Trödel & Antikmarkt am Aachener Platz Verified listing

The Trödel & Antikmarkt am Aachener Platz (Flea & Antique Market at Aachener Platz) in Dusseldorf is one of the oldest and largest flea markets in Germany. Since its opening in May 1976, it has been running every week, welcoming up to 20,000 visitors on its best days.

Held on an area of about 20,000 square meters, the Trödel & Antikmarkt am Aachener Platz can accommodate up to 600 dealers showcasing everything a visitor could wish to see at a flea market: from antiques and collectibles, to second-hand clothes, records and CDs, this flea market features all sorts of bizarre and quirky stories from German households.

The Trödel & Antikmarkt am Aachener Platz has a real cult factor and is legendary in Dusseldorf. Joseph Beuys, one of the most influential artists of the second half of the 20th century, was a regular visitor to this flea market. It was founded by true lovers of good old junk, who carefully made sure all along that the majority of stalls offered real flea market stuff (understand “vintage” and “antique“), and not cheap second hand junk. The fact that about 80 percent of the stalls are run by individuals and antique dealers (like a good old flea market), is not foreign to managing to achieve this.

In addition to the selected music concerts that give the whole market an artsy atmosphere, a special focus is given to homemade food and drinks as well as a special interest in organic products.

And as an example of the real spirit of sustainability that reigns at the Trödel & Antikmarkt am Aachener Platz, a shuttle service has been set up to connect the flea market premises to the nearby car parks (Südfriedhof and Südpark). The entire terrain where the flea market is held, is divided into a total of three areas: one spacious outdoor ground (flea market stalls), one air-conditioned tent (antiques and flea stalls), and finally a café with the fitting name of Sperrmüll (bulky waste in German).

The main flea market area is located in the outdoor ground. In addition to the exciting potpourri of non-conventional bits and pieces, there are all kinds of second-hand goods, such as bicycles, electronics, music instruments, LPs, books, and of course vintage clothes waiting for their new owners.

The antiques and flea tent is a more extravagant, though exclusive, version of the outdoor flea market. Flea market and antiques experts let their keen eye wander through the stalls filled with unusual antiques, rare collectibles and exquisite designer jewelery, searching for the hidden gem. From precious porcelain services, to glittering chandeliers and fine wood furniture, many treasures have already been uncovered there. But even just strolling and watching can be an experience by itself for the inquisitive eye, as the vivid impression of the place provides an inspiration for one’s own home.

While the outdoor ground and the air-conditioned tent are dedicated to satisfying one’s hunger for antiques and vintage, the central area of the market looks more like any versatile weekly market in Germany. Its stalls full of cheese and sausages, cut flowers, exotic herbs and organic products are a true pleasure to the prying eyes.

The café Sperrmüll provides a resting haven for the soar feet, and an opportunity to indulge a break and join other peddlers in a convivial atmosphere. In the cozy indoors (or in the idyllic beer garden, depending on the weather and the season), visitors can reinvigorate themselves on a budget with cool drinks, coffee and cake, homemade chocolate and delicious sandwiches.

The café Sperrmüll is also the place to discover new artists and interesting music genre ranging from jazz to flamenco, in a great atmosphere. And for those who cherish the atmosphere of flea markets’ snack, there are a few stands offering Belgian fries, Rhenish potato pancakes, organic pizzas and much more, to satisfy any appetite.