12. Wertheimer Burgfilmfest

Burgfilmfest Wertheim — Summer Cinema Against a Medieval Backdrop

The Wertheimer BurgFilmFest is the most atmospheric open-air cinema in the Tauberfranken region – and one of the hidden gems of Southern German summer culture. Since 2015, the moat of Wertheim Castle, dating back to the 12th century, has been transformed every August for two and a half weeks into a unique open-air cinema hall. The 12th edition will take place from August 13th to 26th, 2026 – in the Main-Tauber district, on the northwestern edge of the state of Baden-Württemberg.

Diverse Program 2026

The 2026 program offers a wide spectrum from family films to arthouse documentaries:

• Opening Film: "Der neue Eberhofer: Steckerlfischfiasko" – the next crime comedy in the Eberhofer series based on Rita Falk's novels
• Documentary with Director Q&A: "Same Sun — Mit dem Fahrrad durch Afrika", a cycling documentary across Africa, with a live Q&A with the director after the screening
• Blockbusters: Christopher Nolan's adaptation of "Die Odyssee" and the sequel hit "The Devil Wears Prada 2"
• Family Evening: "Minions & Monster" at a discounted family price of €6.50
• Animation/Live-Action: "Moana" as a live-action remake
• Special Format: Silent film screening with live musical accompaniment – two artists in a musical duel accompanying the silent film

The complete program will be published on burgwertheim.de at the end of June 2026 – advance ticket sales also begin at the end of June.

The Moat as a Magical Cinema Hall

The venue is the moat directly below the castle walls. Wertheim Castle – one of the largest castle complexes in Southern Germany – casts its shadows over the screen on warm summer evenings, while bats flutter between the towers. Seats are numbered and assigned to tickets, ensuring every guest has a good view. Visitors bring their own blankets and cushions to get comfortable – the pure summer cinema atmosphere imbues these sentences with meaning. Admission from 8 PM, screenings start around 9:30 PM depending on sunset.

Summer at the Castle — The Accompanying Program

The BurgFilmFest is part of the larger "Sommer auf der Burg" (Summer at the Castle) program, which runs from March to September 2026. This season includes concerts, theater performances, medieval banquets, and castle tours – Wertheim Castle is a versatile cultural center in the summer.

Wertheim am Main

Wertheim (approx. 22,000 inhabitants) is located at the confluence of the Main and Tauber rivers, at the northwestern tip of Baden-Württemberg (just a few kilometers from Bavaria and Hesse). The historic old town with its half-timbered houses, the Engelsbrunnen market square, and the imposing castle on the hill make Wertheim one of the most beautiful excursion destinations in Franconia and Tauberfranken. A film evening at the castle is more than just cinema – it's a mini-vacation.