Walpurgisnacht in the Harz – Thale

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.