Great Stargard Castle Festival

Germany's Northernmost Hilltop Castle

The Hohenburg Stargard sits enthroned on a striking castle hill above the small town of Burg Stargard in the Mecklenburg Lake District (state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania). Its walls date back to the 13th century; it is considered the northernmost preserved hilltop castle in Germany, making it a first-class cultural-historical sight. Once a year — on the second weekend in August — the castle fills with people in medieval attire, horses, market stalls, and campfires.

33rd Edition 2026: 'POWER GAMES AT COURT'

The 2026 motto focuses on the year 1299, depicting the political power struggles between Prince Henry of Mecklenburg and his subjects. The program combines theater, equestrian games, and camp life into a vivid historical portrayal — not just a costume party, but a meticulously composed medieval weekend with a dramatic framework.

Program Elements

The Great Stargard Knight Tournament and the medieval Archery Tournament are the sporting highlights. In addition, there are falconry demonstrations, a fire show, dances of the Stargard nobility, knightly and army camps with historically accurate equipment, and in the castle park, a Medieval Craft Street with potters, blacksmiths, basket weavers, weavers, and bakers. For children, there is a straw bouncy castle, crossbow shooting, pony rides, a carousel, a ferris wheel, basket weaving, and pottery. Musical accompaniment is provided by, among others, the folk bards Hinterhof, the singer Sareema, the Duo Mumpitz, as well as jugglers and storytellers.

Burg Stargard and the Castle Association

Burg Stargard (around 5,000 inhabitants) is located about 12 km southwest of Neubrandenburg. The castle festival is organized by the Stargarder Burgverein e.V. (Stargard Castle Association) in cooperation with the town and a large number of voluntarily engaged residents. The association also maintains the hilltop castle and its museum inventory. The castle festival is known beyond the state and attracts medieval enthusiasts from all over Northern Germany.