Old Sheep Farm Ahorn | Events & Schlenkermarkt 2025

The Old Sheep Farm Ahorn, located on the outskirts of Coburg amidst orchards, is a vibrant place where history comes alive. The ensemble was built in 1713 as a manor sheep farm and designed for the winter operation of around 500 sheep. Today, it houses the Coburg Land Tool Museum with approximately 600 square meters of exhibition space in the historic sheep barn. Surrounded by a large barn, bakehouse, shepherd's residence, and pigsty, visitors experience an authentic backdrop that invites participation. Seasonal market festivals such as the Schlenkermarkt at Candlemas, the Whitsun Market (pottery and crafts market), or the museum festival in autumn structure the year. Practical information makes planning easier: parking is located directly next to the site, a bus connection (line 4) leads to Ahorn, dogs are welcome, and the opening hours in the 2025 season are Tuesday to Sunday from 2 to 5 PM. Those who want to experience more than exhibitions can take advantage of the educational programs from bread baking to felting, the audio guide with ten stations, or visit the attached beer garden of the shepherd's tavern. Thus, a trip quickly becomes an eventful day for families, culture enthusiasts, and craft fans.

Events today and in 2025 at the Old Sheep Farm Ahorn

The Old Sheep Farm Ahorn is not just a museum but a yearly calendar full of highlights. The season traditionally kicks off with the Schlenkermarkt around Candlemas, which takes place as a festive winter event in the historic buildings. In early summer, the Whitsun Market follows as a pottery and crafts market with selected exhibitors and culinary offerings. Summer often features thematic formats and family programs, while autumn offers additional participation stations and a sheep show from the Upper Franconian sheep breeders during the museum festival. For 2025, it is confirmed: The Schlenkermarkt will take place on Sunday, February 2; Whitsun Sunday and Monday, June 8 and 9, belong to the Whitsun Market; the museum festival is scheduled for September 20 and 21. This gives culture lovers and families a clear orientation on how to plan their visit throughout the year. Those who want to know what is offered today or next weekend can check the 'Current' section of the museum: Here, information about special exhibitions, applications for exhibitors, program highlights, and possible times are published. This way, spontaneous trips can be realized just as easily as carefully arranged family appointments. Tip for weekend planners: Mornings are suitable for walks on the surrounding hiking trails; from noon, access to the exhibition is relaxed, and later there is still time for the beer garden. Visitor groups can reserve their guided tour in advance; it is advisable to coordinate the timing with the event dates, as setup and dismantling work takes place about two weeks before and after larger festivals. Even for return visitors, it is worth checking the program: New special exhibitions – such as on agriculture in the 20th century or on the topic of baking – complement the permanent exhibition and offer different perspectives on tools, working worlds, and regional cultural history.

Opening hours 2025, tickets, access & parking – plus beer garden Shepherd's Tavern

For relaxed planning, clear time frames help: The 2025 season of the Old Sheep Farm Ahorn runs from April 1 to November 2. It is open Tuesday to Sunday and on public holidays from 2 to 5 PM; the museum is closed during the winter months. The admission prices are family-friendly: Adults pay 3 euros, reduced 2 euros, children up to 6 years have free admission, and children up to 12 years pay 2 euros. Guided tours for groups cost 45 euros plus admission, and early appointment scheduling is recommended. Those arriving by car will find sufficient parking directly next to the site; these are not shaded, so sun protection in the vehicle should be considered on warm days. Those using public transport can orient themselves to bus line 4 towards Ahorn; specific timetable information is communicated on the museum's arrival page. On-site, clearly visible signs provide assistance; the site is located near the B 303 and is quickly accessible from Coburg. The Old Sheep Farm is an open-air museum with historic buildings: The main exhibition space on the ground floor of the sheep barn is wheelchair accessible, while stairs lead to the upper levels. The outdoor area is mostly level, with some areas having natural paths. Dogs are allowed on the premises, in the beer garden, and even in the museum, provided they are supervised. To recharge, the tavern 'Shepherd's Tavern' invites you in, located in the rooms of the former shepherd's residence and featuring one of the most beautiful beer gardens in the Coburg region. The opening hours of the Shepherd's Tavern are Wednesday to Saturday from 4 to 10 PM, and Sunday and public holidays from 2 to 10 PM; it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Groups planning a champagne reception for a wedding or anniversary can coordinate with the host family. Those planning a longer stay can combine the museum visit with a walk on the marked paths in the surrounding area – especially beautiful during the blossom season or in late summer light. Please note: During large events, the site is more frequented; early arrival ensures short distances from the parking lot.

Schlenkermarkt on February 2, 2025: Candlemas, Fire Show & Market Activity

The Schlenkermarkt of the Old Sheep Farm is a traditional market festival around Candlemas. In 2025, it will take place on Sunday, February 2, from 10 AM to 6 PM. The special atmosphere arises from the mix of historic ambiance, market stalls in the large buildings, and a cultural supporting program. A program highlight is the artist Narrateau, who will perform three shows at the 'sheep barn' (museum building) at 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM. When it gets dark, a fire show at 5:30 PM will provide a glowing conclusion. The idea of 'Schlenkern' refers to earlier times when wages were paid at Candlemas, and people treated themselves to something nice. Accordingly, the market features handcrafted products, small treasures, and regional foods. Families benefit from the educational accompanying program, which allows for child-friendly participation stations and short distances between the market and exhibition. Although the Schlenkermarkt is not a classic Christmas market, it fulfills a related longing for winter sociability, craftsmanship, and warmth – especially in the interior of the historic sheep barn. For the visit, it is advisable to wear weatherproof clothing; the site is an open-air ensemble, even though many stalls are placed in buildings. Those looking for photographic motifs will find them in the twilight around the sheep barn, where the light particularly highlights the architectural structures. Arrival note: Parking is located directly next to the site; those coming by bus should check the connection of line 4 on the event day. Since the market lasts only one day, an early start is worthwhile. The culinary offerings range from sweet to savory; warm drinks are provided. A look into the exhibition rounds off the visit and connects the market experience with regional cultural history.

