37th Tangermünde Castle Festival

Tangermünde Celebrates its Emperor

The small Hanseatic town of Tangermünde, at the mouth of the Tanger River into the Elbe, is one of the most beautiful brick ensemble towns in Northern Germany — and for three days in September, it will transform for the 37th time into a vibrant stage of its own history. The Tangermünde Castle Festival commemorates the time when Emperor Charles IV maintained one of his favorite residences here — the Bohemian Luxembourger made Tangermünde a secondary capital of his empire in the 14th century.

On the Burgberg with its remnants of the medieval imperial palace, in the Lange Straße, and on the Bleichenberg, a medieval market, stages, and festival grounds are set up. The entire old town becomes a festival area — from the Neustädter Tor to the Elbe promenade.

The Emperor's Procession — The Centerpiece

On Saturday at 3:00 PM, the famous procession begins: Emperor Charles IV, with his retinue, enters through the Neustädter Tor, then proceeds along the Lange Straße to the Burgberg. There, the Emperor addresses the gathered crowd from the castle wall — a theatrically staged speech oscillating between pathos and wit. Hundreds of actors in detailed costumes accompany the procession; horses, wagons, travelling folk, and music groups complete the spectacle.

Three Stages, One Market, One Fireworks Display

Throughout the weekend, concerts by regional bands and medieval groups are spread across several stages. On the Burgberg, the medieval market with artisans, jugglers, show fighters, and taverns is in full swing. On Saturday evening, there is the grand fireworks display over the Elbe, illuminating the castle walls and red brick facades in gunpowder light — a sight not to be missed.

Tangermünde in the Altmark

Tangermünde is located in the Stendal district in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, in the historical region of the Altmark. The town has around 10,000 inhabitants and is a member of the international association 'The Most Beautiful Cities in Germany'. From the Burgberg, one looks far over the Elbe meadows — a dramatic viewpoint that is particularly impressive during the festival.