Every two years, on the first weekend in September in even-numbered years, the alleyways of the historic old town of Nieheim are transformed into the longest cheese counter in Germany.
Whether spicy mountain cheese from Austria, mild mozzarella from Italy or aromatic matured Brie from France - for gourmets, the market is above all an opportunity to try cheeses in different preparations, textures and flavors. Of course, the famous Nieheim cheese is not to be missed - a small and fine, traditional and regional cheese specialty, which today enjoys supra-regional fame and a high reputation. In 2010, the sour milk cheese was included in the circle of protected regional specialties by the EU due to its special production process: as Nieheim cheese with a protected geographical indication.
Around 60 cheese producers from Germany and other European countries, including many organic farms, present their specialties at the German Cheese Market. The aim of the market is to raise awareness of the dairy products produced by small artisan and family businesses and to show that there are many culinary treasures to be discovered beyond the supermarket counters.
Colorful supporting program
Several winegrowers from popular German wine-growing regions provide the right fine wines to accompany the cheese. A supporting program turns the climatic health resort into a large open-air stage. The program includes a traditional beer tapping, band performances, dance performances and cheese dairy shows.