Whitsun Market June 8/9, 2025: Pottery and Crafts Market

On the Whitsun weekend, June 8 and 9, 2025, the Old Sheep Farm Ahorn will transform into a marketplace for arts and crafts from 10 AM to 6 PM each day. The pottery and crafts market thrives on the quality of the exhibitors and the diversity of their products. For 2025, high-quality ceramics, sustainable natural cosmetics, creatively designed felt figures, and regional foods are among the announced offerings. Examples include the soap manufacturer Murr from the Upper Palatinate with natural cosmetics, the master butcher from Coburg with grilled goods from pasture-raised animals, Andera Schnellhardt as a creative toy designer with felt figures, and the Czech-Bavarian association Farma Ovčárna with organic spelt baked goods, oils, and teas from their own production. The historic ensemble provides the stage: Between the sheep barn, double barn, and bakehouse, stalls will be positioned, pathways remain short, and outdoor seating invites visitors to linger. Families appreciate the clarity; children quickly find connections thanks to educational offerings. Those who want to integrate the exhibition can use the opening hours of the permanent exhibition in the afternoon or refer to special notices for the market weekend. The culinary spectrum ranges from hearty dishes to sweets; seasonal specialties such as onion cake in the wood oven often complement the offerings at other times of the year. Arrival and departure are uncomplicated: Parking is directly next to the site, and public transport leads via line 4 to Ahorn. Arriving early is worthwhile, especially on Whitsun Sunday. Another tip: Those who love markets can get in the mood at the Schlenkermarkt at the beginning of the year and visit the museum festival in autumn; this creates a rounded annual arc that connects craftsmanship, regional products, and cultural history.

Baking bread, felting & more: Experience museum education and audio guide

The Old Sheep Farm Ahorn sees itself as an open-air museum for participation. In addition to the permanent exhibition, the educational programs offer practical insights into traditional knowledge. Particularly popular is “Our Daily Bread – Bread Baking,” which visually explains the work steps from grain processing to freshly baked loaves. Other formats such as “Everything in Butter or Everything Cheese?” (butter production), “Fancy Clay?” (historical building techniques), “Washboard Belly and White Vest” (laundry washing), “While Felting Messed Up, with Holes Spoiled” (wool felting), “What Grows There?” (nature exploration), and “Where Quick Hands Braid and Shape” (basket weaving) are aimed at school classes, clubs, and groups – with prior registration. Those who want to explore independently can use the audio guide “Horch a mol” with ten stations on the outdoor grounds. One of them leads to the bakehouse and makes it tangible why baking was only done once a month in the past and how the residual heat of the oven was used for cakes or drying fruit. This media access connects sensory impressions – the smell of wood and bread – with historical information. For teachers and group leaders, close coordination with museum education is recommended to ideally tailor content and duration to the target group; half-day and full-day modules are possible. Organizationally, appointments are made by phone or email, and program costs are added to the admission prices. Those who want to round off the experience culinarily can plan a visit to the Shepherd's Tavern – the beer garden is one of the most beautiful in the Coburg region and is a charming stage for conversations and breaks in good weather. Thus, a museum visit becomes a learning day that engages the mind, heart, and hands equally.

Weddings at the Old Sheep Farm: Civil Ceremonies in the Historic Sheep Barn

The Old Sheep Farm Ahorn offers an extraordinary ambiance for civil ceremonies. The historic sheep barn is at the center, creating a festive backdrop with its atmosphere of timber framing, stone, and history. Organizationally, the process is clearly regulated: First, the desired date is requested from the registry office of the municipality of Ahorn. If it is available, the municipality coordinates the date with the Old Sheep Farm. It should be noted that two weeks before and after major events, weddings are usually not possible – setup and dismantling must be planned. Depending on the weather, the ceremony can also take place outdoors; however, it should be considered that the “non-publicity of the marriage” cannot be guaranteed outside. The sheep barn is not heated; warm clothing is recommended during the cool season. Decorations such as flowers or garlands are allowed; open flames (candles) and electronic foreign devices are prohibited for safety reasons. A small champagne reception afterwards can be arranged with the Shepherd's Tavern; food and drinks are not permitted in the museum itself. For logistics, it is helpful to note that vehicles may briefly enter the driveway for deliveries; afterwards, parking is on the lower left parking lot. Those planning photographic memories will find a variety of motifs on the premises – from the double barn to the vegetable garden. Guests are advised to arrive early and take a short walk around the site to sense the significance of the place. Thus, the wedding connects personal happiness with regional cultural history in a harmonious way.

Sources:

• Old Sheep Farm Ahorn – Official Website
• Schlenkermarkt 2025 – Old Sheep Farm Ahorn
• Whitsun Market 2025 – Old Sheep Farm Ahorn
• Museum Festival & Forest Days 2025 – Old Sheep Farm Ahorn
• Visit, Parking, Accessibility – Old Sheep Farm Ahorn
• Gastronomy & Beer Garden – Shepherd's Tavern
• Museum Education – Programs and Booking
• Audio Guide – Bakehouse
• FAQ for Civil Ceremonies – Old Sheep Farm Ahorn
• Municipality of Ahorn – Tool Museum Old Sheep Farm