Zuidlaardermarkt
Highlights
800 years of market history
The Zuidlaardermarkt is one of the oldest horse and livestock markets in Europe. Traders, breeders, and buyers have been meeting here for over eight centuries, and the setup hasn't changed all that much.
One of Europe's largest horse markets
Every year, thousands of visitors and exhibitors make their way to Zuidlaren to buy, sell, or simply look at horses and livestock. The range covers everything from leisure horses to breeding stock.
Dogs welcome
Dogs are welcome at the Zuidlaardermarkt. The market grounds are easy to walk with the whole family, four-legged members included.
Held at Olle Stee
The market takes place at Olle Stee in Zuidlaren, a site that has been tied to this market for generations.
What is Zuidlaardermarkt?
The Zuidlaardermarkt is the oldest and largest horse trade fair in the Netherlands, taking place on 20 October 2026 at Olle Stee in Zuidlaren, in the province of Drenthe. Breeders, traders, and buyers converge here to buy, sell, and assess horses of all kinds. The fair has a character all its own: live trading, hundreds of horses, and the atmosphere of a centuries-old market tradition. You don't need to be a buyer to enjoy the day, spectators, families, and horse enthusiasts from across the Netherlands and neighbouring countries are as much a part of the scene as the sellers. A supporting programme adds variety for visitors who come purely to soak up the mood.
What do you need to know beforehand?
Where does Zuidlaardermarkt take place?
The Zuidlaardermarkt takes place at Olle Stee in Zuidlaren, a village in the province of Drenthe in the northeast of the Netherlands. The surroundings are rural and open, broad fields and quiet forests typical of the Drenthe landscape, which has provided the backdrop for this market for generations. Zuidlaren sits comfortably between the cities of Groningen and Assen, making it easy to reach from either direction.
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The Zuidlaardermarkt is easiest to reach by car via the A28 motorway, exit Zuidlaren, following signs to the fairground from there. By public transport, take a train to Assen station and then bus line 21 or 22 to Zuidlaren – extra bus services run on market day. A shuttle bus connects the car parks with the event grounds, and visitors towing horse trailers will find separate routing and parking instructions.
At the 2026 Zuidlaardermarkt, visitors can watch live horse trading as it happens, dealers and breeders from the Netherlands and abroad bring their animals to the fairground. The atmosphere leans closer to a large country fair than a competition event: alongside the horses, you'll find market stalls, food, and the busy energy of a genuine trade day. Good to know - Dogs are welcome on the grounds
- Most of the terrain is unpaved, sturdy footwear is a good idea, especially in wet weather
- The fair runs in all weather
The Zuidlaardermarkt has concrete offerings for children: a playground on the fairground, pony rides for younger visitors, a dedicated children's afternoon on Wednesday, and a children's flea market on Saturday afternoon. The event suits all ages, kids have plenty to do beyond just watching the horses.
Buyers and sellers can register through the organizer's official website to take part in the market as active traders. The Zuidlaardermarkt is a working horse fair: if you want to sell, you bring your horse; if you want to buy, the animals are right there on the ground. Accommodation Hotels, B&Bs, and campsites are available in and around Zuidlaren. Availability fills up quickly around market day, book early.
The terms and conditions for registrations and tickets are published on the Stichting Evenementen Zuidlaardermarkt website. Specific side events such as the children's flea market or the children's afternoon have their own separate registration terms.
Who's behind it?
Stichting Evenementen Zuidlaardermarkt
Zuidlaren town centre
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