Fairy Tale Festival Trendelburg Castle

The Rapunzel Castle on the German Fairy Tale Route

High above the Diemel river in the North Hessian Reinhardswald forest sits Trendelburg Castle – a medieval hilltop castle from the 13th century. With its 40-meter-high keep and dramatic location, it has been known for years as "Rapunzel Castle" – fairy tale enthusiasts from all over the world come here to climb the tower, from which Rapunzel is said to have let down her legendary hair. Trendelburg is located directly on the German Fairy Tale Route.

12th Fairy Tale Festival 2026

Once a year, on Ascension Day, the Trendelburg Castle Hotel opens the castle grounds for the grand medieval fairy tale festival. In 2026, the 12th edition takes place on Thursday, May 14th, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free. The concept combines two worlds that naturally belong together – fairy tales and the Middle Ages.

Program

Numerous program items are spread across the castle grounds and courtyard:

• Knight tournaments by Freyschar zu Bokenrode – authentic show combats with swords, lances, and shields
• Archery for visitors
• Visit Rapunzel in the keep – climb the 40-meter tower (for an additional charge)
• Blacksmithing for children – small iron blacksmithing workshops
• Marionette and puppet shows
• Fire acrobatics and snake shows
• Medieval market with jewelry, crafts, and medieval costumes
• Children's program with knight and princess dress-up

Medieval Culinary Delights

At the food stalls, you can find Knight's Bratwurst, currywurst, and vegan alternatives. Mead and honey wine, herbal tea, and cool lemonades complete the offerings. The stalls are decorated to match the medieval atmosphere.

Trendelburg and the Fairy Tale Route

If you want to go on a fairy tale excursion: Trendelburg is located in the heart of the German Fairy Tale Route (650 km, 60 stops from Hanau to Bremen). In the surrounding area, other fairy tale locations beckon: Sababurg (Sleeping Beauty Castle), Kassel with Wilhelmshöhe (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Trendelburg's own Diemel ships, and the Reinhardswald forest as a primeval forest area.