Great Celtic Festival Otzenhausen
Living History Festival at the Celtic Ring Wall in the Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park
About Celtic Festival Otzenhausen
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The Largest Celtic Ring Wall in Central Europe
The Celtic Ring Wall of Otzenhausen, with a circumference of around 2.5 kilometers, is one of the largest preserved Celtic fortifications in Central Europe. Built by the Treveri in the 1st century BC, it dominated the Hochwald Pass between the Moselle and Saar rivers as the "Hunnenring" (Hunnic Ring). Today, it is located in the Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park and is the main attraction of the Otzenhausen Celtic Park.
Living History Instead of a Display Case Museum
At the foot of the ring wall, the supporting association has erected a reconstructed Celtic village: houses made of wood, clay, and straw, a blacksmith's forge, a bakery, a weaving house, and a meeting place. Here, everyday Celtic life is not just explained but demonstrated through living history: by volunteer living history groups such as the Hochwaldkelten, who populate the village on weekends and demonstrate crafts, cooking, music, and combat techniques.
Great Celtic Festival — The Highlight
Once every two years — in even-numbered years — the Great Celtic Festival takes place in the summer. Celtic and Roman reenactment groups from all over Germany and neighboring countries travel to Otzenhausen: France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland. A total of 70–100 reenactors perform, and a Roman military camp is set up, which enters into (peaceful) competition with the Celtic village.
Crafts in Action
Visitors can experience:
- Blacksmithing — Ironworking with ancient techniques
- Pottery — Clay vessels on the potter's wheel
- Weaving — Wool and linen on a standing loom
- Bronze Casting — Jewelry making in sand molds
- Oven — Bread baking in a clay oven
- Archery — Hands-on stations for children and adults
- Celtic Cuisine — Millet porridge, wild boar roast, mead
- Military Camp Drill of the Roman legionaries
Celts and Treveri — Saarland's Cultural Heritage
The festival is more than just a living history spectacle. It conveys the archaeological significance of the Hochwald-Hunsrück region as a core Celtic territory. The Treveri were a Celtic tribe who settled here, later conquered by Caesar, and integrated into the Roman Empire. This transitional period between Celtic independence and Roman province is the theme of the festival.
Celtic Festival Otzenhausen — edition 2026
As the Celtic Festival takes place every two years and the last edition was in 2024, the next edition is planned for summer 2026. The exact date (typically the last weekend of July or the first weekend of August) will be published in spring 2026 by the Hochwaldkelten and the National Park Gate Celtic Park.
70–100 reenactors, a Roman military camp, the reconstructed Celtic village in full animation, and the complete living history crafts are expected: blacksmithing, pottery, weaving, bronze casting, baking oven, archery, Celtic cuisine.
In the meantime, the Celtic Park organizes several smaller animation days (e.g., June 6–7, 2026 — Living History Weekend with ceramics, wood crafts, weaving, and bread baking).
Programme Celtic Festival Otzenhausen 2026
Planned Program Schedule (based on previous years)
Saturday — Day 1
- 10:00 AM — Opening of the Celtic Village and Roman Military Camp
- 11:00 AM — Opening Ceremony with Celtic Druid Ritual
- 11:30 AM — Blacksmithing, Pottery, Weaving in Action
- 1:00 PM — Bronze Casting Demonstration
- 2:00 PM — Roman Legionary Drill with Demonstration
- 3:00 PM — Celtic Music and Dance
- 4:00 PM — Archery for Visitors (Hands-on Station)
- 5:00 PM — Combat Demonstration: Celts vs. Romans
- 7:00 PM — Box office closes, Celtic Fire and Mead
Sunday — Day 2
- 10:00 AM — Opening with Celtic Breakfast
- 11:00 AM — Guided Hike over the Ring Wall
- 12:00 PM — Oven Demonstration (Celtic Bread)
- 2:00 PM — Celtic Cuisine (Millet Porridge, Wild Boar Roast)
- 3:00 PM — Workshops for Children (Stone Axe Making, Felting)
- 5:00 PM — Closing Ceremony
- 6:00 PM — Festival End
Exact date and program for 2026 will be published in spring 2026 on keltenpark-otzenhausen.de and home.hochwaldkelten.de.
Highlights Celtic Festival Otzenhausen 2026
- Central Europe's largest preserved Celtic ring wall as the venue
- 70–100 living history reenactors from several European countries
- Reconstructed Celtic village with fully functional workshops
- Roman military camp with legionary drill
- Combat demonstrations: Celts vs. Romans
- Hands-on workshops for children and adults
Prices Celtic Festival Otzenhausen 2026
Day ticket for adults, based on experience, €8–12, children €4–6, families reduced. Food and drinks of Celtic cuisine at fixed prices.
Practical information — Celtic Festival Otzenhausen
Getting There
Otzenhausen is a district of the municipality of Nonnweiler in the St. Wendel district, about 55 km north of Saarbrücken. By car via the A1 (exit Nonnweiler/Hermeskeil), then L150 to Otzenhausen. By public transport from Türkismühle train station with bus line 612.
Admission
Great Celtic Festival, based on experience, €8–12 per adult, reduced €4–6 for children aged 6 and over, family tickets available. Included in the admission: access to the Celtic village, the ring wall, and the living history reenactment.
Accommodation
Hotels in Nonnweiler and at the nearby Bostalsee (5 km). Camping at Bostalsee is possible.
Tip
A guided hike over the ring wall (approx. 1 hour) is worthwhile. Wear sturdy shoes — the terrain is hilly and natural.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Celtic Festival Otzenhausen al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Celtic Festival Otzenhausen
Nationalpark-Tor Keltenpark Otzenhausen
Keltenpark Otzenhausen, 66620 Nonnweiler