Name: Walpurgisnacht on the Old Castle Penzlin 2026
Start: 2026-04-30T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-04-30T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Alte Burg Penzlin

Walpurgisnacht Penzlin

About Walpurgisnacht Penzlin

Hardly any place in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is better suited for Walpurgisnacht than the Old Castle Penzlin — known for its museum on everyday magic and witch hunts. On the night of May 1st, the historic castle transforms into a stage for music, dance, and witchery. Witches gather at the Hexenbrunnen (Witches' Fountain) in Große Straße, a mystical procession leads up to the castle, a large Walpurgis bonfire blazes, accompanied by witch rituals, circle dances, and a fire show. The highlight is the election of the most beautiful little witch and the most enchanting witch of the castle.

Dates 30 Apr — 30 Apr 2026

Venue Penzlin (13071)

Prices —

Status Confirmed

Edition 2026

Walpurgisnacht Penzlin — edition 2026

Walpurgisnacht at the Old Castle Penzlin takes place on April 30, 2026. From 3:30 PM, witches gather at the Hexenbrunnen (Witches' Fountain) in Große Straße, and from 4:00 PM, a mystical procession leads to the castle. The Walpurgis bonfire is lit around 9:00 PM, accompanied by witch rituals, circle dances, and a fire show. The highlight is the election of the most beautiful little witch and the most enchanting witch of the castle.

Walpurgisnacht 2026 at the Old Castle

On April 30, 2026, the Old Castle Penzlin will once again transform into a stage for Walpurgisnacht. From 3:30 PM, witches gather at the Hexenbrunnen (Witches' Fountain) in Große Straße, and from 4:00 PM, a mystical procession leads up to the castle.

On the castle grounds, visitors can expect a colorful program of music, dance, and witchery. Around 9:00 PM, the large Walpurgis bonfire will blaze. Witch rituals, circle dances, and a fire show will characterize the evening. The highlight is the election of the most beautiful little witch and the most enchanting witch of the castle. The festival is organized by the town of Penzlin, the Cocolorus Budenzauber traveling theater, and the Friends of the Old Castle Association.

Highlights Walpurgisnacht Penzlin 2026

Mystical witch procession from the Hexenbrunnen to the Old Castle
Large Walpurgis bonfire around 9:00 PM
Witch rituals, circle dances, and fire show in the historic castle grounds
Election of the most beautiful little witch and the most enchanting witch of the castle

Programme Walpurgisnacht Penzlin 2026

2026 Schedule

From 3:30 PM — Gathering of witches at the Hexenbrunnen (Witches' Fountain) in Große Straße
From 4:00 PM — Mystical witch procession from Große Straße up to the Old Castle
Afternoon and Evening — Music, dance, witchery, and interactive activities on the castle grounds, election of the most beautiful little witch and the most enchanting witch
Approx. 9:00 PM — Large Walpurgis bonfire, witch rituals, circle dances, and fire show

Prices Walpurgisnacht Penzlin 2026

Admission to the castle grounds. Exact prices will be announced by the organizer.

Practical information

Practical information — Walpurgisnacht Penzlin

Getting There

Penzlin is located in the Mecklenburg Lake District, about 15 km west of Neubrandenburg. Accessible by car via the B192. The nearest train station is Neubrandenburg. The Old Castle is in the town center.

Schedule

From 3:30 PM: Gathering at the Hexenbrunnen (Witches' Fountain), Große Straße. From 4:00 PM: Witches' procession to the castle. Walpurgis bonfire around 9:00 PM.

Organizers

Town of Penzlin, Friends of the Old Castle Association, and Cocolorus Budenzauber traveling theater. Contact: Alte Burg Penzlin, Alte Burg 1, 17217 Penzlin, Phone +49 3962 210494, [email protected].

Walpurgisnacht — An Ancient Tradition

Walpurgisnacht, on the night of April 30th to May 1st, is one of Central Europe's oldest traditional festivals. According to legend, witches gather on this night to welcome spring and finally drive away winter. In Penzlin, the Reuterstadt in the Mecklenburg Lake District, this custom is cherished with particular devotion — as the Old Castle Penzlin is perfectly suited for a witch festival.

The Castle of Everyday Magic

The Old Castle Penzlin houses a unique museum dedicated to everyday magic and the history of witch hunts. In its Hexenkeller (Witches' Cellar), it documents the dark chapters of early modern witch trials. This authentic historical setting lends the Penzlin Walpurgisnacht a depth that an ordinary May bonfire cannot offer.

The Mystical Procession

From 3:30 PM: Witches gather at the Hexenbrunnen (Witches' Fountain) in Große Straße
From 4:00 PM: A mystical procession leads up to the Old Castle
Large Walpurgis Bonfire around 9:00 PM
Witch rituals, circle dances, and fire show on the castle grounds

Election of the Most Beautiful Witch

A highlight of the evening is the election of the most beautiful little witch and the most enchanting witch of the castle. The festival is organized by the town of Penzlin in collaboration with the Cocolorus Budenzauber traveling theater and the Friends of the Old Castle Association. The mix of interactive activities, theatrical elements, and tradition-based staging makes Walpurgisnacht a celebration for the whole family.

The Beginning of Spring at the Castle

The Penzlin Walpurgisnacht is more than just a spectacle — it is a living piece of tradition. As the Walpurgis bonfire blazes against the backdrop of centuries-old castle walls, history, myth, and the joy of spring intertwine. For visitors from the Mecklenburg Lake District and beyond, the evening offers an atmospheric start to the glorious month of May.