Burgenfest Bad Berneck
Medieval history and theatre across three ruins above the spa park
About Burgenfest Bad Berneck
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Three ruins, one stage, one journey through time
Bad Berneck in the Fichtelgebirge boasts a rare distinction: no fewer than three medieval castle ruins dominate the Schlossberg hill above the spa park and the upper town. Hohenberneck, Wallenrode, and Marienturm – all three served as strongholds for ruling families on the edge of the Franconian Forest from the 12th century onwards. The Burgenfest turns this heritage into a vibrant venue.
What happens at the Burgenfest
The event is organised by the Förderverein Historische Stätten Bad Berneck e.V. (Historical Sites Association), which received the Bavarian Heritage Medal in 2016 for its restoration and educational work. The Burgenfest includes:
- Open-air theatre performances – original productions with historical relevance
- Five historical encampment groups demonstrating their crafts and daily life: calligraphy, archery, blacksmithing, and leatherwork
- Knight fights and combat demonstrations
- Fire show at dusk
- Medieval food and drinks (e.g., Stockbrot, mead, lard bread)
A festival with no admission fee
The association finances the Burgenfest through donations, on-site sales of food and drinks, and sponsorship. Admission to the festival grounds is free – donations at the ascent to the Schlossberg are welcome and directly support the restoration work on the masonry.
Around and about: Bad Berneck
Bad Berneck (approx. 4,500 inhabitants) is a spa and climatic health resort located at the transition from the Franconian Forest to the Fichtelgebirge. Visitors to the Burgenfest often combine it with a hike through the Ölschnitztal valley or a stop at the spa park. The tourist information office on the market square provides maps and accommodation tips.
Burgenfest Bad Berneck — edition 2026
The 2026 edition — documented as the 10th Burgenfest — will again be held on the Schlossberg, with the Hohenberneck castle ruin as the central venue. The festival concept combines historical reenactment with a family-friendly folk festival atmosphere — many families come for the whole day, others just for the evening fire show.
Access to the Schlossberg is via the path from the market square. Sturdy footwear is recommended due to the unpaved paths. In case of rain, most programme items will take place under tent roofs or within the ruins themselves.
Programme Burgenfest Bad Berneck 2026
Saturday, May 16, 2026
- Morning — Setting up of historical encampments on the Schlossberg
- Noon — Opening of the Burgenfest
- Afternoon — Camp life with demonstrations: Calligraphy, blacksmithing, leatherwork, archery for visitors
- Evening — Open-air theatre performance
- At dusk — Fire show
Sunday, May 17, 2026
- Morning — Camp life, market stalls
- Noon — Knight combat demonstrations on the meadow below the ruin
- Afternoon — Theatre (repeat of Saturday's production), children's programme
- Late afternoon — Closing of the Burgenfest
Culinary Offerings
Classic medieval cuisine: Stockbrot over an open flame, lard bread, grilled meats, mead (honey wine), regional beers. Vegetarian options available.
The exact theatre play and detailed times will be published in advance on badberneck-historisch.de and on the association's Facebook page.
Highlights Burgenfest Bad Berneck 2026
Prices Burgenfest Bad Berneck 2026
Practical information — Burgenfest Bad Berneck
Getting there
Bad Berneck is located on the A9 motorway (exit Bad Berneck/Himmelkron). A steep path leads from the market square up to the Schlossberg – sturdy footwear recommended. Parking is available in the town centre; approx. 10 minutes' walk from the market square.
Accessibility
The path up to the Schlossberg is not wheelchair accessible. Visitors with limited mobility can plan their day in the lower part of the town – some programme items are also presented there during special editions.
Admission
Free admission. Donations welcome, food and drink available on site.
More information
Current programme details: badberneck-historisch.de and the association's Facebook page.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Burgenfest Bad Berneck al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Where it takes place Burgenfest Bad Berneck
Schlossberg / Burgruine Hohenberneck
Burgruine Hohenberneck, An der Ölschnitz 3, 95460 Bad Berneck im Fichtelgebirge