Turnierspiele Weißensee — Medieval Jousting Tournament
Medieval Jousting Tournament in Gondelteichpark in the district of Sömmerda
About Turnierspiele Weißensee
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Weißensee and the Runneburg
Weißensee in the district of Sömmerda was once the residence of the Landgraves of Thuringia. The Runneburg — one of the best-preserved Romanesque castles in Central Germany — forms the historical center of the town. This is where the Turnierspiele Weißensee traditionally take place, attracting thousands of visitors to the small town every year.
Fire at the Runneburg and Alternative Venue for 2026
In March 2026, a fire broke out at the Runneburg, making the complex temporarily inaccessible. The organizers decided not to cancel the 2026 tournament but to move it to the Gondelteichpark Weißensee — a green area on the outskirts of town with enough space for the festival grounds. The alternative venue ensures the tradition continues despite the adverse circumstances and allows visitors to experience the medieval spectacle.
Jousting and Show Fights
The highlights of the tournament are the knight fights on horseback — the Tjost (jousting), where two knights charge at each other with lances lowered. In addition, there are show fights on foot, archery, and skill demonstrations with lances and swords. The riders and fighters compete in historical armor, with choreography following medieval tournament rules.
Musicians, Jugglers, Acrobats
Between the tournament rounds, music groups like the ensemble Kapeiken, traveling performers, and jugglers entertain the audience. The market offers stalls with mead, leather goods, wrought iron, pottery, and medieval food. Encampment scenes with knights, ladies, servants, and maids complete the picture — history brought to life.
Two Days of Program
The 2026 Turnierspiele will take place on Saturday, April 25, from 11 AM to 9 PM, and Sunday, April 26, from 11 AM to 7 PM. Admission prices: Adults €15, Children €5, Historically Dressed €10. A tradition that keeps the medieval heritage of Weißensee alive — even under the unusual conditions of the alternative venue due to the fire.
Turnierspiele Weißensee — edition 2026
The 2026 tournament continues the tradition despite the fire at the Runneburg. The venue is Gondelteichpark Weißensee — a green area on the outskirts of town, offering ample space for encampments, the tournament arena, and market stalls.
Saturday, April 25: Festival grounds open at 11 AM. Knight tournaments with Tjost and show fights throughout the day, musicians and jugglers between tournament rounds. Encampment life until 9 PM, evening atmosphere with fire shows. Sunday, April 26: 11 AM–7 PM — shorter day with the main tournament, closing parade, and market conclusion.
Programme Turnierspiele Weißensee 2026
Saturday, April 25, 2026 — 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
- 11:00 AM — Opening of the Gondelteichpark festival grounds
- Tournament program: Tjost (jousting), show fights, archery tournament
- Noble knights from the region compete on horseback
- Musical program — incl. Ensemble Kapeiken for dance and market
- Jugglers, acrobats, traveling performers
- Medieval encampments with knights, ladies, servants
- Market with mead, leather goods, blacksmith work, medieval food
- Evening event with fire shows
- 9:00 PM — End of the day's program
Sunday, April 26, 2026 — 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
- 11:00 AM — Market and encampments open
- Main tournament at midday
- Demonstrations throughout the day
- Closing parade of all participants
- 7:00 PM — End of the Turnierspiele
Note on Alternative Venue
Due to the fire at the Runneburg in March 2026, the 2026 Turnierspiele will exceptionally take place in Gondelteichpark. Signage and information on site.
Highlights Turnierspiele Weißensee 2026
- Tjost (jousting) on horseback
- Show fights and archery tournament
- Ensemble Kapeiken — music for market and dance
- Fire shows on Saturday evening
- Alternative venue Gondelteichpark
Prices Turnierspiele Weißensee 2026
Adults €15, Children €5, Historically Dressed (in medieval clothing) €10. Box office on site.
Practical information — Turnierspiele Weißensee
Getting There
Weißensee is located in the district of Sömmerda, about 30 km north of Erfurt. By car via the A71 or B85. By bus via the line connections from Sömmerda.
Admission
Adults €15, Children €5, Historically Dressed €10. Box office on site.
Note
In 2026, exceptionally held in Gondelteichpark instead of Runneburg — due to the fire in March 2026. Signage and information on site.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Turnierspiele Weißensee al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Turnierspiele Weißensee
Gondelteichpark, Weißensee (Ausweichstandort 2026 — ursprünglich Runneburg)
Gondelteichpark, 99631 Weißensee