Best Secondhand Shopping in Karlsruhe

With all the organising for this trip I hadn’t done much preplaning of the things I wanted to see and do. I however managed to find some stores so I could experience secondhand shopping in Karlsruhe. Along the way I found a couple of extra stops that you should add to your list of place to see.

If you’re planning a trip you’ll want to know where to go before you arrive. So here’s what I found, what I would have bought, some tips. And I’ve popped all the ones I visited on a map.

 

Karlsruhe Secondhand Shops & Creative Spaces

Oxfam Karlsruhe

If you want a shop that feels immediately familiar, Oxfam is your starting point. It’s a small, intimate space but very well organised, and it reminded me quite a bit of the smaller op shops back home in New Zealand. Comfortable, browsable, nicely priced.

The old book section caught my attention more than I expected. I’m always on the lookout for interesting covers and print textures when I travel, the kind of thing you photograph and file away for later, and there were a few genuinely beautiful examples in the pile. They also had a solid selection of pottery worth a look.

Kashka (Diakonisches Werk)

If you want volume, this is the one. Kashka is a proper department-style store and by far the largest shop on the trail. There’s a big range of secondhand clothing, but I made straight for the home decor section as usual.

The shelves were well stocked with vintage European pewter and heavy copper pieces, and the selection was genuinely impressive. I came very close to attempting to fit a copper jug into my suitcase. Luggage restrictions continue to be the natural enemy of the travelling second-hand shopper.

 

Laden 23 & The Hunter

Laden 23 is a boutique-style shop, smaller and more curated. It was a lovely browse, though lots of similar things to what you can find in New Zealand, though I did spot a nice ceramic jug and a few gorgeous items in the window. Worth a look if you’re in the area, as its not far from Kashka Diakonisches Werk.

I’d also mapped out a stop at a shop called The Hunter, but I honestly don’t think I made it inside. My best guess is it was closed when I arrived. That’s just the reality of secondhand hunting on the road sometimes, but it looks to be a great shop for those who love vintage clothing.

 

Surprise Stops

atelier B: (Haus Bodelschwingh)

This one isn’t a traditional secondhand shop, but it was the highlight of the whole Karlsruhe walk. atelier B: on Karlstraße is a social enterprise and creative workshop where local residents handcraft wooden toys, ceramics, textiles, and paper goods under expert guidance.

The quality of the handmade wooden animals and painted pieces was genuinely stunning. Even if secondhand hunting isn’t your thing, supporting a space like this is worth building into your itinerary. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow right down.

Fachl

If you are looking for handcrafted items make sure to check out Fachl. They are located in over 30 locations in Germany and other places in Europe. It is a place which helps small businesses get started.

As I wasn’t sure what the shop was called I asked someone in a cafe I frequented (since closed) and they kindly pointed me in the right direction. I added a lovely pair of earrings to my collection.

Tips for Secondhand Shopping in Karlsruhe

• Watch the clock Small European boutique shops often have shorter hours or close early on Saturdays. Check before you go, learn from my Hunter experience.
• Keep your eyes open for texture and colour.You don’t have to spend anything to get something out of an secondhand shopping trail. Old book covers, European pottery shapes, the way things are arranged on a shelf. I photograph a lot of it just to look at later.
• Group your route. Karlsruhe is very walkable, and Kashka and atelier B: are both on or near Karlstraße, so pairing those two saves your legs for the actual browsing.

Secondhand Shopping in Karlsruhe Videos

includes travel video

 

Final Word on Secondhand Shopping in Karlsruhe

Secondhand shopping in Karlsruhe might not have filled a suitcase, but it helped to fill the creative bucket. Along with all the other places I encountered in Karlsruhe it made for an excellent visit.

If you’ve visited Karlsruhe what secondhand shops should I put on my must see list for the next time I visit, fingers crossed.

Happy hunting, Jenny x  follow me on insta