Historical Castle Festival Burghausen

On the longest castle in the world

The Historical Castle Festival Burghausen takes place annually on the second weekend of July at Burghausen Castle – the longest castle complex in the world, measuring over 1,000 meters. The Wittelsbach fortress towers high above the Salzach River on the border between Upper Bavaria and Austria, in the district of Altötting. In the glow of torches and campfires, visitors wander through the five courtyards, the main castle, and the medieval market activities during a three-day spectacle that is second to none.

The Ducal Couple at the Centre

At the heart of the reenactment are Duke Wilhelm IV of Bavaria (1493–1550) and his wife Maria Jakobäa von Baden, who, with their magnificent court, guide the city's fortunes. Alongside them are councillors, clergy, noble ladies, pages, and maids – each figure meticulously costumed and historically accurate. Thousands of onlookers thus experience a vivid history lesson from the era of the early Reformation and the Habsburg conflicts.

Market, Crafts, and Camp Life

Around 20 camp groups offer their wares at the historical market: hand-forged tools, leather goods, jewelry, Bohemian glass, wool textiles, and medieval specialities. Blacksmiths, potters, candle makers, and basket weavers demonstrate their crafts for the public. Jesters, fire-eaters, musicians with hurdy-gurdies, bagpipes, and shawms, as well as bardic songs, ensure a lively atmosphere around the clock. Landsknechts demonstrate their combat skills, riders keep watch, and food is cooked over open fires in the camp.

A Club with Over 650 Members

The event is supported by the association Herzogstadt Burghausen e.V., which, with well over 650 active members, is one of the largest historical associations in Bavaria. The dedicated volunteers of Burghausen sew their own costumes, forge their own weapons, and study the dances, music, and language of the late Renaissance. This meticulous attention to detail makes the Castle Festival one of the most authentic medieval or Renaissance spectacles in the German-speaking world.

Changing Themes

Each year is dedicated to a different historical event from Burghausen's history. In 2026, the motto will be 'The Spanish Mercenaries Arrive – Burghausen in 1533', recounting the episode where Spanish and Italian mercenaries from Emperor Charles V's army took up quarters in the town during the Schmalkaldic War and set up camp with the locals.