Walpurgismarkt Thale

Walpurgis Night — where Goethe himself ascended

Walpurgis Night is deeply rooted in German folklore — and nowhere is it celebrated more intensely than in the Harz mountains. Thale, at the foot of the famous Hexentanzplatz (Witches' Dance Square), is the tourist hub of this tradition. For centuries, legend has it that witches dance on the plateau above the Bode river on April 30th to conjure in the May. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe also immortalized the myth in his "Faust." Today, the town of Thale celebrates Walpurgis as a major folk festival — with the Walpurgismarkt as its central supporting program.

Four Days of Market Life

The Walpurgismarkt runs for four days — from April 30th to May 3rd, 2026. Free admission on all days. In the Kurpark Thale (Thale Spa Park), stalls offer medieval crafts, complemented by the historic Flohmarkt Franz and Streetfood on Tour for culinary delights. Several smaller stages with minstrels, jugglers, and acrobats complete the program. It is one of the largest folk festivals in the Harz region and in the state of Saxony-Anhalt.

April 30th — Walpurgis Night

The highlight is the evening of April 30th: On the Hexentanzplatz high above Thale, the grand Walpurgis stage program takes place with fire shows, bands, and a witches' choir. For those who prefer a party atmosphere, head to the Walpurgis Aftershow Party at Klubhaus Thale — two floors, admission from 8:00 PM, starting at 9:00 PM. Classics and current charts alternate; the Klubhaus is the central party location for Walpurgis Night.

Thale in the Harz District

Thale lies at the entrance to the spectacular Bodetal valley, in the Harz district, state of Saxony-Anhalt. Visitors to the Walpurgismarkt should definitely plan time for a hike in the Bodetal — through the Roßtrappe gorge and up to the Hexentanzplatz. The cable car from the valley up to the Hexentanzplatz is an attraction in itself.