Knight Festival Pentecost Burg Satzvey

Moated Castle in the Eifel

Burg Satzvey, documented since the 12th century, is one of the few medieval moated castles in Germany that remain almost entirely preserved in their original substance. The castle keep, the outer bailey, the moat, the small half-timbered buildings – everything looks as if time has stood still here. The current owners, the von Satzvey knightly family, keep the castle alive: with concerts, weddings, markets – and with the main Pentecost event of the year, the Knight Festival.

Action Theatre at the Centre

The heart of the Knight Festival is the grand action theatre in the castle arena. Every year, a new medieval story is presented – in 2026, it is titled "Varyngard – Flight of the Falcon". It is "a battle between good and evil, with bravery, nobility, humour, and love," as the castle itself describes it. The story is told on a large stage with real horses, stunt riders, swordsmen in full armour, and pyrotechnics – several performances each day, under the open sky or in the arena, depending on the weather.

Horses, Knights, Falconers

Around the main theatre, there is a permanent programme: sword fighting demonstrations with traditional choreography, falconry shows with various birds of prey, jousting tournaments by knights on horseback, medieval dance groups, jester troupes, musicians with bagpipes, hurdy-gurdies, and shawms. Those who cannot see the main spectacle have something to watch all day long.

Medieval Market with approx. 70 Traders

The medieval market is one of the better ones of its kind in western Germany: around 70 market traders sell leather goods, hand-forged knives, jewellery made from natural materials, traditional costumes, mead and honey wine, medieval dishes (suckling pig, roasted sausages, stews from clay pots), and books on everything related to the Middle Ages. Exhibitors come from all over Germany and some from the Netherlands and Belgium.

Family Festival with a Serious Background

The Knight Festival is one of the few medieval events that appeal equally to adult medieval enthusiasts and families with children. Children can participate: in their own workshops, they can forge wooden swords, get face painting with medieval patterns, practice archery, and take part in a children's course. The weekend is designed to be family-friendly without losing its serious claim to historical authenticity.

Pentecost in the Eifel

Those travelling for the Knight Festival can extend their Pentecost weekend around the castle: Burg Eltz is an hour away, the Vulkan Eifel offers hikes around the maars, and the Eifel-Steig trail starts practically on the castle's doorstep. Mechernich itself has the Bleibergwerk Mechernich mine and charming cafés.