Every third Sunday from March to November, Dunaföldvár (Dunaföldvár) transforms into a bustling hub for farmers, artists, animal traders, and curious visitors. The National Animal and Flea Market by the Lower Lake (Alsó tó) draws early risers from across the nation, where trading, bartering, and browsing all happen in one chaotic, cheerful expanse.
This market isn’t just a paradise for farmers. Alongside the steady exchange of cows, chickens, and goats from 5:00 to 11:00 AM, the stalls are packed with artisan crafts, traditional Hungarian ceramics, paintings, folk art, and everything in between. Open from 5:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the sprawling outdoor fair delivers enough sights, sounds, and smells to fill your senses before lunch.
How to Join the Action
Want to sell your own goods here? If you’re a regular trader, you’ll need to get your paperwork in order. Register with Dunaföldvár’s (Dunaföldvár) municipality via their online portal and be a legitimate business—either a sole proprietor, a registered company, a certified family farmer, or an artisan with the necessary tax numbers (FELIR for farmers, NÉBIH for food-related trades). And yes, annual stall fees apply.
Occasional sellers, don’t panic. You can show up for a day of business by paying a spot fee and parking costs. There’s a place for almost everyone—from old-school hawkers to Sunday crafters.
Stall Fees and Logistics
Stall rental for the year is based on designated units (one unit = 2.5 square meters, about 27 square feet). Prime locations (Rows 0, A, B, Z, as well as several pavilion and sector tables) cost about 18,000 HUF ($48) per unit per year. For less prominent spots, it’s 12,000 HUF ($32) per unit per year.
Sellers are allowed up to 12 units per year, but no more than four adjacent spots in one location and a maximum of three locations across the market. Trading or reselling your rented spot is strictly forbidden; break the rules and you’re out, with zero refunds.
Dunaföldvár’s (Dunaföldvár) city council always reserves the right to change your assigned spot the following year, so loyalty doesn’t always guarantee the same view. Keeping your paperwork updated is a must—any changes in status or details must be reported within 15 days.
Local Discounts and Office Hours
If you’re a Dunaföldvár (Dunaföldvár) resident, work as a primary producer, belong to a family farm, or run a local business, you’re in luck: you only pay 75% of the spot fees. Just be prepared to show proof of address and ID. To handle registration, visit Rózsa Szeleczkyné Rácz at the Mayor’s Office, room 7, during the designated opening hours: Mondays and Fridays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and Wednesdays until 4:00 PM.
Mark Your Calendar
The 2025 fair dates are: July 20, August 17, September 21, October 19, and November 16. Each event promises a whirl of trade, community, and color as summer fades into autumn.
Not Just a Market: Local Delights
When you’ve had your fill of live animal auctions and crafts, refuel at one of Dunaföldvár’s (Dunaföldvár) iconic eateries. The Marzipan Confectionery (Marcipán Cukrászda) has been the city’s sweet spot since 1988, right on Peace Square (Béke tér). The Pyramid Confectionery (Piramis Cukrászda), which started modestly in 2002, now serves a rotating menu of 20 to 30 fresh pastries daily, with seating for 20 people inside and 25 more on its terrace.
Don’t miss the Quay Restaurant (Rakpart Étterem), where you can soak in the Danube views, savor fresh salmon, pizzas, and burgers, and sip the best local wines and craft beers. The place is perfect for family feasts, romantic dates, or friends reuniting by the river.
Tóth Confectionery (Tóth Cukrászda) prides itself on combining modern culinary technology with old-world Hungarian pastry traditions, offering something both for those craving nostalgia and for adventurous palates.
Events for Every Taste
Need a place for a family gathering or a team-building weekend? The event house near the market can host 72 to 80 guests, including overnight stays. It’s available for private parties, corporate events, presentations, or training sessions.
Before you pack your bags or load the livestock, remember: times and programs can change, so check for updates. One thing won’t change—the unbeatable atmosphere of a real Hungarian market day in Dunaföldvár (Dunaföldvár).
