Event Details
Welcome to the Historic Castle Festival Manderscheid 2026
On the last weekend of August, 29 and 30 August 2026, the Middle Ages come to life for the 41st time at Niederburg Manderscheid in the Vulkan Eifel. Set against the extraordinary backdrop of two medieval castle ruins, thousands of visitors journey to this unique festival every year. The event promises knights, jesters, medieval music, fire spectacles and family entertainment in an unforgettable historical setting.
The Knight Tournament 2026: The Seven Seals
The centrepiece of the 2026 festival is the knight tournament titled "The Seven Seals". A dark queen seeks to rule the entire land, and Martin of Manderscheid and his brave knights must face nearly unbeatable opponents in seven challenging trials. Thrilling mounted combat and ground battles make this the unmissable highlight of the weekend.
Highlights
- Spectacular knight tournament "The Seven Seals" on horseback and on foot
- Large knight's encampment with authentic medieval living history
- Historic craftsmen's market with blacksmiths, potters and medieval traders
- Jugglers, jongleurs, minstrels and street performers
- Oriental stork riders, drumming wizard apprentices and nature spirits
- Niederburg in Flames: dramatic night-time fire and light spectacle
- Tavern entertainment with food and drink
- Rich children's programme for young time travellers
- Medieval music from multiple groups across several stages
- Grand tattoo ceremony as the closing highlight on Sunday
- Saturday evening party from 9:00 PM (evening ticket €5.00)
Admission Prices 2026
The festival offers family-friendly admission prices. Children under sword height (1.40 m) enter free. Advance tickets are available from 25 July 2026 at all Ticket-Regional outlets or at ticket-regional.de.
- Weekend ticket (advance): Children (9 to 17 years) €10.00 / Adults €22.00 / Family €65.00
- Weekend ticket (box office): Children (9 to 17 years) €12.00 / Adults €25.00 / Family €70.00
- Day ticket (advance): Children over sword height €6.00 / Adults €16.00 / Family card €40.00
- Day ticket (box office): Children over sword height €8.00 / Adults €18.00 / Family card €45.00
- Saturday evening ticket from 9:00 PM: €5.00
- Children under 1.40 m (sword height): free entry
Getting There & Park and Ride
- Parking available in Manderscheid and at designated car parks on the edge of Pantenburg (fee applies).
- Free shuttle buses to Niederburg and the tournament grounds, every 15 minutes.
- Saturday: buses run from 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM.
- Sunday: buses run from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Visitor Tips
- Buy advance tickets to save money; the weekend ticket offers the best value.
- Arrive early as the grounds fill up quickly.
- Use the free shuttle bus from the park-and-ride areas.
- Medieval costumes and historical clothing are welcome and encouraged.
- Wear sturdy footwear as the terrain around Niederburg is uneven.
- Book accommodation well in advance; hotels in the Vulkan Eifel fill up fast for this weekend.
