Faust-Festspiele Pottenstein
Summer open-air theatre in the Klumpertal valley of the Franconian Switzerland with Goethe's Faust and Pottenstein legends
About Faust-Festspiele
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Open-Air Theatre in the Franconian Switzerland
The Faust-Festspiele Pottenstein are among the most distinguished open-air theatre festivals in Franconia. The venue is the natural stage at Schüttersmühle in the Klumpertal valley, a narrow valley in the Franconian Switzerland (Bayreuth district, Upper Franconia, Bavaria). The stage is nestled among rocks and mixed forest – a natural backdrop that few Bavarian open-air stages can surpass.
Four Adult Productions in 2026
The 2026 summer play schedule includes four main productions, performed in rotation throughout the season:
- Faust I – Goethe's classic drama about Faust and Gretchen, the festival's signature piece
- Der Schmied von Pottenstein – A summer spectacle based on an old Pottenstein legend, premiere for the 125th anniversary of the Fränkische-Schweiz-Verein (founded 1901 in the same location at Schüttersmühle)
- Der Pottensteiner Teufelspakt – A traditional festival play based on a local legend, combining drama and local colour
- Der Wirrwarr – A comedy with mistaken identities and turbulent encounters
The programme is complemented by the children's play Mondragur or "The Story of the Golden Egg" – a fantasy adventure suitable for kindergarten age, performed on selected afternoons at 4:00 PM.
Performance Schedule and Gala Premieres
The adult plays begin at 8:00 PM and last approximately two hours, including an intermission, ending around 10:00 PM. Highlights of the 2026 season include the Gala Premieres with a premiere celebration in the beer garden: Der Schmied von Pottenstein on June 17, 2026, and Der Wirrwarr on July 1, 2026. Faust I celebrates its season premiere on June 19, 2026. The festival concludes on August 15, 2026, with a grand closing party with a DJ – free admission for the party.
A Venue with History
Schüttersmühle is not only a theatre venue but also the founding place of the Fränkische-Schweiz-Verein (1901) – the region's most important heritage and hiking association. The 2026 season, with the newly staged Der Schmied von Pottenstein, marks the 125th anniversary of this association.
Pottenstein and the Franconian Switzerland
Pottenstein is a small town with around 5,000 inhabitants in the Bayreuth district (Upper Franconia, Bavaria), famous for the Teufelshöhle cave, the Pottenstein rock landscape, and the annual Festival of Lights. The Faust-Festspiele are among the cultural trademarks of the town and the Franconian Switzerland region.
Faust-Festspiele — edition 2026
2026 Schedule – Four Plays in Repertory
Throughout the entire 2026 season, the four main productions will alternate. Performances start daily at 8:00 PM, and the children's play Mondragur is shown at 4:00 PM. The performances last about two hours, including an intermission, and end around 10:00 PM.
125 Years of the Fränkische-Schweiz-Verein
Der Schmied von Pottenstein is the new play for 2026 and is part of the celebrations for the 125th anniversary of the Fränkische-Schweiz-Verein, which was founded in 1901 at Schüttersmühle. The production is based on an old Pottenstein blacksmith legend and combines drama with local colour.
Festival Finale with Closing Party
On August 15, 2026, the season concludes with a grand closing party with a DJ – free admission for the party, the festival grounds are open to all.
Programme Faust-Festspiele 2026
Gala Premieres
- June 17, 2026 (8:00 PM) – Gala Premiere Der Schmied von Pottenstein, followed by a premiere celebration in the beer garden
- June 19, 2026 (8:00 PM) – Season Premiere Faust I
- July 1, 2026 (8:00 PM) – Gala Premiere Der Wirrwarr, followed by a celebration
Plays in Repertory (June 23 – August 15, 2026)
- Faust I – Goethe's tragedy about Faust and Gretchen (8:00 PM)
- Der Schmied von Pottenstein – Drama based on a Pottenstein legend (8:00 PM)
- Der Pottensteiner Teufelspakt – Traditional play based on a local legend (8:00 PM)
- Der Wirrwarr – Comedy (8:00 PM)
Children's Play (4:00 PM)
- Mondragur or "The Story of the Golden Egg" – Fantasy adventure for kindergarten age and up, approx. 1 hour without intermission
Festival Finale – Saturday, August 15, 2026
- Last performance (7:00 PM)
- Grand Closing Party with DJ, free admission
Highlights Faust-Festspiele 2026
Prices Faust-Festspiele 2026
Practical information — Faust-Festspiele
Getting Here
Schüttersmühle, 91278 Pottenstein, directly at the "Kiosk zum Klumpertal". Directions: A9 (exit Pegnitz or Plech), B470, follow signs for Klumpertal. Parking is available in front of the mill. Public transport: Train to Pegnitz, then bus or taxi to Pottenstein/Schüttersmühle.
Tickets
Advance booking: €23.00 (concession €16.00), box office: €26.00 (concession €19.00). Online ticket shop on faust-festspiele.eu with no fees; at OK-Ticket advance booking points, approx. €1.00 or 10% fee depending on the provider. Concessions for pupils, students, and people with disabilities (GdB 70 or higher) and their accompanying person.
On Site
Open-air stage. In case of bad weather, check the festival website for information. Beer garden at Schüttersmühle. Closing party on 15.08. with DJ, free admission.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Faust-Festspiele al mejor precio.
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