Event Details
Welcome to the Meistertrunk Pageant in Rothenburg
Over the Pentecost weekend, from 22 to 25 May 2026, the medieval old town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber turns into a living stage. At the heart of the celebration is the historical pageant "Der Meistertrunk", performed every year since 1881, reenacting the legendary events of 1631 when mayor Georg Nusch saved the city from destruction by the military commander Tilly by draining a huge wine goblet in one draught. Since 2014, the pageant has been recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Highlights
- Historical stage play "Der Meistertrunk" in the Kaisersaal of the town hall
- Grand historical army parade through the old town with around 130 horses and riders
- Two historical military camps with crafts and daily life around 1631
- Large medieval market with stalls, music and handicrafts
- Over 100 volunteer performers in historical costumes
- Astronomical clock performance on the market square reenacting the Meistertrunk scene
Program
The stage play "Der Meistertrunk" is performed several times during the Pentecost days in the Kaisersaal of the town hall, each show lasting around 100 minutes. Around the performances, the entire old town comes alive: the historical army parade moves through the lanes with horses and riders, while two historical military camps with craft demonstrations, a blacksmith and camp followers are set up on the Festwiese and near the Rödertor. The festivities are rounded off by a lively medieval market with food, craft and music stalls. In addition, the famous astronomical clock on the market square reenacts the Meistertrunk scene in miniature several times a day.
Tickets
Tickets for the performances in the Kaisersaal cost between 9 and 20 euros depending on the category; reduced tickets are available at a lower price. Children under 6 are not admitted to the performance. Tickets can be booked online through the festival website, and remaining tickets are usually also available at the box office on the market square before each performance. Access to the medieval market and the military camps is free.
Visitor Tips
- Book tickets for the Kaisersaal performances early, as popular time slots sell out quickly.
- Rothenburg's old town gets very busy over Pentecost weekend; arriving early makes finding parking easier.
- Wear sturdy shoes to explore the military camps and medieval market, as the old town lanes are cobbled.
- The astronomical clock on the market square performs the Meistertrunk scene several times a day, a free highlight for the whole family.
- Plan for a full weekend, as the festivities are spread across several days.
