Schlossfest Blankenhain

1,300 Years of Castle History

Blankenhain Castle stands on one of the oldest castle sites in Central Germany. A 7th-century Franconian circular castle forms the historical origin – from a time when the Franconian conquest of Thuringia shaped the political map of the present-day federal state. Over the centuries, the complex changed hands several times: the von Blankenhain family (until 1416), the Counts of Gleichen, the House of Hatzfeld, and later Prussian and Saxon-Weimar administrations. After World War II, the castle became the property of Thuringia and finally the city of Blankenhain. Today, the complex serves as the city's cultural and social center.

Inner and Outer Courtyard as Festival Scenery

The castle complex consists of an outer courtyard of about 0.5 hectares and an inner courtyard, which is particularly suitable for events. Several entrances allow for flexible space allocation – at the Schlossfest, all areas are used: the main stage in the inner courtyard, market stalls and food stands in the outer courtyard, and historicizing medieval corners in the side rooms. The scenery of old walls, towers, and the inner courtyard fountain creates an atmosphere that no city festival in a modern square can replicate.

Changing Themes, Fixed Program Framework

Each edition of the Schlossfest has a new theme – past themes included "Middle Ages," "Renaissance," "Romance," and "Fairytale World." The respective theme influences the decoration, the program, and sometimes the food offerings. However, the program lines remain constant: live music (from folk and medieval music to classical ensembles and cover bands), gastronomy with Thuringian and festival-typical cuisine, arts and crafts stalls with regional vendors, hands-on activities for children, and sometimes historical reenactment groups embodying the respective theme. The festival concludes regularly with a fire show or light installation.

Blankenhain in the Weimarer Land

Blankenhain is a small town with around 6,800 inhabitants in the Weimarer Land district in the state of Thuringia, south of Weimar. The town lies on the edge of the Ilmtal-Schwell – a gently rolling cultural landscape between Weimar and Saalfeld. With the castle as its centerpiece, Blankenhain has a strong historical identity. The Schlossfest is one of the most important community-building events in the annual calendar – supported by the city, associations, and many volunteers from the surrounding districts.