Hollefest & Hexennacht at Beeskow Castle

Frau Holle in the Brandenburg March

Beeskow Castle is one of the most beautiful preserved lowland castles in southeastern Brandenburg. Situated high above the Spree River, it now houses the museum, music school, and event halls of the district town of Beeskow in the Oder-Spree district. On the weekend of April 30 to May 2, 2026, the castle complex will become the venue for the traditional Hollefest & Hexennacht — a spring festival that combines old Walpurgis customs with a medieval market atmosphere.

Walpurgis Night — Thursday, April 30

The eve of May 1st, traditionally Walpurgis Night, when according to old folk belief witches celebrate their sabbath, marks the start. The program begins at 7 PM:

• Raising of the Maypole by the Beeskow Volunteer Fire Department in the castle forecourt
• Walpurgis Bonfire — large bonfire as a spring fire
• Shadow Theater with legends about Frau Holle and Hexennacht
• Fire Show with acrobats and pyrotechnics

Medieval Market — Saturday & Sunday

On May 1st and 2nd, the castle opens its gates for the main market. The smell of campfires, roasting spits, and old crafts wafts over the castle grounds. Here you will meet:

• Basket Weavers crafting willow baskets
• Spinners at the spinning wheel with historical sheep wool
• Potters shaping jugs on the turntable
• Beekeepers with honey, mead, and beeswax products
• Blacksmiths at the open fire
• Acrobatic Performances on the castle meadow
• Bird of Prey Displays with falconers and their buzzards, owls, and falcons

Admission and Family Tickets

Day ticket adults €8, reduced €6 (students, schoolchildren, severely disabled persons). Children under 6 free. Family ticket €25 for two adults and all their own children.

Frau Holle as the Guiding Motif

The mythological figure of Frau Holle — revered in Slavic and Germanic folk traditions as the protector of spring and fertility — gives the festival its name and shapes the staging: spring flowers, swing performances, magical storytelling formats for children. Beeskow Castle uses this ancient tradition to convey the transition from winter to spring as a cultural experience to a contemporary audience.