GAUDIUM – Medieval Castle Festival Horst

Comeback after a long break

GAUDIUM – the medieval castle festival Horst returns to Schloss Horst in 2026 after a long hiatus. The festival, which used to be a staple of the medieval scene in the Ruhr area, was last held in 2018 and then ceased operations for financial reasons. With the Förderverein Schloss Horst and the Gelsenkirchen-based event agency Sündenfrei, two partners have joined forces to revive the event. Dates: Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21, 2026.

Schloss Horst — the historic backdrop

Schloss Horst is one of North Rhine-Westphalia's most important Renaissance castles, located in the Horst district of Gelsenkirchen. With its inner courtyard, arcaded walkways, and typical 16th-century architecture, the complex offers a unique backdrop for a medieval festival. As soon as you enter the courtyard, the centuries blur — and that is precisely the intention of GAUDIUM.

Music: Irregang, Die Skalden, Sintram

Several musical acts will perform on stage and in the courtyard:

• Irregang — this folk band has been playing at medieval markets throughout Germany for decades, blending traditional songs with instrumental pieces on the hurdy-gurdy, bagpipes, and harp.
• Die Skalden — this vocal group sings traditional and newly composed songs in harmony, often referencing historical themes.
• Barde Sintram — a solo artist with a lute or hurdy-gurdy, singing sagas, anecdotes, and love stories from the medieval world.

Show: Feuerreiner and Juggler Joschi

The show segments will be spectacular, featuring Feuerreiner (fire eating, torch juggling, pyro acts) and Juggler Joschi (balls, clubs, rings, medieval comedy). Both will perform multiple times a day — exact show times will be posted at the entrance.

Jousting Tournament Twice Daily

The highlight of GAUDIUM is the jousting tournament, which takes place twice daily on both days — at 1:00 PM and 4:30 PM. Fully armored knights on horseback compete in classic disciplines such as lance dueling, ring riding, and combat. The tournament lasts about 45 minutes and is narrated — making it easily understandable even for medieval festival newcomers.

Market — Crafts, Food, Taverns

Around the performance areas, you'll find market stalls offering crafts (blacksmith, potter, basket weaver), jewelry, leather goods, and costumes. Taverns serve mead, beer, and wine, alongside suckling pig, wood-fired bread, stews, and other smaller medieval dishes. Those who come in costume pay less at the entrance and immerse themselves directly in the atmosphere.

Family-Friendly and Accessible

GAUDIUM is family-friendly: children pay half price, preschoolers and additional siblings in families are free. The grounds are largely wheelchair accessible, and accessible toilets are available. Dogs on leashes are permitted. Due to limited parking at the castle, the organizers recommend using public transport.