Scherenburgfestspiele Gemünden am Main
One of Germany's oldest open-air theatres on the Scherenburg castle ruins
About Scherenburgfestspiele
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Theatre on Castle Ruins
The Scherenburgfestspiele in Gemünden am Main is one of Germany's oldest open-air theatre festivals. Performances take place on the Scherenburg castle ruins, a high medieval complex dating back to the 12th century, which today presides over the town on the Main as a natural monument. The stonework, staircases, battlements, and the well-preserved keep form the natural stage architecture — a backdrop rarely found with such authenticity in Germany.
A History Since 1908
The festival's history dates back to 1908, when open-air performances were first organised at the castle. After another production in 1911, there were long interruptions. It was only in 1989 that the Scherenburgfestspiele were re-established in their current form — and have since developed into one of the most important summer stages in Lower Franconia. The festival is organised by Scherenburgfestspiele e.V., which engages professional directors, actors, and technicians.
A Six-Week Performance Season
The season annually spans six to seven summer weeks — usually from early July to mid-August. Each season, two main productions are rehearsed and performed alternately, supplemented by a children's or family production and several guest performances featuring music, cabaret, and comedy. The in-house productions range from classics (Schiller, Lessing, Shakespeare) to modern bestsellers (Brecht, Miller, Frisch) and popular stories like Sherlock Holmes or Robin Hood.
Weekend and Weekday Performances
Performances usually take place in the evening at dusk. In case of rain, performances are rescheduled to the previous evening or a replacement date. A covered alternative venue ensures that performances are rarely cancelled entirely. Shuttle buses run from Gemünden station and nearby car parks directly to the castle.
A Town at the Three-Rivers Confluence
Gemünden am Main, with a population of just over 9,000, is the district town in the Main-Spessart district, located at the confluence of the Main, Saale, and Sinn rivers — a picturesque three-rivers confluence at the gateway to the Spessart Nature Park and the Rhön. The Scherenburg castle, built by the Counts of Rieneck, is the town's striking landmark.
Scherenburgfestspiele — edition 2026
The 2026 season juxtaposes two main productions with very different styles. Hexenjagd (The Crucible) by Arthur Miller recounts the Salem witch trials of 1692 and is considered a significant work of American theatre literature — an allegory for the McCarthy era and mass hysteria, which remains highly relevant today. Sherlock Holmes, based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, brings the most famous detective in world literature to the castle ruins as a popular crime play.
Additionally, there is the family play Die kleine Hexe, based on the children's book classic of the same name by Otfried Preußler — performed primarily in the afternoons and on weekends for young audiences.
Seven guest performances complete the programme: concerts, tribute acts, and comedy evenings. Confirmed acts include music evenings with singer Matthias Walz, the Simon & Garfunkel Revival Band, and a solo performance by Andreas Kümmert.
Programme Scherenburgfestspiele 2026
Main Production 1: Hexenjagd (Arthur Miller)
- Staging of the classic about the 1692 Salem witch trials
- Allegory of the McCarthy era
- Performances alternate with Sherlock Holmes
Main Production 2: Sherlock Holmes (after Arthur Conan Doyle)
- Detective crime story for the family stage
- Holmes and Watson in Victorian London
- Performances alternate with Hexenjagd
Family Play: Die kleine Hexe (after Otfried Preußler)
- Performances primarily in the afternoons and on weekends
- For children aged 5 and up
Guest Performances 2026 (Selection)
- Singer Matthias Walz — song recital
- Simon & Garfunkel Revival Band — tribute concert
- Andreas Kümmert — solo performance
- Four additional comedy, tribute, and concert evenings
Performance Schedule
- Performances usually take place in the evening at dusk
- Weekend performances and selected weekdays
- Alternative venue secured in case of rain
Highlights Scherenburgfestspiele 2026
- Six-week season from July 2 to August 16, 2026
- Sophisticated main production Hexenjagd by Arthur Miller
- Crowd-pleasing Sherlock Holmes as a contrasting programme
- Family play Die kleine Hexe based on Otfried Preußler
- Seven guest performances with music and comedy
Prices Scherenburgfestspiele 2026
Tickets range from €18 (family matinee) to €38 (premiere seats), depending on the performance and seating category. Advance sales start November 1, 2025, online, and November 3 at the administration office.
Practical information — Scherenburgfestspiele
Getting There
By train to Gemünden (Main) — shuttle bus from the station to the castle ruins. By car via the A3 (exit Würzburg-Estenfeld) and federal road B26.
Tickets
Advance sales start November 1, 2025, online, and November 3 in the administration office (Scherenbergstraße 2, 97737 Gemünden). Phone +49 9351 5424, Email [email protected].
Weather
In case of rain, performances are usually moved to an alternative venue. Blankets and weatherproof clothing are recommended — the castle ruins are not covered.
Tip
Before the performance, take a stroll along the Main, enjoy the restaurants in the old town, or visit the three-rivers confluence.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Scherenburgfestspiele
Burgruine Scherenburg, Gemünden am Main
Scherenbergstraße 2, 97737 Gemünden am Main