Theater im Burghof Egloffstein

The Castle Above the Trubachtal

Egloffstein Castle towers on a rocky spur above the Trubachtal valley in the Fränkische Schweiz, in the district of Forchheim. The complex dates back to the late 12th century (documented around 1180–1184) and consists of four different architectural parts, visible from afar. Severely damaged during the Thirty Years' War, it now serves partly as a residence and partly as a cultural venue — with the castle courtyard as its summer theater space.

The Fränkischer Theatersommer in the Castle Courtyard

The performances are organized by Fränkischer Theatersommer e.V. / Landesbühne Oberfranken from Kupferberg, Bavaria's only professional touring theater. The ensemble, led by director Jan Burdinski, tours around 70 venues every summer between Coburg, Bayreuth, Nuremberg, and Bamberg — and Egloffstein has been one of its permanent castle courtyard stages for years.

What is Performed Here

• Classical Spoken Theater — Comedies and dramas, often with literary ambition: Shaw, Machiavelli (Mandragora), Shakespeare, German classics.
• Cabaret and Musical Theater — occasional chanson evenings with original productions like 'Wölfe, Weib und Waldesruh' or 'What a Wonderful World'.
• Children's and Youth Theater — original productions for young audiences, often in the late afternoon.

What Makes the Theater Evening Special

Theater im Burghof is open-air theater in the truest sense: the stage is set up in the castle's inner courtyard, and the audience sits on simple benches between the medieval walls. The acoustics of the stone walls, the late afternoon sunlight, and the swallows above the towers give the performances an atmosphere that no city theater can match. In case of rain, performances are held inside the castle — which is also a unique experience.

Embedded in a Region Full of Culture

Egloffstein is located in the heart of the Fränkische Schweiz, one of Europe's most densely populated castle landscapes. Those who combine a theater evening with a hike through the Trubachtal valley, a glass of Franconian wine, and a view of the rocks around Tüchersfeld will experience one of the most beautiful cultural summers in Upper Franconia.