Schaumburgfest Schalkau
Medieval market on the ruins of Schaumburg castle in Sonneberg district
About Schaumburgfest
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Schaumburg Castle above Schalkau
Schaumburg Castle, perched high above the small town of Schalkau in the southern Thuringian district of Sonneberg, is a medieval hilltop castle ruin dating back to the 12th century. It was once the seat of the Counts of Schaumburg and controlled the Steinach valley. Today, it is a popular excursion destination and the venue for one of Thuringia's most atmospheric medieval festivals.
Schaumburg Association as Organizer
The Schaumburg-Verein Schalkau e.V. maintains the ruins, organizes the annual festival, and works on securing and restoring the site to preserve it. The Schaumburgfest significantly finances this work — a classic example of the connection between volunteer club life, monument preservation, and festival culture in Thuringia.
Three Days of Medieval Life at Pentecost
The festival runs from June 12 to 14, 2026. It kicks off on Friday evening, with the main program on Saturday and Sunday. Merchants, minstrels, jesters, and knights gather in the castle courtyard and on the ramparts for a packed program.
2026 Program: Vogelfrei, Mollfolk, Schabernackrakeel, and Varisha
The 2026 lineup features well-known acts from the medieval scene. On Friday evening, the minstrels Vogelfrei and Mollfolk will provide the musical entertainment, and a minstrel competition is part of the program. On Saturday, the jester troupe Schabernackrakeel, the dancers from Varisha, and the Schalkau school choir will also perform. Knight games in the camp are another highlight, and a grand procession of all camp groups will bring all participants together.
Tavern Play to Conclude Sunday
Sunday begins with a church service on the upper castle. The program continues until shortly before 6 p.m., followed by a tavern play to conclude the spectacle — a short comedy performed in the castle courtyard, traditionally by one of the participating groups.
Schalkau and the Coburg Region
Schalkau is located in the southernmost tip of Thuringia, on the border with Bavaria. The Sonneberg district is part of the cross-border Coburg-Rennsteig region — popular for hiking, with a heritage of glassblowing and medieval castles. Visitors to the Schaumburgfest can combine their trip with a weekend in the region.
Schaumburgfest — edition 2026
The 2026 festival continues the traditional three-day format. Friday, June 12: Market opens in the evening, with minstrels Vogelfrei and Mollfolk providing the musical kickoff. A minstrel competition is part of the program.
Saturday, June 13: The castle gate opens to the public at 1 p.m. Knights and traveling folk set up a large camp at the foot of the ruins, artisans showcase their skills, and merchants offer their wares. Music and show acts include: Vogelfrei, Waldträne, Schabernackrakeel, Varisha, and the Schalkau school choir. Knight games take place in the camp before all camp groups participate in the grand procession.
Sunday, June 14: The day begins with a church service on the upper castle. The program runs until shortly before 6 p.m., after which a tavern play concludes the spectacle.
Programme Schaumburgfest 2026
Friday, June 12, 2026 — Opening Evening
- Market opening in the evening
- Vogelfrei — Minstrels (Music and Dance)
- Mollfolk — Minstrels
- Minstrel Competition
Saturday, June 13, 2026 — Main Festival Day
- From 1:00 PM — Castle gate opens to the public
- Large camp of traveling folk at the foot of the ruins
- Vogelfrei and Waldträne — Music
- Schabernackrakeel — Jester Troupe
- Varisha — Dancers
- Schalkau School Choir
- Knight Games in the Camp
- Grand Procession of all Camp Groups
Sunday, June 14, 2026
- Morning church service on the upper castle
- Market activities until shortly before 6:00 PM
- Conclusion: Tavern Play — A short comedy in the castle courtyard
Detailed program and tickets: schaumburgverein-schalkau.de.
Highlights Schaumburgfest 2026
- Minstrels Vogelfrei, Mollfolk, Waldträne
- Schabernackrakeel — Jester Troupe
- Varisha — Dancers
- Grand Procession of all Camp Groups on Saturday
- Tavern Play to conclude on Sunday
Prices Schaumburgfest 2026
Tickets are available from the organizers and at the box office. Reduced admission for visitors in medieval costume.
Practical information — Schaumburgfest
Getting There
By car via the A73 (Eisfeld-Süd exit) or the B89 from Sonneberg. Sonneberg-Schalkau train station with a bus to the castle. The final ascent is on foot via the Burgweg (castle path).
Admission
Tickets are available from the Schaumburg-Verein and at the box office on-site. Reduced admission for those in costume.
Tip
Wear sturdy footwear — the ascent to the castle involves unpaved paths. The camp life is particularly atmospheric in the late evening.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Schaumburgfest
Ruine Schaumburg
Ruine Schaumburg, 96524 Schalkau