Castle of Eltz in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany – Image: GNTB/Remy Brand
From torchlit processions to jousting knights and dancing witches – every year, Germany transforms its historic castles and ancient towns into immersive medieval realms. Travelers are invited to step into living history and experience the thrill of medieval festivals set in breathtaking, authentic locations across the country.
Germany is home to more than 25,000 castles and palaces – more than any other country in Europe. Many of these are not just scenic backdrops, but dynamic venues for festivals that celebrate the Middle Ages with color, fire, music, and tradition.
Whether it’s dancing with witches in the Harz Mountains or cheering for armored knights in Bavaria, these unique experiences offer visitors an unforgettable journey through time.
Walpurgisnacht celebrations in Erfurt, Thuringia, Germany – Image: GNTB/Jens Wegener
Travelers visiting Germany in April can take part in one of its most magical traditions: Walpurgis Night in Schierke. At the foot of the legendary Brocken mountain, witches dance, fires blaze, and music fills the air in a celebration rooted in folklore and springtime ritual.
The summer continues in July, when Kaltenberg Castle near Munich hosts Europe’s largest medieval tournament. The Kaltenberg Knights’ Tournament features stunt riding, jousting, and a lively village full of artisans and entertainers – pure spectacle in a royal setting.
If it’s an authentic castle setting you’re after, you’ll find it at Rabenstein Castle in Franconian Switzerland. An atmospheric medieval market with camp life, jugglers, knights and traditional music awaits you there. The large castle festival in Burghausen, which takes place around the longest castle complex in the world, also offers a particularly impressive experience. In northern Germany, the medieval festival in Stade is a must – in the historic old town with its half-timbered houses, the Middle Ages come to life once again with the hustle and bustle of market scenes and street theatre.
Medieval Christmas Market in Esslingen near Stuttgart, Germany – Image: Esslinger Stadtmarketing & Tourismus GmbH
As the year draws to a close, Esslingen am Neckar near Stuttgart transforms into a glowing medieval wonderland. The Esslingen Medieval Christmas Market blends holiday spirit with historic flair, featuring candlelit alleys, costumed traders, fire performers, and traditional crafts. With mulled wine and stilt walkers, visitors experience Christmas as it might have felt 600 years ago.
To complete the journey, travelers can explore Germany’s rich castle landscape. From fairy-tale towers like Neuschwanstein to cliffside fortresses like Burg Eltz, scenic routes lead through regions like Bavaria, the Middle Rhine Valley, and Thuringia. Many castles offer medieval-style stays, falconry shows, and immersive tours that bring the past vividly to life. (NAN/GNTB 08-10-25)
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