How about stepping into a place where commerce roars before the city even wakes? That place is the Großmarkt Nürnberg. This is no ordinary market. It is one of Germany’s largest wholesale markets. In terms of sales, it ranks eighth nationwide.
The Großmarkt Nürnberg’s story began long ago. It started in 1349 after the destruction of the Jewish quarter. A second rectangular marketplace was created near the Hauptmarkt. This was behind the Frauenkirche. Fresh and dried fruits were sold here. This is how the name Obstmarkt arose and is still used today. Later, the Weintraubenmarkt and other markets joined. These included the Mehlmarkt, Heringsmarkt and Gänsemarkt.
By 1899, the market expanded. It reached the adjacent Spitalplatz. This is now Hans-Sachs-Platz. The former commercial buildings of the Heilig-Geist-Spital became market halls. They were also used to store fruit. In 1917, a formal separation occurred. Wholesale and retail were divided. The Großmarkt was put under the city’s market office. This office managed trade on Spitalplatz and especially Vorderen Insel Schütt.
By the 1930s, the market traffic was overwhelming the old city. Plans were made to relocate it. In 1936, a large fruit hall opened on Insel Schütt. However, the search for a better location continued after World War II. A key requirement was a rail connection. Farmers wanted a site at the former Nuremberg-Marienberg airport. This airport was destroyed in the war. Wholesalers preferred a site in the southwest.
In 1956, Gaismannshof was chosen. It was next to the Ringbahn. The new Großmarkt Nürnberg began operating on April 20, 1959. The Großmarkt Nürnberg covers about 160,000 square meters. Every day, from five to eleven in the morning, about 50,000 square meters are used for sales. There are 88 sales boxes and 280 sales spaces.
Around 150 companies operate here. This includes producers from the nearby Knoblauchsland. They supply about 2,000 customers. These customers are mainly commercial resellers. They are also commercial consumers and bulk buyers from all over northern Bavaria. They primarily serve the gastronomy or retail sectors. These businesses reach about three million end consumers.
The annual turnover is impressive. It is about 200,000 tons of fruits, vegetables, meat, fish and flowers. The Nürnberg-Großmarkt railway station serves the market. It opened in 1959. It ensures the Großmarkt’s supply. Today, only a siding and a disused weighbridge remain. The station acts as a preliminary station for the shunting yard. Some of the connecting track to the Großmarkt has been dismantled.
So, as you stand here, remember the bustling activity. Picture the tons of produce changing hands. The Großmarkt Nürnberg is a vital hub. It connects producers and consumers. It is a testament to Nuremberg’s commercial spirit. It is a place where the region’s bounty meets the city’s needs.