Medieval Market Glanz der Ritterzeit

Three Days of the Middle Ages Below Staufenburg Castle

Albstadt-Lautlingen, one of Albstadt's nine districts in the Zollernalb district, hosts one of the most impressive medieval festivals in the region. From October 9 to 11, 2026, the meadow below Staufenbergschloss castle will transform into a medieval world with camp groups, market stalls, minstrels, and riders. Staufenbergschloss castle — actually a castle ruin — serves as an atmospheric backdrop, transporting the festival back to a time when the Counts of Hohenberg ruled the Eyach valley.

Around 40 Merchants and Camps

About 40 market stalls offer classic medieval goods: blacksmith work, leather goods, carvings, fabrics, drinking horns, jewelry, medicinal herbs, furs. In addition, camp groups authentically depict daily life from the 12th to 15th centuries — from the blacksmith's fire and felting to bread baking in an earthen oven. Visitors can participate: learn blacksmithing, bake bread, shoot archery. The atmosphere is familial, and the festival deliberately avoids the excesses of some other medieval markets.

Jousting Tournament by the "Companions of Fire"

The highlight is the jousting tournament by the "Companions of Fire" — a renowned stunt and riding group from Southern Germany. On Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 PM each day, the grand tournament takes place on the riding arena next to Staufenbergschloss castle. Lance combat, sword fighting, equestrian stunts — all performed with genuine skill. The Companions are known as stunt riders for film and television productions and bring their trained horses and full equipment.

Fire Show on Saturday Evening

The highlight of the weekend is the fire show on Saturday evening, October 10, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The Companions of Fire combine their equestrian skills with fire acrobatics: horses jump through fire rings, riders wield flaming swords and staffs. The show lasts about 45 minutes and is included in the admission price. It is recommended to secure a spot early — the meadow in front of the riding arena fills up quickly.

Musical Accompaniment

The musical program is provided by three resident bands: Duo Dulcimus with hurdy-gurdy and dulcimer, Filia Draconis (medieval rock), and Hendric and the Eyachraben — a local group from the Eyach valley with their own mix of folk and medieval music. The bands play alternately on two stages, before and after the jousting tournaments. Mead, punch, and medieval beer flow abundantly; culinary offerings are dominated by suckling pig, game meat, bread from the earthen oven, and sweet specialties like honey waffles.