Unkeler Mittelalter-Spectaculum (Hunnenlager)

13 Years of Medieval Times and Hunnic Romance in Unkel

Over the past 12 editions, the Unkeler Mittelalter-Spectaculum has become a popular spring highlight. Thousands of visitors immerse themselves in another era for a weekend — in an unusually green setting for a Hunnic camp: the Bürgerpark Unkel, the town's former outdoor swimming pool grounds.

The Unkeler Hunnenhorde

The 'Unkeler Hunnenhorde' is a local association dedicated to historically inspired reenactment of the Hunnic people — with their own costumes, camp structures, food, rituals, and show fights. During the Spectaculum, the group lives authentically in the camp for three days, cooks over the campfire, demonstrates crafts such as blacksmithing, leatherwork, weaving, or bow making, and is available to visitors for explanations.

What to Experience at the Spectaculum

In addition to the central Hunnic camp, other reenactment groups, traders of historically inspired goods, musicians, jesters, and showmen set up their stalls. Typical program items include: demonstrations of sword fighting and archery, performances by medieval and folk music groups, blacksmith demonstrations, bow-making demonstrations, markets with arts and crafts, mead and sparkling wine stands, food such as suckling pig, stews, and baked goods from clay ovens, as well as children's interactive stations for archery, dressing up, and crafting.

Social Cause

Admission is deliberately free — the organizers see themselves as a cultural gift to the town. The revenue from the sale of food and drinks largely goes to the Cologne initiative 'Dat kölsche Hätz' (childhood cancer aid) and the association for sick children Bonn. Medieval times thus become a vehicle for social engagement.