Medieval Market Schloss Herrenbreitungen

Schloss Herrenbreitungen and May

Schloss Herrenbreitungen is located in Breitungen/Werra, a small village in the Schmalkalden-Meiningen district on the banks of the Werra river. The castle — originally a medieval fortress, later remodelled in Baroque style — is now owned by a support association and hosts several events. The Medieval Market is the largest of these and has been a firm fixture in Southern Thuringia's festival culture for 12 years — always at the beginning of May, always for three days.

Merchants, Craftsmen, and the Medieval World

Over 40 stalls feature merchants and craftspeople authentically staging the Middle Ages. Blacksmiths work at open forges, potters spin clay before visitors' eyes, candlemakers cast their candles, leatherworkers stitch pouches and shoes, dyers demonstrate natural dyeing techniques. The merchants sell jewellery, blades, fabrics, books, and toys — all in a timeless atmosphere. Those arriving in period medieval attire pay significantly reduced admission — an invitation for visitors to become part of the spectacle themselves.

Music — Capud Draconis, Krless, Spielleute Herzblut, Liane vom Kranz

Several bands from the German medieval music scene provide the musical accompaniment. 'Capud Draconis' is known for its powerful stage presence with hurdy-gurdy, shawm, and drums. 'Krless' combines medieval folklore with rock elements. 'Spielleute Herzblut' brings traditional market music to the castle courtyard. 'Liane vom Kranz' rounds off the music program with vocals and string instruments. The bands perform alternately on the castle's various stages several times a day — castle courtyard, castle wall, in front of the keep.

Fire Show and Reenactment 'Storming of Herrenbreitungen'

The medieval market organizers have significantly expanded the reenactment for 2026. Groups that set up camp outside the castle walls last year announce reinforcements with more people for 2026 — a staged 'Battle for Herrenbreitungen' with siege weapons, an assault, and defence of the castle is planned. On Saturday and Sunday evenings, the duo 'Zeter und Mordio' will perform, and the duo 'Infinity' will present an even larger and more spectacular fire show than in previous years.

Falconry and Family Offerings

A falconry displays birds of prey in flight — falcons, buzzards, owls. For children, there is a dedicated hands-on area with archery, medieval crafts, and child-friendly stories from the minstrels. This makes the Medieval Market explicitly a family event — not just an occasion for medieval subculture fans.