Luisenburg-Festspiele Wunsiedel

Theatre in the Felsenlabyrinth — since 1890

The Luisenburg-Festspiele are Germany's oldest open-air festival. On July 20, 1890, the festival play Die Losburg by Wunsiedel teacher Ludwig Hacker premiered, set to music by Bayreuth composer Heinrich Schmidt. Wunsiedel citizens and students themselves performed scenes from the mountain's legends and local history at the time. In 1914, professional actors first appeared under director Fritz Basil, before the First World War interrupted the performances. Since then, the Luisenburg has staged plays almost every summer — today with a professional ensemble, regular guest directors, and a programme ranging from classics to modern musicals.

The Natural Stage

The main stage is located in the Luisenburg Felsenlabyrinth, southwest of Wunsiedel in the Fichtelgebirge district. The labyrinth is considered the largest accessible sea of rocks in Europe: massive granite blocks, crevices, caves, and stairs, into which the theatre has been built. The performance area is spread over several levels between the rocks and old pine trees, with natural acoustics and movable lighting technology. In case of rain, performances are moved to the covered festival hall on the Luisenburg, ensuring no performance is cancelled.

The Repertoire

The Luisenburg's programme combines several genres in a single season:

• Drama — Classics and contemporary works (most recently, for example, Romeo and Juliet, The Da Vinci Code — Sakrileg).
• Musical and Rock Theatre — Audience hits like The Rocky Horror Show.
• Family Plays — Classics for children and adults, often based on well-known book adaptations (e.g., Meister Eder und sein Pumuckl).
• Concert Opera — Individual gala evenings with large casts (in the 2026 season, for example, Carmen).
• Luisenburg Xtra — Guest performances of music, comedy, and shows, often featuring prominent names.

Season and Schedule

The festival season traditionally runs from late April to early September. It opens with an Open Day, where families can explore the natural stage free of charge. A second free event is the grand Theatre Festival in June, featuring guided tours, walking acts, and insights into rehearsals. Between premieres, revivals, and special guest performances, well over a hundred shows take place during the three summer months.

Region and Tradition

The Luisenburg-Festspiele are a flagship event of the Fichtelgebirge region and the state of Bavaria. The town of Wunsiedel — birthplace of Jean Paul — cultivates one of its most important cultural brands with the festival. Visitors often combine a theatre evening with a hike through the Felsenlabyrinth during the day, a stroll through the historic old town, or an excursion to the Ochsenkopf and Großer Waldstein in the surrounding area.