fleamarkets can make for a fun Saturday outing. Photo (cc) flickr user RobW_

I love flea markets.  I love being able to find things I need used and, usually, dirt cheap.  Flea markets are a great place to find interesting German tidbits to send back to my friends in the States, and they are a fascinating way to get to know the material insides of people’s lives.  Plus they are a great excuse to get outside for an early Saturday morning walk.

Every Saturday morning I wake up, grab my backpack, and head to the university parking lot that is home to my first flea market stop every Saturday.  I buy a sweet roll from the baker who is always there, rain or shine, and then I stroll down the crowded aisles examining the day’s offerings.  I have known to been come home with more than I can carry: board games, books, kitchen utensils: if you need it, somebody, somewhere is selling it.

Mainz has a large array of markets to choose from, each with its own special flare.  Today I’m going to take you along on my Saturday stroll for a little round of introductions to my neighborhood flea markets.  Come one, better get going before all the deals are gone!

Trödelmarkt Uni Mainz // Parking lot on Dalheimer Weg

My flea marketing days always begin with this market, and not just because it is only a few blocks from where I live.  It also has the lowest prices of the markets that I have visited in the area.  Though new items are allowed and an irritating number of stands are selling them, I’ve grown accustomed to walking quickly past them in favor of the stands selling used household goods.  I’ve bought everything from board games to bread to brooms to baby clothes there.  A great baker and a vegetable stand are always present, if you want to combine your lust for used items with a little grocery shopping.

This market is held every Saturday (even in winter), and runs from 7 am to 1 pm (sharp).  Don’t show up too close to closing time as this market ends punctually.  It tends to really get rolling a bit later, however, and showing up at 8 or 9 does not mean you will have missed all the best deals.

Krempelmarkt am Mainz Rheinufer // On the river bank between Raimunditor und RotemTor

The Rheinufer flea market is the most scenic of Mainz’s offerings.  Even if you aren’t interested in shopping, a walk along the promenade on a warm Saturday morning is worth the trip.  Here new goods are not allowed, and you will find a mixture of regular folks trying to declutter their homes and professional vendors selling more antique-y articles than you will find up at the university market.

This flea market is held on the first and third Saturday of every month from March to November.  (A list of dates can be found here.)  The markets held on the first Saturday begin at 7 am, while those on the third Saturday begin at 9 am.  Though the market’s website says it runs until 3 or 4 pm, don’t believe it and get there early!  Most vendors start packing up around 1 or 2 pm.

Schlachthof Flohmarkt // Wiesbaden Schlachthof, behind the train station

This (in recent days) somewhat irregular flea market is my second favorite in the area.  Though it tends to be very crowded and is slightly more expensive than its neighbors in Mainz, I always find something interesting there.  I have personally had good luck with clothing, books, and baby items.

Check the Schlachthof website for dates.  They also occasionally host as night flea market.

Of course, there are a lot more flea markets going on than I have listed here, but there are also plenty of websites to keep you up-to-date on their locations and schedules.  For children’s items, check kindersachenbasar.net, or do a google search for “your town + flohmärkte” and they will direct you to the action.  Happy hunting!

What is the best fleamarket find you’ve ever found?