Kultursommer Nordhessen

One of Hesse's most renowned festival networks

Since 1992, Kultursommer Nordhessen has been the major summer event for the region between Kassel, Bad Hersfeld, Marburg, Eschwege, and Fritzlar. In 2026, the season runs from May 24 to August 12, spanning over two and a half months. During this time, approximately 90 events will take place at over 35 venues in six districts – a concept that sets Kultursommer apart from traditional festival formats: instead of a concentrated venue, it creates a loose network of concerts, readings, and theater performances in idyllic villages, charming half-timbered towns, and romantic beech forests.

New Artistic Director Insa Pijanka

The 2026 edition is a transitional year programmatically: After 27 years, Maren Matthes hands over the artistic direction to Insa Pijanka, who took over the festival on March 1, 2026. Pijanka comes from the classical concert business – 16 years as orchestra director at the Staatstheater Kassel, and before that, managing director of the Südwestdeutsche Philharmonie Konstanz. Her first program design has a clear classical signature, without weakening the festival's literary pillar.

Pentecost Opening in Wilhelmsthal

Classical opening as always: "Aufgespielt!" on Pentecost Sunday, May 24, in the Schlosspark Wilhelmsthal in Calden – a cabaret festival set against the magical Rococo backdrop of the Electoral Hessian pleasure palace. The following day, on Whit Monday, the Prinzessinnentag (Princess Day) for families and children takes place at the same location. Wilhelmsthal serves as the programmatic gateway: baroque complex, park, cabaret, mass audience – the DNA of Kultursommer in one weekend.

Classical Music in Unexpected Spaces

Kultursommer 2026 consistently stages classical music in unusual spaces: forest and folding-chair concerts, sunrise events, concerts in romantic monastery gardens, and half-timbered courtyards. The program includes performances by the Regensburger Domspatzen (July 12), the Finnish a cappella ensemble Rajaton (July 23), and a crossover concert with cellist Raphaela Gromes and presenter Judith Rakers (June 10).

Literature as the Second Pillar

Alongside music, literature remains a central element. Readings with prominent actors – including Marisa Burger, Jörg Schüttauf, and Claudia Michelsen – are spread throughout the season. Additionally, there are music shows such as a tribute to Udo Jürgens in Fritzlar, which serves as the programmatic center of the Schwalm-Eder district in the summer.

Summer Academy of the Vienna Philharmonic

The season concludes with the Summer Academy of the Vienna Philharmonic in Kassel – a traditional cooperation where members of one of the world's most renowned orchestras hold masterclasses and perform final concerts. It is the classical highlight with which Kultursommer bids farewell to late summer year after year.

Grimm Heimat NordHessen as the Venue

The venue is not a single city, but a landscape: the Grimm Heimat NordHessen with its low mountain ranges, half-timbered towns, and fairytale trails. The festival takes place in locations such as the Heilhaus in Kassel, the Orangerie in Karlsaue, the Heydau monastery ruins, and Schloss Eichhof in Bad Hersfeld – as well as dozens of smaller venues that are brought onto the cultural map solely by the festival. With 18,000 to 20,000 visitors annually and a budget of around €1.1 million, Kultursommer is one of Hesse's largest festival networks.