Hilpoltsteiner Burgspiel
Open-air theatre in the romantic castle ruins since 1946
About Burgspiel Hilpoltstein
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Theatre in the Castle Ruins
The Hilpoltstein Castle Ruins are among the most impressive castle landscapes in Middle Franconia. Situated on a rocky spur above the town centre – remnants of the High Castle, powder tower, castle chapel, a courtyard where theatre began in the 1940s. Since 1946, the ensemble Hilpoltsteiner Burgspieler has been staging a comedy here every summer – an unbroken tradition that makes the Burgspiel one of Bavaria's oldest open-air theatres.
A Classic Comedy Repertoire
The Burgspiel specialises in comedies from all eras: Molière, Goldoni, Shakespeare, Nestroy, Ödön von Horváth, Dürrenmatt, Neil Simon – the spectrum is broad, the style always suitable for open-air performances. The performances are scheduled so that several shows take place in the castle ruins each summer, coinciding with the Hilpoltsteiner Burgfest in early August.
The Play in 2026: "The Odd Couple"
In 2026, the Burgspieler will stage "The Odd Couple" by Neil Simon – the feminine version of the successful play "The Odd Couple". Olive Madison, a chaotic sports journalist, takes in her recently separated and exceedingly tidy friend Florence Unger. Their shared living space develops into a series of comical conflicts, where clichés, friendship, and human perseverance collide. One of Neil Simon's most famous comedies – ideal for the open-air stage.
Atmosphere of the Castle Ruins
Performances usually begin at 8:30 PM, as dusk settles over the Rothsee lake and the Franconian Switzerland. The castle walls form a natural backdrop that no stage set can replace. In case of rain, the performance is moved to the Hilpoltstein festival tent or the community centre – the Burgspiel ensemble organises this reliably.
Hilpoltstein – Town of Three Castles
Hilpoltstein is located in the Roth district, south of Nuremberg, in the Franconian Lake District. The town has 14,000 inhabitants and is famous for its three castles, the Burgfest with Countess Palatine Dorothea Maria, and its active club life. The Burgspiel, alongside the Burgfest, is the town's most important cultural calling card.
Burgspiel Hilpoltstein — edition 2026
The Play in 2026
"The Odd Couple" by Neil Simon is the feminine adaptation of the famous play "The Odd Couple". Two friends with fundamentally different lifestyles move in together and must learn how much tolerance and self-awareness friendship requires. One of Neil Simon's most popular comedies, translated for the German stage with precise witty dialogue.
Performance Dates
The Burgspieler traditionally perform the play on several Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings in July and early August. Specific dates will be announced from April 2026 on the city website and at adticket.de. The schedule coincides with the Hilpoltsteiner Burgfest from July 31 to August 3, 2026.
Venue
Hilpoltstein Castle Ruins, open-air, performances start at 8:30 PM. In case of bad weather, an alternative venue will be used.
Programme Burgspiel Hilpoltstein 2026
2026 Schedule – "The Odd Couple"
- Premiere: Mid/late July 2026 in the castle ruins
- Subsequent performances: July weekends and the first weekend of August (in conjunction with the Burgfest July 31 – Aug 3)
- Start time: 8:30 PM each evening
- Duration: Approx. 2 hours including intermission
Cast & Direction
The Hilpoltsteiner Burgspieler are a volunteer ensemble from the town of Hilpoltstein. Direction, set design, and all roles are handled by ensemble members – professionals and amateurs together. Set design created specifically for the castle ruins.
Note on the Venue
Open-air performance in the historic castle ruins. Seating on numbered wooden benches. In case of rain risk, notification will be sent by email to ticket holders shortly before; tickets remain valid.
Detailed dates, ticket contingents, and accompanying program will be announced on hilpoltstein.de/burgfest and adticket.de.
Highlights Burgspiel Hilpoltstein 2026
- Neil Simon's comedy "The Odd Couple" as the 2026 production
- Open-air theatre in the medieval castle ruins
- 80th anniversary of the Hilpoltsteiner Burgspieler since 1946
- Performances start at 8:30 PM at dusk over the Franconian Lake District
- Performance dates within the timeframe of the Hilpoltsteiner Burgfest
Prices Burgspiel Hilpoltstein 2026
Tickets range from €18 to €25 depending on seating category, with discounts available. Advance sales via adticket.de and Hilpoltstein Tourist Information. Early bird tickets available from April 2026.
Practical information — Burgspiel Hilpoltstein
Getting There
By car via the A9 (exit Hilpoltstein), then to the castle ruins. Parking available at the festival grounds below the castle. By train to Allersberg or Roth, then continue by bus. The last 200 metres to the castle ruins are uphill on foot.
Tickets
Tickets are available via adticket.de or the Hilpoltstein Tourist Information. Prices range from €18 to €25 depending on the category, with discounts available. Early bird tickets usually available from April.
Tip
Bring a blanket and a warm jacket – it can get cool in the castle ruins after sunset, even in midsummer. Enjoy a meal in one of the traditional inns in Hilpoltstein's old town before the performance.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Burgspiel Hilpoltstein al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Where it takes place Burgspiel Hilpoltstein
Burgruine Hilpoltstein
Burgruine Hilpoltstein, Burggasse, 91161 Hilpoltstein