Karl May Festival Elspe

Over 60 Years of Karl May Festival in Elspe

The Karl May Festival Elspe is a German theatrical institution. Since 1958, Karl May's stories have been performed in the Sauerland village of Elspe (now a district of Lennestadt) – the novels about Winnetou, Old Shatterhand, and the Oil Prince lived on here before their rediscovery through Hollywood films. With around 15 million visitors in over 60 years, the festival is one of Germany's most successful open-air theater events – only the Bayreuth Festival and the Bregenz Festival operate in a similar league.

2026 Season: June 27 – September 13

The 2026 season runs from Saturday, June 27, to Sunday, September 13, 2026 – eleven weeks with multiple performances per week. Performance times:

• Matinee performances: Start at 2:45 PM, admission from 10:00 AM
• Evening performances: Start at 8:15 PM, earlier admission

The 2026 Play: "Winnetou I – Chief of the Apaches"

In 2026, the first volume of the Winnetou trilogy will be staged – the story of how Winnetou and Old Shatterhand become blood brothers:

• Arrival of Old Shatterhand in New Mexico as a railway engineer
• Conflict between Winnetou (Apache, advocating for peaceful coexistence) and Santer (a bandit ruthlessly exploiting the situation)
• A tale of wealth, betrayal, loyalty, and reconciliation
• Classic Karl May conflict between pioneering spirit and the preservation of indigenous culture

The Natural Stage – 100 Meters of Performance Space

The natural stage in Elspe is one of Germany's largest open-air stages:

• 100 meters wide – space for rides, squadrons, and equestrian combat
• Natural landscape with rocks, trees, and slopes – an integral part of the stage
• A watercourse for "river scenes"
• Pyrotechnics and effects (explosions, gunshots, fire)
• Several permanently installed wooden structures (wagon fort, Native American camp, fort)

60 Performers and Over 40 Horses

The production thrives on its scale: 60 performers, including some well-known actors in the main roles, plus stunt riders and extras. Over 40 horses act as equal "performers" – galloping at full speed, trick falls, choreographed equestrian games. The animals come from the festival's own stables on site.

Tickets and Prices

Price structure:

• Adults: €32.90 – €84.90 depending on seating category
• Children (ages 4–15): €26.90 – €64.90
• Groups of 21+ people: 10% discount
• Elspe Experience Pass (€84.90): Premium seats, catering, drinks, meet & greet with performers

Safety Information

The productions feature realistic action sequences – explosions, gunshots, horse falls. For very young or noise-sensitive children, rear seating rows are recommended. Noise-canceling headphones are available upon request. Recommendation: ages 6 and up.

Lennestadt and Elspe Festival GmbH

Elspe Festival GmbH (located at "Zur Naturbühne 1") operates not only the festival but also an adjacent theme park: a Western town, petting zoo, bird of prey show, restaurants, and food stalls. A visit to the festival can be seamlessly combined with a day at the park. Lennestadt is in the Olpe district of the Sauerland – a densely wooded low mountain range in North Rhine-Westphalia.