Sommersonnenwende Groß Raden

The Longest Day, Celebrated in the Early Middle Ages

The summer solstice has been one of the most important annual festivals in Northern Europe for millennia. Slavs and Vikings also marked the longest day of the year with fire rituals, sun cults, communal feasts, and magical practices — many of which are documented through archaeological finds and chronicles.

Program at the Open-Air Museum

On June 20, 2026, the Groß Raden Archaeological Open-Air Museum invites you to its reconstructed Slavic temple fortress between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. The program includes reenactments of early medieval solstice rituals, craft demonstrations, stories and myths about light gods and sun paths, games for children, and tastings of Slavic food.

Authentic Setting

The reconstructed temple fortress complex — Slavic temple, palisade ring, bridge, and craft houses — provides an exceptionally atmospheric stage for the festival. The buildings were erected on the original site based on archaeological findings and are among the most important Slavic-era reconstructions in Northern Germany.

Family-Friendly

The program is explicitly family-friendly: younger children will find stories and games, while older ones can participate in craft stations or ask questions of the living history groups. The format is significantly quieter than the castle storming in July — no combat demonstrations.

Local Context

Groß Raden is located in the Ludwigslust-Parchim district in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, near Sternberg. The open-air museum is part of the State Office for Culture and Monument Preservation MV and is open daily from April to October, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.