Osnabrück's weekly market returns with surprises at Ledenhof!

Osnabrück's weekly market returns with surprises at Ledenhof!

After a two-year break, the Osnabrück weekly market is finally returning to its traditional location at Ledenhof. As NOZ reports, the restart will take place on Thursday, September 4, 2025. This return is eagerly awaited by many people in the city, because the break was not a coincidence: the square was extensively redesigned to offer visitors a more attractive quality of stay.

One of the innovations is that the weekly market will now have around 30 stalls offering regional delights. The market suppliers, who were previously present at the Große Domsfreiheit, bring with them a colorful range of fresh products, including fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, cheese and flowers. City spokesman Simon Vonstein also announced that market visitors will be able to take a well-deserved break at new seating while shopping.

The newly designed Ledenhof

The redesign of the Ledenhof was a key prerequisite for the return of the market. The aim is to create a contemporary and barrier-free space that offers space for events as well as relaxation. During the renovation, the large asphalt area became visible, which raised many questions. Instead of the previous area, the Ledenhof's greenery will increase from 2,400 to 3,300 square meters, creating relaxing retreats.

A special point of the redesign is the replacement of trees: 48 old trees had to go, but 47 new native trees will be planted and 26 trees will be retained. The planned equipment includes wooden seating elements, benches, drinking fountains and even play options to make the space more attractive. Fixed installations in the event area are avoided to ensure maximum flexibility.

What happened so far?

During the construction period, the market moved its location to the Große Domsfreiheit. The last market dates on August 28th and 30th, 2025 did not take place due to the setup for the state festival “Day of Lower Saxony”. In order to ensure that the demanding traffic requirements in this area were met, the original planning of the direct crossing to the castle had to be reconsidered. The costs for the renovation now amount to 4.2 million euros, with one third being financed by the city of Osnabrück and two thirds from federal and state urban development funding.

The asphalt surface is important not only because of aesthetic considerations. As the Hasepost explains, the asphalt base layer is used because there is an underground car park under the square. An unbound ceiling would not be load-bearing as water could seep into the basement. Therefore, drainage is also installed to prevent water accumulation from forming.

Apparently the city expects the Ledenhof area to be used extensively. Completion of the square is scheduled for August 2025, with the first events already on the “Day of Lower Saxony”. A surprise for the guests at the restart of the weekly market was also hinted at, although the details are still a secret.

The Ledenhof could not only become a new location for the weekly market, but also a highlight for the entire city. We can only hope that the weather cooperates and the people of Osnabrück can celebrate their new “home” properly.