Hallesche Nacht der Kirchen

One Night, One Space of Faith, One City

Since 2001, Halle (Saale) has transformed into an open ecumenical space for one night every summer. The Hallesche Nacht der Kirchen is one of Halle's oldest and most renowned thematic night walks — older than the Long Night of Science, older than the Museum Night. 2026 marks the 26th edition, with the motto “Lichtpunkte”. The event is organized by the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Christlicher Kirchen (ACK) Halle, an association of the city's Christian denominations.

Compared to many purely cultural events, the Nacht der Kirchen has a special touch: it is explicitly ecumenical — Lutherans, Catholics, Reformed, Free Churches, Orthodox — and it has an unashamed spiritual aspiration, without being proselytizing. What you experience are open doors, concerts, spiritual texts, quiet rooms, hushed conversations, and encounters that don't normally happen in everyday life. One of the few formats in Saxony-Anhalt that consistently opens up spiritual space.

Participating Churches 2026

Over the years, a core group of participating churches has emerged. Among the stations announced for 2026 are the Petruskirche Kröllwitz (on the western outskirts, directly on the Saale river) and the Neustädter Kirche in Halle-Neustadt — both with their own programs of music, readings, and reflection. In addition, other city and district churches will open their doors. The exact program list with all participating churches will be published in early summer 2026 on kirchennacht-halle.de.

A Constant in Halle's Cultural Calendar

Halle (Saale) is the second-largest city in Saxony-Anhalt and also one of the most Protestant-influenced cities in the state. Handel worked here, the Franckesche Stiftungen — one of Germany's most important Pietist educational institutions — are located here, and the Diakoniewerk Halle is also based here. The Nacht der Kirchen is an expression of this spiritual and cultural substance: it highlights what is often hidden behind the thick walls of old churches in the cityscape.