Broicher Schlossweihnacht

Schloß Broich — Oldest Castle in the Rhineland

Schloß Broich in Mülheim an der Ruhr is one of the oldest preserved fortifications north of the Alps. First fortified around 883 to defend against Norman incursions, expanded into a castle in the Middle Ages, then redesigned into a Baroque palace in the 17th-18th centuries — today it is a museum with an event hall and castle park in the Broich district of Mülheim. Located directly on the banks of the Ruhr river, with a view of the historic city mill and the Mülheim city center, the castle is one of the most atmospheric event backdrops in the Ruhr area.

Medieval Christmas Market

Unlike most Christmas markets with standard Palatinate mulled wine and bratwurst, the Broicher Schlossweihnacht focuses on a consistently medieval staging. In the castle courtyard and historic rooms, costumed merchants offer blacksmith work, leather goods, mead, smoked meats, handmade candles, herbal elixirs, and medieval toys. Bonfires in iron baskets provide warmth, and spicy aromas of pastries and smoked goods fill the air.

Knights, Ladies, and Jesters

Throughout the Advent weekends, knights, ladies, craftsmen, and jesters populate the festival grounds. They bring medieval life into play: blacksmith demonstrations, wool spinning, bread baking, pottery at open workshops. The nativity play is performed several times a day — one of the more contemplative program points of the otherwise boisterous festival. Medieval music (bagpipes, hurdy-gurdy, drums) and storytellers complete the program.

Three Advent Weekends 2026

The Schlossweihnacht runs in 2026 on three consecutive Advent weekends: December 6-7 (2nd Advent), December 12-13 (3rd Advent), and December 20-21 (4th Advent). Opening hours on Saturdays are 1 PM to 10 PM, Sundays 11 AM to 8 PM — the longer opening hours on Saturday evenings are popular because the castle is most atmospheric after dark.

Admission Prices and Tickets

Admission: Adults €10, Children under 14 €6, Families (2 adults + max. 3 children) €29. Reduced rate (costumed guests, people with disabilities) €9. Children under 1 meter tall are free. Those who wish to visit more often can purchase an annual pass: Adults €38, Family €68. Tickets are available on-site or in advance from Touristinfo Mülheim.

Getting to Mülheim-Broich

By car via the A 40 (exit Mülheim-Heißen) or A 3 (exit Mülheim/Ratingen-Lintorf); parking around the castle is limited — Park & Ride via the nearby subway line is recommended. By public transport: Subway line U 18 between Essen and Mülheim, stop Schloß Broich or Mülheim main station + bus lines. Approximately a 10-minute walk from Mülheim main station.