A Celebration of Cherry Season in the Altes Land
Each year in early July, the Altes Land region—just south of Hamburg—celebrates the cherry harvest with the cheerful and fruity Altländer Kirschwoche (Cherry Week). Spread across charming orchards, cafés, and villages, this popular event offers a unique chance to explore northern Germany’s 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 “Cherry Express” 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’t dampen the fun either—thanks to innovative foil-covered “roof cherries” that keep the fruit safe and delicious.
Throughout the week, cafés and restaurants serve up seasonal treats like cherry pancakes, cherry soup, and the region’s beloved Kirschkuchen (cherry cake), while farm shops offer tastings of fresh varieties like Merchant, Valeska, Kordia and Regina. For grown-ups, there’s 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—where the record stands at over 16 metres!
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Date:
30 June – 6 July 2025Â