Prinzenraub — Open-Air Theatre Hartenstein Castle Ruins
Historic Open-Air Theatre Spectacle of the Medieval Prinzenraub of 1455 — Hartenstein Castle Ruins, 3–5 July 2026
About Prinzenraub
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The Altenburger Prinzenraub — Subject for Saxony's Medieval Theatre
On July 8th, 1455, the Wettin knight Kunz von Kauffungen abducted the two sons of Elector Friedrich II, Ernst and Albert, from Altenburg Castle. The coup, which failed shortly thereafter, remained alive in Saxon historical consciousness — it marked the beginning of the division of the House of Wettin (Ernestine-Albertine separation), is still taught in local history classes today, and has been the subject of theatrical performances since the 19th century. In Hartenstein in the western Ore Mountains — one of the stations on Kunz von Kauffungen's escape route — the story has been staged since 2025 as an open-air theatre spectacle on the walls of the castle ruins.
Hartenstein Castle Ruins as an Open-Air Stage
Hartenstein Castle Ruins sit enthroned on a rock above the Mulde river in the Erzgebirgskreis district. Built in the 12th century as a hilltop castle, expanded into a palace in the 16th century, and reduced to ruins in 1944 after a fire, it is today an impressive monument to medieval fortification art. The Friends of Hartenstein Castle Ruins Association has been working for years on its preservation and reconstruction and uses the site as a venue for events — concerts, markets, medieval spectacles. With the 'Prinzenraub' open-air event, a new theatrical tradition was created in 2025.
100 Amateur Actors, Horses, Costumes
The production thrives on regional participation: Over 100 amateur actors from Hartenstein and the surrounding area — young people, adults, seniors — perform on stage. Riders with horses, historical costumes in medieval tailoring tradition, sword fights, fire effects, music from the era. The 2025 premiere was seen by around 1500 visitors and celebrated in the regional press as an impressive blend of history, theatre, and local identity. In 2026, the play will be revived with three performances — Friday evening, Saturday afternoon, Saturday evening — and concluded with an ecumenical church service on Sunday morning.
Getting There and the Region
Hartenstein is located in the Erzgebirgskreis district south of Zwickau, on the B 93 between Wilkau-Haßlau and Aue. By car via the A 72 (Stollberg exit) or via Zwickau. Parking is available at the public swimming pool and behind the Netto supermarket — a shuttle bus runs between the Netto parking lot and the castle ruins. Those wishing to stay overnight will find guesthouses in Hartenstein and the surrounding area.
Prinzenraub — edition 2026
Three Performances, One Historic Spectacle
Following the 2025 premiere, the Hartenstein ensemble is continuing the Prinzenraub open-air event in 2026 — this time with three performances instead of the two from the previous year's premiere. The response had shown that the audience from the region (and increasingly also from the neighboring Erzgebirgskreis and Zwickau) has a strong demand for medieval theatre with local roots.
The production follows the historical model of the Altenburger Prinzenraub: the abduction of the Wettin princes Ernst and Albert by Kunz von Kauffungen on July 8th, 1455, the escape attempt through the Ore Mountains, and the discovery and liberation of the princes. Hartenstein is located on the historical escape route, which justifies the choice of venue thematically. On stage, over 100 amateur actors perform — riders, swordsmen, monks, ladies-in-waiting, soldiers. The castle ruins themselves serve as a gigantic, atmospherically authentic stage backdrop.
Programme Prinzenraub 2026
Program July 3–5, 2026
Friday, July 3rd — Opening Performance
- 7:00 PM — 1st performance 'Prinzenraub' at the castle ruins
- Admission from 5:30 PM
- Before the performance: small market stalls on the festival grounds
Saturday, July 4th — Main Day
- 3:00 PM — 2nd performance 'Prinzenraub' (afternoon show, family-friendly)
- 7:00 PM — 3rd performance 'Prinzenraub' (evening show with full lighting effects)
- Between performances: Food stalls and medieval market activities on the festival grounds
Sunday, July 5th — Festival Finale
- 10:00 AM — Ecumenical church service at the castle ruins
- Followed by a joint conclusion
Tickets via schlossruine-hartenstein.de/prinzenraub — advance booking recommended.
Highlights Prinzenraub 2026
- Three performances instead of two (increase compared to 2025 premiere)
- Over 100 amateur actors from Hartenstein and surrounding areas
- Riders with horses, historical costumes, sword fights
- Hartenstein Castle Ruins as a spectacular open-air backdrop
- Staging of the Altenburger Prinzenraub of 1455
- Ecumenical church service to conclude the festival on Sunday
- Successful premiere in 2025 with around 1500 visitors
Prices Prinzenraub 2026
Tickets according to the tariff of the Friends of Hartenstein Castle Ruins Association. Advance booking via schlossruine-hartenstein.de and regional ticket outlets. Tickets tend to sell out quickly — secure yours early.
Practical information — Prinzenraub
Date 2026
Friday, July 3rd, 2026, 7 PM (1st performance); Saturday, July 4th, 2026, 3 PM (2nd) and 7 PM (3rd); Sunday, July 5th, 2026, 10 AM (ecumenical church service to conclude the festival).
Location
Hartenstein Castle Ruins, 08118 Hartenstein (Erzgebirgskreis).
Tickets
Advance booking recommended — tickets available via schlossruine-hartenstein.de and selected regional ticket outlets. Tickets tend to sell out quickly.
Getting There
By car via A 72 (Stollberg/Lugau exit) or Zwickau-Ost. Parking: above the public swimming pool and behind the Netto supermarket. Shuttle bus runs between Netto parking lot and castle ruins during performance days.
Organizer
Förderverein Schlossruine Hartenstein e.V. (Friends of Hartenstein Castle Ruins Association), more info at schlossruine-hartenstein.de.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Prinzenraub
Schlossruine Hartenstein (Erzgebirge)
Schlossruine Hartenstein, 08118 Hartenstein