Beautiful and kitsch, practical and curious, quality and junk, but above all a cozy atmosphere and smiling faces can be found at the Ursula market.
An operetta melody sounds from below: To advertise his shoe paste, a Fierant cleans the visitors’ shoes and cheerfully warls a song. In addition to hot air balloons, leather jackets are offered, handmade ceramics can be found next to mini donuts, woven baskets next to air-smoked bacon, army socks next to cotton candy and glazed fruits, propolis drops next to lace tablecloths with a bamboo motif, Spongebob cushions next to essential oils, cabbage slicers next to Swarovksi jewelry Vegetable brushes, sheep’s wool slippers next to pumpkin seed oil, traditional jackets next to concrete angels for the cemetery: no shopping center can offer such a colorful, extensive range.
To do this, you have to go to the Ursula market, where master wagoner Gerhard Hackl from Stainz sells wooden spoons, snacks and fly swatters, Lebzelter Gottfried Stöckl from Bleiburg sells sweet temptations and Siegrid Thomaschütz from St. Veit sells enamel pots. “Speeeeezialitäten from Carinthia!” Are touted as much as the “absolutely best cleaning agent in the world”.
Over 300 Fieranten
More than 300 Fieranten from all over Austria, from the neighboring EU area and even from China, Peru and India have set up stands. The mix of extraordinary goods and a cozy atmosphere has been attracting visitors from near and far since 1304; thus the Ursula market is the oldest fair in Carinthia.
A little history
The Freyung has only been enthroned above the market for a few years, symbolizing the free market and fair trade. Hobby historian Reinhold Gasper had rediscovered the arm with the sword – the St. Veiter Freyung was made according to this model – from the 18th century. A copy is now emblazoned on the Benedictine market, one around the commemoration day of St. Ursula (October 21) at the fair.
Flea market with all kinds of treasures
Another flea market was set up in Hall 2: Gmundner ceramics and lily china are looking for new owners as well as old gramophones and wooden toys.
Fun park with 20 vehicles
In the small Gaudepark there are around 20 rides for fun and thrills. Those who want to strengthen themselves can choose between sausages, filled calamari, french fries or vampire-repellent garlic langos. A crepe is a delight to finish off. For loved ones at home there are foam bags and coconut balls and the story of a leisurely stroll in the market.
The opening took place without city politicians
For the first time in the history of the Ursula market, the opening took place on Saturday without a city politician, because there was a covid-infected person in the youngest municipal council.
For the safety of visitors and guests, 3G certificates are checked at all five entrances.
The Ursula market attracts visitors to the exhibition area in Klagenfurt today, tomorrow and on public holidays (6 a.m. to 8 p.m.).