Stelzenfestspiele bei Reuth

Stelzen — A Village of 100 Becomes a Music Stage

Stelzen is a tiny part of the town of Tanna in the Saale-Orla district (Thuringia), near the borders with Saxony and Bavaria. The village has fewer than 100 inhabitants — yet its name is internationally recognized for one of Germany's most original music festivals. In 1993, the initiator founded the festival with the aim of bringing classical music to an unconventional rural setting. Today, it has developed into a festival brand, attracting over 120,000 visitors since its inception.

33rd Edition 2026 — "Stelzen im Fluss"

The 33rd edition in 2026, from June 26th to 28th, is themed "Stelzen im Fluss." Three days of experimental classical music, world music, jazz, and crossover formats. The focal points are the "Große Festspielscheune" with 1,200 seats (built in 2007) and the Waldbühne for the major open-air concerts. The festival combines Gewandhaus Orchestra-level classical music with avant-garde concepts.

The Land Machine Symphony ST 210

The festival's biggest hallmark is the annual "Landmaschinensinfonie ST 210" — an experiment combining classical instruments, rock music, agricultural machinery (tractors, combine harvesters, harrows), and video projections. The concept sounds absurd, but it works: the machines are used like instruments — the sound of their engines, the rattling of their drives, the light effects from their headlights are incorporated into a choreographed performance. One of Germany's most unique concert experiences.

Closing Concert on the Waldbühne

The festival concludes with the closing concert on the Waldbühne — an open-air performance on Sunday evening that draws around 5,000 spectators from all over Germany and neighboring countries. A fusion of classical works, world music, and choreographed staging — the highlight of every year.