Minneturnier auf der Burg Falkenstein

Minnesang in the Selke Valley

The Minneturnier auf der Burg Falkenstein is one of the most distinctive events in the medieval event calendar of the state of Saxony-Anhalt. At the medieval Falkenstein Castle in the Harz district, high above the Selke Valley, male and female minnesingers compete in a contest of noble voices. The tradition dates back to 2006 — the first tournament, which saw seven singers compete against each other for the first time, was held then.

At the heart of the competition is a famous verse by Walther von der Vogelweide: „Owê, war sint verswunden alliu mîniu jar?" — “Alas, where have all my years vanished?” The piece is one of the most moving medieval laments and sets the tone for the tournament: melancholic, virtuosic, and profound.

Falkenstein Castle — A Historic Venue

Falkenstein Castle is located in the Harz/Saxony-Anhalt Nature Park and is one of the best-preserved medieval castle complexes in Central Germany. Built in the 12th century, it was the setting for the famous Sachsenspiegel — Eike von Repgow of Falkenstein drafted the first German-language law book here in the 13th century. Today, the castle is a museum and event venue, complete with a castle chapel, keep, and knight's hall.

The Minneturnier also uses Konradsburg Castle as a second venue — a Romanesque monastery complex near Ermsleben, which is one of the oldest surviving sacred buildings in Saxony-Anhalt. The combination of both venues makes the festival a journey through time.

Between Courtly Love and Knightly Tournament

The tournament is more than just a concert: it is a competition, reenactment, and theatre all at once. Singers in medieval costumes, accompanied by hurdy-gurdy, lute, and shawm, interpret the great works of Middle High German poetry — from Walther von der Vogelweide to Wolfram von Eschenbach and Reinmar the Old. A jury judges the performance, musical quality, and faithfulness to the original work.