Sturm auf Zons — Medieval Festival

Zons — Medieval Town on the Rhine

Zons is a district of the city of Dormagen in the Rhein-Kreis Neuss district, in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia — located directly on the Rhine between Düsseldorf and Cologne. What makes Zons special: The old town with its almost completely preserved 14th-century city wall, the Friedestrom Castle fortress, and its narrow alleys is an architectural ensemble of exceptional historical integrity. The town was founded in the 14th century by the Elector of Cologne — as a customs post on the Rhine. Today, it's a place that feels like time has stood still.

10th Anniversary Edition — May 30th/31st, 2026

Sturm auf Zons celebrates its 10th anniversary edition in 2026. What began as a small experiment in 2017 is now one of the largest medieval festivals on the Lower Rhine. The format combines a classic reenactment event with theatrical staging: A camp is set up on 10,000 m² around the city wall, with international groups from Europe (Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Great Britain, Czech Republic, Poland) living late medieval soldier life for three days — with tents, campfires, weapons, armor, costumes, and historical cuisine.

The Assault on the City Wall — Highlight

The namesake highlight is the assault on the city wall: On both festival days, the historic city fortifications are "besieged " by a mercenary army — with cannon fire (real historically reconstructed muzzle-loaders), arrow volleys from the walls, siege ladders, siege towers, and battle formations. Over 300 international late medieval reenactors participate in the staging — one of the largest battle reenactments in Western Europe. Historically, the spectacle is based on the siege of Zons during the Truchsessian War (1583).

Market and Program

Over 50 medieval merchants populate the market: blacksmiths, woodturners, woodcarvers, wool spinners, parchment makers, bowyers, leatherworkers, glass bead makers, medieval bakers, and mulled wine vendors. In addition, there are:

• Jester performances, magic, and fakir shows
• Medieval music on several stages
• Craft demonstrations using historical methods
• New in 2026 — Children's Jousting Tournament: Children fight with padded weapons, learn heraldry, riding, and the life of a medieval squire

Tavern Evening on Friday, May 29th

The organizers open the festival week on Friday, May 29th, starting at 6:00 PM with a tavern evening — free entry, medieval atmosphere, first encounters with the reenactors, mead and spiced beer, small snacks. A warm and relaxed opening to the weekend, before the main days.

Admission and Family Ticket

For Saturday and Sunday, the following prices apply:

• Adults: €9
• Reduced (Children, Students, Disabled): €7
• Family Ticket: €18

A deliberately low admission price that keeps the festival accessible for families — especially in competition with larger, significantly more expensive medieval festivals.

In the Rhein-Kreis Neuss

The Rhein-Kreis Neuss district boasts an unusual density of medieval town centers — besides Zons, also Neuss, Kaiserswerth, and Wevelinghoven. Sturm auf Zons is the pinnacle of this medieval culture — a festival staging that draws not only reenactment enthusiasts but also families from Düsseldorf, Cologne, and Neuss to the small town.