Thursdays Must-Do: The Schranne Farmers Market In Salzburg

The Schranne Farmers’ Market in Salzburg is a must-visit for travelers who visit Salzburg on a Thursday. It’s a chance to experience the local culture and taste the region’s freshest produce. This Salzburg Farmers market is the most famous and authentic market of all the Salzburg farmer’s markets. The market stalls are run by local farmers who offer regional products.

As a Salzburg local, I have introduced my friends from abroad to this beloved market. I am always struck by how much they enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors that it has to offer.

Located in the heart of the city, the Schranne Farmers’ Market is held every Thursday morning from 5 am to noon. That’s right. The market starts at the ungodly hour of 5 am. That’s why I have not only introduced many of my foreign friends to the Schranne but have often ended up at the farmers market for late-night/early-morning fried chicken after a long night out when I was younger.

Fried Chicken and Warm Pretzels: Delicious Eats at the Schranne Farmers’ Market

By the way, the fried chicken at the entrance to the church is the highlight if you aren’t vegetarian. Add a potato salad or bread roll to your fried chicken order. Chewing on a chicken wing while standing around a beer table with strangers is how it’s done. It is, of course, optional to drink beer in the morning. For more information about beer in Salzburg and where to find it, check out this article about beer in Salzburg.

The Schranne Farmers’ Market: Conveniently Located and Easy to Reach

The market surrounds the church of Saint Andrews at Mirabell Square and neighbors the Mirabell garden, one of Salzburg’s most iconic landmarks. It’s located on the right side of the river, not the left side where most of the must-see sights of Salzburg are, but still, only 5-10 minutes walking from the Cathedral and the fortress.

Therefore, the Schranne is easily accessible by public transport since most city buses pass Mirabell square and stop right in front of the market. It’s also easily accessible by car since there is a parking garage literally underneath Mirabell Square, hence underneath the market. Still, the market is just a short walk from the center of the city and the old town and can be reached on foot by following a map or the GPS on your phone.

A Cornucopia of Fresh Produce and Specialty Products

As you walk through the market, you will be greeted by a riot of color and sound as farmers and vendors from all over the region come together to sell their wares. The smells of freshly baked bread and warm pretzels fill the air. Okay, the pretzels are usually not warm, but you get the idea.

One of the best things about the Schranne Farmers’ Market is the wide variety of available produce. The market is a cornucopia of fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables, from juicy strawberries to crisp lettuce. There are also stalls selling local cheeses, meats, and other specialty products, such as honey, olive oil, and handmade crafts.

As you wander through the market, try some local specialties, such as a freshly baked pretzel or a slice of Linzer torte (a traditional Austrian cake made with raspberry jam and almond flour).

Another warm dish I recommend at the Schranne Farmers’ Market is fish soup. This hearty and flavorful soup is made with a variety of seafood, vegetables, and a flavorful broth. It is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cold winter day.

A Great Place to Shop for Souvenirs and Gifts

In addition to the food and drink, the Schranne Farmers’ Market is also a great place to shop for souvenirs and gifts. You will find a wide selection of handmade crafts and local products, including pottery, jewelry, and clothing. Stalls also sell flowers, plants, and herbs, making a lovely gift or an excellent addition to your hotel room.

No Seating, No Problem: Exploring the Schranne Farmers’ Market on Foot

If you plan on visiting the Schranne Farmers’ Market in Salzburg, you will find that there are no seating areas at the market itself. This should be fine, as the market is a great place to walk around, shop, and enjoy food and drinks while standing. If you need to use the restroom, you will find one across the street near the entrance to the Mirabell Garden. These restrooms are free to use, as they are part of the bus parking area on Paris Lodron Street.

A Look Back: The History of the Schranne Farmers’ Market in Salzburg

The Schranne Farmers’ Market in Salzburg has a long and fascinating history that dates back over 1000 years. The market’s name, “Schranne,” is derived from the Italian word “Scranna,” which means court bench or simply bench. In the past, court hearings were often held in central squares of towns. They were not only legal procedures but also served as entertainment. Soon, they also became a place for people to exchange news, practice quackery, and supply the city’s population with food and consumer goods.

The city of Salzburg was granted the important privileges of market, coinage, and toll rights more than 1000 years ago, and Schranne was initially held at the Waagplatz. It was later moved to the Alter Markt before the local council officially designated Mirabellplatz as the weekly market for local produce on Thursdays, with interruptions during war years. The farmer’s market was held at this location and even had a market building until it was damaged by bombing in 1944 and eventually demolished. It was not until 1955 that the market returned to its original location and resumed its weekly Thursday schedule.

Recommendation

As a local tour guide, I always encourage my visitors to take their time and explore the market at their own pace if they are in Salzburg on a Thursday. There is so much to see and do; you can easily spend a few hours wandering the stalls and chatting with the vendors. The market is also a great place to meet the locals, since it’s a weekly compulsory appointment for many, and learn more about the culture and traditions of Salzburg.

Add the Schranne Farmers’ Market to your itinerary if you’re lucky enough to visit Salzburg on a Thursday. The experience is unique and authentic, giving you a taste of the region’s culture and freshest produce. Hence, I think it is a must for all Salzburg travelers on Thursdays.

Here is another article, a checklist that tells you what not to miss when you visit Salzburg soon.