After a marathon morning of flea marketing in the hills of Bavaria, my daughter and I stopped for lunch before heading home. As we were pulling out of the driveway of the restaurant, there it was – a beacon in the field shining bright with possibilities – a new thrifing adventure. A relatively nondescript but huge roadside sign invited passersby to the 2017 Bayerischer Flohmarkt. As luck would have it, this huge market was scheduled for an upcoming weekend. Penciled into our mental calendar we made an immediate decision to be there. 

The magnitude of the market was surmised instantly by the one kilometer long string of red and white “no parking” tape flagging both sides of the roadside far in advance of the event. It was still a week away and parking prohibitions were already clearly defined.

We noted the dates, times and location. We memorized our surroundings and the exit along the autobahn that would lead us back to this field of dreams.

Once home, an internet search revealed that this annual affair is held in the expanse of field adjacent to where we had lunch.  Per the website: http://www.bayerischer-flohmarkt.de/index_nn.html 2016 attendance exceeded more than 20,000 visitors and over 500 vendors . Surely there will be thousands of new treasures to explore.

With the weather gods on our side that day we left our umbrellas and jackets at home. We de-layered and headed out for an early start.

We were not alone! A mere half hour after opening and the line to enter the field parking lot spilled out onto the roadway and we stop-and-go’ed our way to the bowels of the grassy field-turned parking lot.

On a positive note, we were close to the exit for an easy get away at the end of the day!

We made our way through the maze of now familiar red and white tape, designating this time, a pedestrian path to the hallowed grounds. With policed safety, we wove our way to the grand entrance.

Let the thrifting begin! 

This market was a mix of just about everything. There were sellers of discount/liquidation new items, antiques and collectibles dealers and families cleaning out excess. There was leather everything, lots of glassware and the usual Tupperware, both new and orphaned parts.

Some booths were professional while others were slipshod.

 

 

 

The day turned blistering hot and the sun beat down. Bargaining became easier as the temperature withered both sellers and buyers. Usual end of the day negotiating realized a few bargains. 

 

 

 

 

I was particularly drawn to a single vendor. I returned several times to memorize her booth. I loved her style. She was selling a mix of what I would describe as steam punk fashion accessories. Frilly and laced parasols, oversize bedazzled sunglasses, scarves and every style of feathers, rhinestoned hair pieces and, especially sought out on this blistering heat day, hats…lots of sunhats! Her booth was always crowded and she was always selling…a lot!

I want to be her!

 

 

 

Hot and exhausted but happy with our journey, we called it a day after 6 hours of scouring the grounds. I managed to bag some Easter decorations, a pair of Converse tennis shoes, a Minnie Mouse mug, 2 antique pocket watches and a couple of Ed Hardy tops. Total investment, 51,50 euros. I hope to realize enough profit on these items for a nice down payment on my return trip to the market next year!

I am thrilled that we happened upon that huge sign along the road. Our day trip to this large flea market in a stunning area in the foothills of the German Alps turned into a promise to make this an annual event for me.

How about you?

If it sounds intriguing, let me know. I can help you plan your trip to the Bayerisher Flohmarkt 2018 in Turkheim, Germany.

Mark your calendar now, August 11, 12 and 15, 2018. I’ve provider the map for you in case you need it! If you prefer a tour guide, I’ll remember the way.