Burgfestspiele Jagsthausen

Burgfestspiele Jagsthausen — 76 Years of Tradition on Historic Ground

When spotlights illuminate the centuries-old sandstone of the Götzenburg Jagsthausen from late May to late August, and actors speak Goethe's words or bring ABBA hits to life in the castle courtyard, one of Southern Germany's most traditional open-air stages becomes active again. From May 30 to August 23, 2026, the 76th season of the Burgfestspiele Jagsthausen runs — founded in 1950, with the traditional play „Götz von Berlichingen“ after Goethe as the annual highlight. The stage is located in the courtyard of the Götzenburg in the Heilbronn district, one of the best-preserved castle complexes in the Hohenlohe region — and the birthplace of the famous knight Götz von Berlichingen.

Seven Productions, the 2026 Season

„Eine Sommernacht“ — Premiere May 30, 2026

The season opens with the romantic comedy „Eine Sommernacht“ by David Greig — a modern, Scottish-smoky declaration of love to sleepless summer nights. Two lost souls meet, wander drunkenly through Edinburgh, and discover that life is more than the sum of failed plans.

„Pippi Langstrumpf“ — Children's Play, Premiere June 6, 2026

The strongest girl in the world moves into Villa Villekulla. Astrid Lindgren's classic in a colorful family production — the performance is suitable for children aged 5 and up and families.

„Der Hexer“ — Edgar Wallace, Premiere June 12, 2026

Suspense in the castle courtyard: the stage adaptation of Edgar Wallace with murder, an inspector, and a mysterious avenger named „Der Hexer“ (The Sorcerer) — a homage to the German crime genre of the 1960s.

Mel Brooks' „Frankenstein Junior“ — Musical, Premiere June 19, 2026

The absurdly comical musical based on the 1974 cult film by Mel Brooks — featuring Igor, Frau Blücher, the Monster, and the famous „Puttin' on the Ritz“ dance number. Pure Burgfestspiele energy for musical lovers.

„Götz von Berlichingen“ — Traditional Play, Premiere June 25, 2026

The centerpiece of the season: Goethe's Sturm und Drang drama about the Swabian knight with the iron hand — performed in front of the original castle where Götz was born in 1480. Thomas Sarbacher once again embodies Götz, directed by Laura Remmler. A special atmosphere: Goethe's words on historic ground.

„Dancing Queen“ — ABBA Concert, from July 16, 2026

The musical highlight: an ABBA concert featuring the greatest hits of the Swedish pop group — „Dancing Queen“, „Mamma Mia“, „Waterloo“, „The Winner Takes It All“, „Money Money Money“. Open-air in the castle courtyard, the best concert atmosphere late into the night.

Further Productions — Children's Theater and Special Formats

In the castle moat and the smaller vaulted cellar, other productions are running: the children's play „The Little Mole Who Knew It Was On His Head“ (Premiere June 6), the musical homage „Denis Fischer & Band — A Tribute to Johnny Cash“ (June 21), the play „Everyone Has Stupid Thoughts“, the solo program „I Am Not Siegfried“, the reading series „Brush up your Shakespeare“, as well as smaller formats like „Chor in the Castle Part 2“, „All That's Beautiful“, „Bread and Circuses — We Are Still Here“, and „Jam Session with Lobo“.

Jagsthausen and the Götzenburg

The Götzenburg Jagsthausen is a late Staufen castle complex from the 12th century, shaped by the town's most famous son: Götz von Berlichingen (1480–1562), the knight with the iron hand. His Swabian saying has become part of German cultural heritage — Goethe made him a literary hero in 1773. The municipality of Jagsthausen, with around 1,700 inhabitants, is located in the Heilbronn district in Baden-Württemberg, at the transition from the Hohenlohe region to the Kraichgau. The castle complex still belongs to the Berlichingen-Rossach family today. The Burgfestspiele were founded in 1950 and have since developed into one of Southern Germany's most renowned open-air stages.