Walpurgisnacht in the Harz – Thale
The biggest Walpurgisnacht in the Harz
About Walpurgisnacht Thale
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Where the Witches Really Dance
When darkness falls over the Bodetal valley on April 30th, the Hexentanzplatz high above Thale becomes one of Germany's most spectacular venues. The legend of Walpurgisnacht — the night when witches travel to the Brocken for their sabbath — has been part of the Harz mountains for centuries, as much as the forest and the sandstone cliffs. Goethe's Faust made the subject world-famous. Today, Thale celebrates it as the largest Walpurgisnacht in the Harz with a stage show, live music, mysticism, fireworks, and a multi-day market.
Four Days of Walpurgis Spectacle
The festival begins on April 30th with the grand stage evening on the Hexentanzplatz. Acrobatics and fire shows („Freaks on Fire“), an Apache 207 double show, cover bands like the Coldplay tribute „Viva la Vida“, mystic and laser productions, spectacular fireworks — and headliners like Loona („Bailando“) and the German rock band Heldmaschine. Afterwards, the after-show party moves to Klubhaus Thale.
Walpurgis Market in Town
In parallel, the Walpurgis Market opens in the spa gardens and the town centre of Thale from April 30th to May 3rd. Medieval market, flea market, street food stalls, walking acts, witch costumes, children's program — the market is free and turns the festival into a four-day town event. Families, hikers, medieval fans, and Goth tourists travel from all over Germany.
In the Harz, Saxony-Anhalt's Magical Heart
Thale is located in the Harz district in the state of Saxony-Anhalt — the Hexentanzplatz and the Rosstrappe opposite are among the oldest cult sites in Central Germany. The Brocken, the holy mountain of Walpurgisnacht, is accessible from Thale via the Harz narrow-gauge railway; many visitors combine the festival with hikes in the Bodetal valley or a trip to the Brocken. Walpurgisnacht in the Harz is not folklore, but a living tradition.
Walpurgisnacht Thale — edition 2026
On the eve of May 1st, 2026, the Bodetal valley will transform into a bubbling witches' cauldron. The organizers have put together a packed program for the main night featuring international acts, cover bands, mysticism and laser shows, and fireworks. The following three days are dedicated to the Walpurgis Market in the town and spa gardens — freely accessible and family-friendly.
Programme Walpurgisnacht Thale 2026
Thursday, April 30th, 2026 — Hexentanzplatz
- From afternoon — Admission via cable car and shuttle bus
- Acrobatics and fire show „Freaks on Fire“
- Apache 207 Double Show by Tamas
- Coldplay Tribute „Viva la Vida“
- Headliners: Loona („Bailando“) and German rock band Heldmaschine
- Mysticism and laser show
- Grand fireworks display
- After-show party at Klubhaus Thale
Friday, May 1st, 2026 — Walpurgis Market
- Medieval market in Thale spa gardens
- Flea market by Franz
- Street food, walking acts, family program
- Free admission
Saturday, May 2nd, 2026
- Walpurgis Market in the spa gardens
- Live music and children's program
- Free admission
Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 — Closing
- Last market day in the spa gardens
- Free admission
Full program and set times at bodetal.de/events/walpurgisnacht.
Highlights Walpurgisnacht Thale 2026
Prices Walpurgisnacht Thale 2026
Practical information — Walpurgisnacht Thale
Getting There
Thale is located in the northeastern Harz, in the Harz district. By car via the A36 (exit Thale) or the B6n. By train: Regional train from Halle (Saale) or Magdeburg to Thale Hauptbahnhof. You can reach the Hexentanzplatz by cable car or shuttle bus — both are included in the festival ticket.
Tickets
Day ticket April 30th: approx. €44 regular, €20 for youths 12–17 years, children up to 11 years free (admission incl. cable car/shuttle). Tickets via Bodetal-Tourist-Info, online at events.bodetal.de and eventim.de. The Walpurgis Market from April 30th to May 3rd is free.
On Site
Bring warm clothing — it's cool in the Harz at the end of April / beginning of May, especially on the Hexentanzplatz (450 m above sea level). Book hotels and guesthouses in Thale well in advance — the festival has been known regionally for decades. Additional accommodation in Quedlinburg, Wernigerode, and Blankenburg.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Walpurgisnacht Thale al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Walpurgisnacht Thale
Hexentanzplatz, Bergtheater Thale und Kurpark
Hexentanzplatz, 06502 Thale