Discover the vibrant heart of Ommen during the annual Ommer Bissingh. Be enchanted by the traditional festivities, spectacular performances and surprising market stalls. Immerse yourself in the rich history and experience the unique atmosphere that has characterized this event for centuries. Do not miss this authentic summer festival and immerse yourself in the coziness of the Ommer Bissingh!
The Ommer Bissingh is an annual market with a long tradition. It was already mentioned in 1557, and since then, the market has been held every second Tuesday in July. The Ommer Bissingh is an important source of income for local entrepreneurs. The annual market has a strong regional appeal and attracts thousands of visitors to the center of Ommen each year.
The Bissingh has a colorful past. In 1669, the Zwolle city secretary Jacobus Vriesen was “thoroughly beaten” at the Bissingh by nobleman Herman Schaap of Beerze, according to archival records. In the 19th century, it was one of the most heavily attended markets in the province. “The influx of people is astonishingly large for such a small place. Buyers and sellers come together here from very remote regions. Most houses are then turned into inns because the regular lodgings are nowhere near sufficient to accommodate the crowd of strangers,” reads a description of Ommen from the year 1830.
