Walpurgisnacht on Eilenburg Castle Hill

Walpurgisnacht — Spring Custom with a Long History

On the night of April 30th to May 1st, according to ancient folk belief, witches meet on the Brocken in the Harz Mountains. Throughout Germany — especially in central and northern Germany — this night is celebrated with large bonfires, which are meant to drive away evil spirits and welcome spring. In Eilenburg, in the Nordsachsen district, the Burgverein has been preserving this tradition for years on the historic Burgberg, one of the oldest settlement sites in the region.

Program April 30, 2026 from 6 PM

The stage program on the Burgberg begins at 6 PM. In the Sorb Tower — affectionately called the Witches' Tower by the people of Eilenburg — the witch Steffi welcomes children for creepy stories and storytelling sessions. Food and drinks are served in the outdoor area (bratwurst, steaks, witch's punch, beer), the atmosphere builds as dusk sets in. Around 8 PM, the band No Sound takes the stage, and at the same time, the large witches' fire is lit — a moment when flames, music, and the wide view over the city combine into an atmospheric spring scene.

The Burgberg — Eilenburg's Historic Heart

Eilenburg Castle Hill has a history of over a thousand years: the medieval castle was located here, of which remnants are still visible today. The Sorb Tower, a square defensive tower from the 12th century, and the Mansberg Tower are striking features on the hill. The hill is now a public green space and a popular viewpoint. The Burgverein, founded to preserve the historical substance, organizes several events here each year — Walpurgisnacht is the most atmospheric.

Family Festival with Spooky Charm

Unlike some Walpurgisnacht celebrations that turn into pure adult parties, Eilenburg's witches' night is explicitly designed as a family festival. The children's programs in the Witches' Tower start early, the witches' fire is staged with a safe distance, and the band performance with No Sound remains enjoyable for all age groups. Many Eilenburg families come year after year.

Saxony, Nordsachsen, and Eilenburg

Eilenburg is a town in the Nordsachsen district with around 16,000 inhabitants. It is located on the Mulde river, east of Leipzig, and looks back on a long industrial history (chemical industry, textile industry). Today, the town is primarily known for its proximity to nature, the Mulde valley, and its castle complexes. Walpurgisnacht is one of the fixed spring events in the Nordsachsen cultural landscape.