Neuburg Castle Festival

A Festival of the Renaissance

The Neuburg Castle Festival is one of the largest historical Renaissance spectacles in the German-speaking world. Every two years, the era of Count Palatine Ottheinrich is brought back to life in Neuburg an der Donau – the district town of Neuburg-Schrobenhausen in the state of Bavaria. It is celebrated on the last weekend of June and the first weekend of July; the historic old town around Karlsplatz and Neuburg Castle form the backdrop.

Market, Dance, and Games

The central element is the large Renaissance market with over 150 stalls full of traditional crafts and regional specialties. The famous Steckenreitertanz is performed in the castle courtyard, and in the castle gardens, riders demonstrate their skills with lances and horses in hunting and jousting games. For children, there are traditional games such as the cushion joust and the wooden hobby horse dance.

Procession and Fireworks

The highlight of the festival is the grand historical procession on Sunday with around 2,400 participants, floats, carriages, horses, and various animals – an impressive picture of lived history. It concludes with a spectacular fireworks display over the Danube. In the evenings, atmospheric fire shows create a special ambiance.

Community Instead of Commerce

The Castle Festival sees itself as a celebration that brings people together and invites them to linger, marvel, and participate. The focus is on community and joie de vivre rather than commercial spectacle – supported by hundreds of volunteers in historical costumes.

• Rhythm: every two years (biennial)
• When: last weekend of June and first weekend of July
• Market: over 150 stalls
• Procession: around 2,400 participants