12. Ponitzer Lichterfest

Renaissance Castle Ponitz — a hidden gem

Ponitz is a small municipality in the easternmost part of the Altenburger Land district, transitioning between Thuringia and Saxony's Vogtland region. The Renaissance Castle Ponitz — built at the end of the 16th century — is one of the few surviving Renaissance castles in East Thuringia. The Friends of the Renaissance Castle Ponitz Association (Förderverein Renaissanceschloss Ponitz e.V.) maintains the building and uses it as a venue for events: concerts, weddings, markets, exhibitions, and since 2015, the annual Lichterfest.

Light art in the castle courtyard — an unusual stage

The concept of the Lichterfest is simple and effective: the entire castle courtyard between the Renaissance Castle, the Ponitz Arcades, and the Castle Café is illuminated with light installations. Light art objects, illuminated sculptures, projected images onto the historic walls, and atmospheric fairy lights transform the courtyard into a special place. Anyone who has seen the castle in this lighting knows a different side of the Renaissance building.

Live music in the castle park

Parallel to the light installations, an open-air music program with a stage in the castle park takes place. The music selection is broad — from classical concerts to pop and folk. The gastronomic offerings come from the Schloss-Café Ponitz, which also has regular opening hours in the castle: regional dishes, wines from the Saale-Unstrut region, coffee, and cake. The atmosphere is family-friendly — not a mass event, but a lovingly designed local festival with character.

Altenburger Land — East Thuringia with its own profile

In the state of Thuringia, in the Altenburger Land district, Ponitz lies on the border with Saxony — a region with its own distinct cultural profile between Altenburg (ducal seat, birthplace of Skat), Schmölln, Meuselwitz, and Lucka. The Lichterfest is an example of how a small town, with dedication, establishes a format that gains regional recognition: the Altenburger Land district promotes the festival on its tourism website, and visitors also come from nearby Chemnitz, Crimmitschau, and Zwickau.