Mittelalterfest Kurzweyl und Gaukeley Duderstadt

The Middle Ages in Duderstadt's half-timbered jewel

The Mittelalterfest Kurzweyl und Gaukeley takes advantage of the unique setting of Duderstadt's old town, with its more than 600 historic half-timbered houses and the striking Gothic town hall dating from the 14th century. The town in Eichsfeld is considered one of the best-preserved half-timbered ensembles in Germany and thus offers an authentic stage for a journey into the Middle Ages.

Market stalls and crafts

On the festival site, around 30 to 50 traders and craftspeople present their products and arts: blacksmiths work glowing iron, potters throw vessels on the wheel, basket weavers, leatherworkers, felt makers, candle pullers and medieval cooks demonstrate their crafts. Medieval dishes such as Flammkuchen, roast suckling pig, herb bread and mead round off the offering.

Jugglery and music

The festival owes its name to its programme of jugglery, juggling, fire shows, archery demonstrations and market music. Minstrels with hurdy-gurdy, bagpipes, drums and shawm provide the acoustic backdrop. Several show performances per day in different parts of the old town form the backbone of the programme.

Camp life and atmosphere

A medieval camp with historically inspired tents provides insight into everyday life of the period. Inhabitants in period costume are on hand to answer questions and demonstrate old craft techniques. The event is deliberately family-oriented, with children's games, archery for children and a clearly participatory character.