Gauklerspiel auf der Zitadelle Spandau
Juggling, acrobatics, and medieval market delights in the Renaissance fortress
About Gauklerspiel Spandau
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The Citadel as a Stage
The Zitadelle Spandau is one of the best-preserved Renaissance fortresses in Europe—built in the 16th century, with the Juliusturm tower, over 800 years old, at its heart. When Carnica Spectaculi hosts its annual Gauklerspiel (jesters' play), the imposing complex transforms into a baroque pleasure garden: between bastions and casemates, jesters, jugglers, and acrobats perform, a medieval market fills the inner courtyard, and the air is thick with the smell of campfires and mead.
What to Expect
The spectacle blends disciplines that enchanted traveling audiences in the Middle Ages and early modern period: juggling with clubs, balls, and flaming torches, high-wire and ground acrobatics, fire-eaters, magic, stilt walkers, and puppet shows. Performers appear in several rounds throughout the day—you wander between stages, curating your own program.
The Market
Accompanying the spectacle are around 40–60 market stalls with historically accurate costumes: leather crafts, blacksmithing, wool felt, horn combs, medieval musical instruments, mead, bratwurst, garlic bread, and mulled apple cider. The atmosphere is spot-on—Carnica Spectaculi is among the most professional German organizers in this genre.
A Festival for Families
Unlike some medieval events in the Ruhr area or Bavaria, the Gauklerspiel at the Zitadelle consciously remains family-friendly. Children aged 6 and up pay €6, under 5s are free. For adults, it's €13 (concessions €9). The program runs continuously from 10 am to 7 pm on both days.
Berlin and Spandau
Spandau, the youngest of Berlin's twelve districts and only incorporated into Berlin in 1920, maintains its own identity—the historic old town with St. Nicholas' Church, the harbor, the citadel. The Gauklerspiel is part of the effort to breathe life into the fortress beyond its museum function. Take the opportunity to stroll through Spandau's old town after the spectacle.
Gauklerspiel Spandau — edition 2026
The 2026 edition confirms the format of previous years: two full event days, continuous program operation from 10 am to 7 pm, multiple stages and performance spots spread across the fortress grounds, plus a historically costumed market in the inner courtyard. Carnica Spectaculi traditionally relies on established troupes and solo acts from across Germany.
Admission prices remain the same compared to previous years: Adults €13, concessions €9, children aged 6–16 €6, under 5s free. Direct entry through the main gate near the U-Bahn Zitadelle station.
Programme Gauklerspiel Spandau 2026
The exact artist lineup for 2026 will be published in late summer. Structurally, the weekend follows the proven schedule:
- 10:00 AM — Gate Opening, simultaneous setup of market stalls
- 10:30 AM–12:30 PM — First Performance Round on two stages (juggling, acrobatics, children's puppet theater)
- 12:30 PM–2:00 PM — Lunch Break, walk-acts and small performances on the Swedish Bastion
- 2:00 PM–4:00 PM — Second Main Round, focus on magic and fire art (the latter only at dusk on Saturday)
- 4:00 PM–6:00 PM — Third Round with stilt walkers, sword fighting demonstrations, and a jester parade through the grounds
- 6:00 PM–7:00 PM — Fire Shows (especially Saturday evening) at the main square
- 7:00 PM — Closing
Stalls open with the entrance. Over 40 artisans and food vendors attend each year—leather workshop, blacksmith, glass beads, wool felt, mead, garlic bread, stick bread for kids. More information on troupes and market vendors at carnica-spectaculi.de.
Highlights Gauklerspiel Spandau 2026
- Two full days of continuous stage program
- Juggling, acrobatics, magic, fire art
- Medieval market with 40+ historically costumed stalls
- Zitadelle Spandau Renaissance fortress as a unique backdrop
- Family-friendly, children under 5 free
Prices Gauklerspiel Spandau 2026
Adults €13. Concessions (students, seniors, severely disabled) €9. Children aged 6–16 €6. Children under 5 years free admission. Box office at the entrance, no online tickets required.
Practical information — Gauklerspiel Spandau
Getting There
U-Bahn (subway) U7 Zitadelle (direct entrance), Bus M45, X33. Limited car parking available at the Am Juliusturm entrance.
Admission
Adults €13, concessions €9, children aged 6–16 €6, under 5s free. Tickets available at the box office, no advance purchase necessary.
Tip
Those arriving in historical costume may receive a small discount at some stalls—just ask.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Gauklerspiel Spandau al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Gauklerspiel Spandau
Zitadelle Spandau
Am Juliusturm 64, 13599 Berlin