Annotopia – Fantasy Festival Schloss Marienburg
Fantasy, Medieval, and Steampunk Festival on the Pentecost weekend against the backdrop of Schloss Marienburg
About Annotopia
Schloss Marienburg as a Stage
Schloss Marienburg, perched high above the Leinetal valley, was built in the mid-19th century by King George V of Hanover as a birthday gift for his wife Marie. The neo-Gothic architecture, the towers, bay windows, and courtyards provide a unique setting for a fantasy festival: hardly any other venue in Germany fits the visual world of the fantasy scene so perfectly. Annotopia consistently leverages this atmosphere, integrating the castle into the festival's events, including castle tours which are included in the admission price.
Three Worlds Under One Festival Roof
Annotopia is not a classic medieval market but a fusion of three worlds: the medieval world with knights, damsels, Vikings, and traditional crafts; the steampunk world with its Victorian-industrial aesthetic of gears, brass, and goggles; and the modern fantasy world with cosplays from films, series, video games, and literary sources. This mix attracts a broad audience, from traditional medieval fans to young cosplayers and fantasy literature enthusiasts.
Over 450 Costumed Participants
More than 450 registered costumed participants, along with festival-goers in their own attire, create a multi-layered living tableau. Camps with historical tents, elaborate steampunk installations, professional cosplayers, and enthusiastic hobbyists share the stage. Those who wish to participate are encouraged to come in costume; it is not mandatory.
Market, Stages, and Taverns
The market features specialized vendors for fantasy costumes, LARP equipment, medieval clothing, jewelry, leather goods, horns, books, games, and accessories. Several stages host music – from medieval rock bands and symphonic fantasy sounds to walk-on music groups. Taverns offering mead, beer, and medieval-inspired cuisine complete the offerings. Historical reenactments, theatrical performances, and show acts are a regular part of the program.
Family Program
Annotopia explicitly caters to families. There are special hands-on activities for children, child-friendly performances, and a reduced admission price. Many families come in costume, making the Pentecost weekend a shared experience.
Pentecost Weekend as Festival Date
The festival traditionally takes place on the Pentecost weekend, one of the most important dates in the German fantasy and medieval festival calendar. Visitors to Annotopia typically plan for a weekend, combining the festival, a castle visit, and a trip to the nearby Hannover-Hildesheim region.
Annotopia — edition 2026
The 2026 edition builds on the successful concept of previous years and expands the program with new show acts and stage productions. Schloss Marienburg, a neo-Gothic castle, provides an unparalleled backdrop, making the festival a visual spectacle.
Tickets are available in advance via Reservix and also at the box office. Advance purchase often offers more favorable conditions.
Programme Annotopia 2026
Program Structure 2026
- Saturday, May 23, 2026, 11 AM – Gates open, camps fully set up, first walk-on acts and reenactments begin.
- Saturday, all day – Market open, music program on multiple stages, castle tours throughout the day, medieval taverns, evening stage act until 10 PM.
- Sunday, May 24, 2026, 11 AM - 10 PM – Repetition and deepening of the daily program, cosplay competition, evening light show, and fire performance.
- Whit Monday, May 25, 2026, 11 AM - 7 PM – Family Day with special offers for children, farewell parade in the late afternoon, festival ends at 7 PM.
Areas
- Medieval Camp – Knights, damsels, Vikings, craftspeople with historical equipment.
- Steampunk Zone – Installations, performers, stalls with goggles, brass accessories, Victorian costumes.
- Fantasy Cosplay – Cosplayers from films, series, games, novels.
- Market – LARP equipment, costumes, jewelry, horns, books, games, leather goods.
- Stages – Medieval rock, symphonic fantasy music, show and theater acts.
- Taverns – Mead, beer, medieval-inspired food.
- Castle Tours – included in the day ticket.
Highlights Annotopia 2026
- Schloss Marienburg as a unique backdrop
- Over 450 costumed participants from medieval, steampunk, and fantasy genres
- Three days of programming with multiple stages
- Reenactments, cosplay competition, fire shows
- Castle tours included in admission
- Family-friendly with reduced child ticket prices
Prices Annotopia 2026
Practical information — Annotopia
Date 2026
- Saturday 23 to Monday 25 May 2026 (Pentecost weekend)
- Saturday and Sunday 11 AM - 10 PM, Whit Monday 11 AM - 7 PM
Location
- Schloss Marienburg, Marienberg 1, 31171 Nordstemmen
- Postal address often also listed as 30982 Pattensen (the castle is on the city border)
Admission
- Day ticket adults €28
- Day ticket children up to 15 years €19
- Castle tours included in admission
- Tickets via Reservix and at the box office
Getting There
- By car via the A7 (Hildesheim exit) or the B3; festival parking available in the vicinity
- Shuttle services from Nordstemmen train station during the festival (information from the organizer)
Notes
- Costumes explicitly welcome, but not mandatory
- Cash payment common at many market stalls
- Tickets online in advance are cheaper than at the box office
- Program may be adjusted in case of extreme weather
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