Berlin’s most anticipated cheese event is back. On Sunday, November 8, 2026, the historic Markthalle Neun in Kreuzberg will host the 14th edition of Cheese Berlin, transforming the iconic market hall into a global hub for artisan cheese culture. From 11 AM to 6 PM, more than 50 international producers will present over 500 handcrafted cheeses for tasting and purchase.
Cheese Berlin
Since its debut in 2012, Cheese Berlin has grown into one of Europe’s most important gatherings for the artisan cheese community. What began as a modest gathering of regional producers has evolved into an international destination, drawing cheesemakers, affineurs, mongers, and enthusiasts from across Europe and beyond . The 2024 edition alone attracted over 5,000 visitors.
A Global Cheese Journey Without the Passport
This year’s festival promises a truly international lineup. Expect raw milk Boerenkaas from the Netherlands, Spreewald Gruyère from Brandenburg, Scandinavian gold-medal winners, and radical natural cheeses from South America. The roster of participating countries reads like a world atlas of dairy traditions: Italy, Austria, Switzerland, France, Iceland, Uruguay, Poland, Spain, Belgium, Ireland, England, Turkey, and more .
Beyond the market stalls, Cheese Berlin offers a packed program of more than 35 events designed to deepen visitors’ appreciation for the craft. The Cheese Stage will host live discussions with international industry pioneers exploring how traditional methods remain relevant in challenging times. Guided “Cheese Walks” led by experts offer curated tours through the market, while seminars and tastings range from convivial Slow Food roundtables to the spirited Heinzel-Cheese-Talks with wine pairings.
The Exhibition and the Spectacle
The “Exponat Käse” exhibition, a fixture since 2023, returns with a focus on the visual spectrum of artisan cheese. Visitors are invited to look closely before they taste—discovering the deep blues, bright oranges, ivory tones, and velvety grays that reveal themselves in every wheel .
The festival’s fiery finale arrives at 5:30 PM with the live cracking of a 30-kilogram wheel of L’Etivaz AOP, a rare Swiss alpine cheese. The spectacle will be accompanied by the sound of four alphorns, with fresh-cut wedges available for purchase on the spot.
A Curated Community
Cheese Berlin’s identity is shaped by curator Ursula Heinzelmann, who has guided the event for over a decade. Her emphasis on respecting the landscapes, animals, and labor behind every wheel has given the festival a distinctly ethical dimension. The annual “Fenster zum Hof” award, presented since 2017, honors producers who demonstrate sustainable resource use, respectful animal partnerships, and long-term financial viability .
“Real cheese emerges from the relationship between humans and animals under specific landscape conditions,” Heinzelmann told the Berliner Morgenpost. “It is an excellent basis for fostering greater understanding for one another” .
What to Know Before You Go
Date: Sunday, November 8, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Markthalle Neun, Eisenbahnstraße 42/43, 10997 Berlin
Admission: €10 general, €5 after 4 PM; free for residents of 10997, children, and those with valid eligibility documentation
Advance Tickets: Available via the official website
For those planning to attend, arriving early is recommended—the most sought-after cheeses tend to disappear before midday. And for the full experience, check the program schedule in advance, as select seminars and tastings require separate registration.