Lichterfest im egapark Erfurt

The egapark — Erfurt's large garden park

The egapark Erfurt (Ehrenamtliche Gartenarbeit-Park, now registered trademark "egapark") is one of the largest garden parks in Germany. Covering an area of around 36 hectares, it features themed gardens, a viewing tower horse chestnut, the German Horticultural Museum, and diverse play areas. It is precisely this expansive park that is transformed into an evening sea of lights during the Lichterfest — over two days in August.

Lights, Light Objects, and Light Shows

The staging follows a consistent concept: no garish light effects, but atmospheric light. Thousands of small lights — lanterns, fairy lights, illuminated sculptures — are placed in the themed gardens and along the paths. Larger light objects in imaginative shapes (often inspired by natural motifs, plants, animals, abstract constellations) form highlights. Small light shows with choreographed light effects run at several points in the park.

ANTENNE-THÜRINGEN Stage and Live Music

Live concerts and DJ sets are featured on the ANTENNE-THÜRINGEN stage — the festival's main music hub. Various genres alternate, and the program is aimed at a broad audience (pop, rock, Schlager, occasional classical crossover). In addition, mobile artists roam the park: stilt walkers, light jugglers, costumed performers who are particularly striking in the unusual lighting.

Family Festival in the Garden

The Lichterfest is explicitly family-friendly. Street food stalls provide guests with food and drinks — from classic Thuringian Bratwurst to vegetarian options, ice cream, and sweets. Children benefit from reduced rates (4–17 years €5, 0–3 years free), and the park offers ample seating for lingering. As darkness falls, the full magic of the Lichterfest unfolds — the two festival evenings thus become an atmospheric summer highlight for many families.

Erfurt — the Thuringian state capital

Erfurt is the state capital of Thuringia with around 215,000 inhabitants. The city looks back on an outstanding history — from the medieval Krämerbrücke to the university (founded in 1392) and the Luther era. Besides the old town and the Cathedral Square, the egapark is one of the most important tourist attractions in the state capital — and the Lichterfest is one of its most popular events.