Open-Air Cinema Schlosspark Strünkede

Open-Air Cinema Schlosshof Strünkede — Cinema under the open sky in the Ruhr area

When the sun sets behind the walls of Strünkede moated castle on a mild August evening and the screen in the courtyard begins to glow, the Open-Air Cinema Schlosspark Strünkede is one of the most beautiful things the Ruhr area has to offer in summer. From August 13th to 16th, 2026, Filmwelt Herne will transform the castle courtyard into an open-air cinema hall for four consecutive evenings.

Schloss Strünkede — A medieval backdrop

Strünkede moated castle is one of the oldest and best-preserved aristocratic residences in the Ruhr area. First documented in 1142, the castle today houses the Emschertal Museum. The inner courtyard — framed by brick walls, towers, and a moat bridge — forms the backdrop for the open-air cinema. The atmosphere is unique: film enjoyment amidst historic walls, under the open starry sky, with a view of the old castle chapel.

Four evenings, four films

The program is curated by Filmwelt Herne (the arthouse cinema at Berliner Platz) and will be published in early July at filmwelt-herne.de. Experience shows that the mix includes current festival successes, German-language highlights, and a family film. Wednesday evening is traditionally organized by the Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB) as a charity event — admission benefits ASB's work in Herne.

Strünkeder Sommer — Five months of culture at the castle

The open-air cinema is part of the Strünkeder Sommer, the city of Herne's major cultural program from May to September. Open-air concerts, salon orchestra performances, theater guest performances, and children's theater take place concurrently in the same Schlosspark. The open-air cinema in August marks one of the highlights of the season.

Herne — City in the central Ruhr area

The independent city of Herne is located in the center of the Ruhr area, between Bochum, Castrop-Rauxel, Recklinghausen, and Gelsenkirchen. Schloss Strünkede is located in the Baukau district, easily accessible by subway line U35 (stop Schloss Strünkede) and by car via the A42 (exit Herne-Baukau). The park around the castle is a green oasis in the urban Ruhr area.

What to bring

• A warm jacket or blanket — even in August, evenings in the Ruhr area can be cool, especially after sunset
• Comfortable clothing — seating is basic, some visitors bring their own cushions
• Cash for drinks and snacks — a snack counter is operated on-site
• Insect repellent near the moat