Night of 1000 Lights — The Dream of Shadows

Night of 1000 Lights — Siegen Castle Park in Splendor

The Night of 1000 Lights is one of the most atmospheric summer events in Südwestfalen. On Friday, July 17, 2026, from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM, the park of the Oberes Schloss Siegen will transform into an immersive world of light: thousands of candles, torches, bonfires, and colorful LED spotlights will illuminate paths, trees, sculptures, and old walls. The motto for 2026 is 'The Dream of Shadows' — a poetic theme for a night that plays with light and shadow, inviting the audience to contemplative exploration.

Light Art and Performances

The Night of 1000 Lights is more than just a decorated park walk. Creative performances will be scattered throughout the park, creating surprising encounters along the way:

• Thousands of candles and tea lights along the paths
• Torches and large bonfires for warmth and dancing light
• Colored LED spotlights illuminating architecture and treetops
• Performance islands with dancers, acrobats, or live musicians
• Meditative music — sound installations or acoustic sets
• Occasional sound sculptures and interactive installations

Oberes Schloss Park

The Oberes Schloss Siegen is the landmark of the South Westphalian university city — a medieval castle on a spur above the old town. The castle park is a public recreation area during the day and a venue for concerts and events in the evening, such as the 'Sunday Afternoon at 4' or 'The Best Comes to the Castle' series. For the Night of 1000 Lights, the park becomes an illuminated stage after dark — an unusual, sensorially powerful experience.

KulturSiegen — The Organizer

KulturSiegen is the cultural programming organization of the city of Siegen, offering high-quality programs throughout the year: 'Sunday Afternoon at 4', World Music Nights, Green Stage in Herrengarten, Street Music under the Krönchen, Children's Theater during holidays — and the Night of 1000 Lights as the summer open-air highlight. Program and updates at kultursiegen.de.

Siegen — University City in the Uplands

Siegen, with almost 105,000 inhabitants, is the largest city in the South Westphalian Siegerland region, situated in the valley of the Sieg River and surrounded by mountains and forests. The University of Siegen brings around 18,000 students to the city, significantly shaping its cultural life. The old town, with the Oberes Schloss, St. Nicholas Church ('the Krönchen'), and narrow alleys, is the visual heart of Siegen — and the backdrop that gives the Night of 1000 Lights its special atmosphere.