Leuchtenburger Weinfest — 25 Years Leuchtenburger Vineyard
Anniversary Wine Festival at Leuchtenburg above the Saale Valley — 25 Years Vineyard
About Leuchtenburger Weinfest
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25 Years Leuchtenburger Vineyard
The Leuchtenburger Vineyard is one of Central Germany's most exciting viticulture projects. 25 years ago — at the turn of the millennium in 2001 — the historic vineyard on the southern slopes of the castle was reactivated. Historical sources confirm that wine was already being cultivated at Leuchtenburg Castle in the Middle Ages — a tradition that ceased with the decline of German viticulture in the 19th century. By reviving the vineyard, the Leuchtenburg Foundation has brought back a piece of local wine-growing tradition. Today, various grape varieties are cultivated on a few hundred square meters — Müller-Thurgau, Bacchus, Domina — which are processed in small quantities for a special "Leuchtenburger Wein" label.
Wine Festival at the Castle
The wine festival combines two worlds: the medieval castle complex and modern viticulture. Tasting stands featuring wines from the Leuchtenburger Vineyard and neighbouring growing regions (Saale-Unstrut, Bürgel) will be set up in the castle courtyard. In addition, there will be regional specialities — Thuringian cheese, sausage, bread, honey — and culinary street food. Live music accompanies the festival: small bands with acoustic music, singer-songwriters, classical ensembles on the castle terrace. Guided tours of the vineyard explain grape cultivation, climate, and history. Small concerts in the historic rooms of the castle combine wine and cultural enjoyment.
Leuchtenburg — "Queen of the Saale Valley"
Leuchtenburg Castle, popularly known as the "Queen of the Saale Valley," is one of Thuringia's most impressive hilltop castles. It sits enthroned on a ridge above the village of Seitenroda in the Saale-Holzland district, south of Jena, towering about 200 meters above the Saale Valley. The castle complex dates back to the 12th century and has been rebuilt several times over the centuries. Today, the castle houses a porcelain museum (in the castle museum), the "Bridge of Wishes" (a famous free-standing steel platform jutting 20 meters into the valley), event spaces, and a restaurant. The Leuchtenburg Foundation operates the castle as a cultural and event venue — the vineyard is one element of this concept.
State of Thuringia, Saale-Holzland District
Leuchtenburg Castle is located in the Saale-Holzland district in the state of Thuringia, off the A4 motorway between Jena and Eisenberg. The Saale-Holzland district is one of Central Germany's most scenic rural districts — the Saale Valley with its slate rocks, Muschelkalk plateaus, medieval castles (Leuchtenburg, Lobdeburg castle's outpost, Burgau Castle), the pottery town of Bürgel, and the Romanesque monastery church of Thalbürgel are all in close proximity. Visitors to the Leuchtenburger Weinfest can easily plan a whole weekend in the region.
Leuchtenburger Weinfest — edition 2026
25th Anniversary at Leuchtenburg Castle
On Pentecost Sunday, May 24, 2026, the Leuchtenburg Foundation invites you to a grand anniversary wine festival at the castle. The occasion: 25 years of the Leuchtenburger Vineyard — the reactivation of historic viticulture on the southern slopes of the castle. From 1 PM to 7 PM, the castle courtyard will transform into a festival area with tastings, music, street food, and guided tours.
Programme Leuchtenburger Weinfest 2026
Program Highlights 2026 — Leuchtenburger Weinfest
- 1:00 PM — Opening: Welcome by the Leuchtenburg Foundation in the castle courtyard; official anniversary program for 25 years of the vineyard
- 1:00 PM–7:00 PM — Wine Tastings: Stands with wines from the Leuchtenburger Vineyard (Müller-Thurgau, Bacchus, Domina) and neighbouring growing regions (Saale-Unstrut, Bürgel)
- Regional Specialities: Thuringian cheese, sausage, bread, honey, jams; culinary street food in the castle courtyard
- Live Music: Acoustic bands, singer-songwriters, and classical ensembles on the castle terrace; several performances throughout the afternoon
- Vineyard Tours: Guided tours through the historic vineyard on the southern slopes; explanations of grape varieties, climate, soil, and the history of Leuchtenburg viticulture
- Concerts in the Castle Rooms: Small chamber concerts in the historic castle rooms — Baroque and Classical music with wine tasting
- Festival Elements: Bridge of Wishes and Porcelain Museum open; family activities in the castle courtyard; sale of the anniversary "Leuchtenburger Wein" with a special label
- 7:00 PM — Festival Closes
The full program with concert and tour times will be published in May on leuchtenburg.de.
Highlights Leuchtenburger Weinfest 2026
- 25th anniversary of the reactivated Leuchtenburger Vineyard
- Wine tastings featuring Leuchtenburger wine and Saale-Unstrut wines
- Guided tours through the historic vineyard
- Live music and chamber concerts in the castle rooms
- Bridge of Wishes and Porcelain Museum as castle highlights
Prices Leuchtenburger Weinfest 2026
Admission to the castle (typically €12–€15 adults, €8–€10 concessions, €6–€8 children). Family tickets available. Wine tastings and food are paid for on-site with a deposit for a tasting glass and tokens.
Practical information — Leuchtenburger Weinfest
Date 2026
Sunday, May 24, 2026 (Pentecost Sunday), 1:00 PM–7:00 PM.
Location
Leuchtenburg, Dorfstraße 100, 07768 Seitenroda. The castle is situated on a ridge above the village of Seitenroda.
Getting There
By train: Kahla (Saale-Holzland) station, then bus or taxi to Seitenroda and walk up to the castle. By car: A4 exit Magdala or Stadtroda, then follow signs for Leuchtenburg. Parking is available at the castle entrance, with a footpath leading up to the castle.
Admission
Admission to the castle (typically €12–€15 adults, €8–€10 concessions, €6–€8 children) — family tickets available. Wine tastings and food are paid for on-site with a deposit for a tasting glass and tokens.
Tip
Bring sturdy footwear — the ascent to the castle is steep, and the courtyard is paved with cobblestones. Combine your festival visit with the famous "Bridge of Wishes," the Porcelain Museum, or a hike in the Saale Valley. The pottery town of Bürgel and the monastery church of Thalbürgel are only 15 km away.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Leuchtenburger Weinfest al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Leuchtenburger Weinfest
Leuchtenburg — Burg über dem Saale-Tal
Dorfstraße 100, 07768 Seitenroda