Event Details
South Tyrolean Knights' Festival 2026 – A Journey to the Middle Ages
From 21 to 23 August 2026, the village of Schluderns in the Vinschgau/Val Venosta valley hosts the South Tyrolean Knights' Festival for the 19th time. This spectacular medieval event is the most extensive festival of its kind in the Alpine region, drawing thousands of visitors from across Europe. Set against the backdrop of Churburg Castle, the Lichtenberg Castle ruins, Fürstenburg Castle and Marienberg Monastery, 2,000 performers from 11 countries recreate the sights, sounds and spirit of the Middle Ages.
Highlights
- 2,000 performers from 11 countries – the largest medieval programme in the Alps
- Spectacular knights' jousting tournaments with lances, horses and full armour
- Re-enactment of the Battle of Calven (1499) – Emperor Maximilian's greatest defeat
- Grand medieval parade through the streets of Schluderns each morning
- European Cup Final between competing knight teams on day two
- Falconry shows, Roman chariot races and full-contact sword tournaments
- Medieval market with crafts, food and mead
- Fire show closing each evening
- Free attractions on site: camel and donkey rides, archery, children's tournaments, petting zoo, carousels
Program
Each of the three festival days follows a similar format: the morning opens with a large medieval parade through the lanes of Schluderns. Bands, jesters, magicians and falconers then take to the stages before the afternoon's main event: the grand knights' tournament, where lances shatter and armour clangs as the crowd cheers on their favourites. The second day features the highly contested European Cup among knight teams from across the continent. Every evening closes with live concerts and a breathtaking fire show.
The festival grounds include a main stage, jester's stage, market stage, battlefield, music tent, arena, army camp and medieval market. Food highlights include hemp bread, pizza, grilled meats, mead and homemade sweets.
Tickets 2026
Tickets are available online via Vivaticket and at the tourist offices in Mals and Schluderns. 3-day tickets are significantly discounted when purchased in advance before 14 August 2026 (up to 30% off).
3-Day Ticket
- Children (3–6 years): €12 advance / €17 at the gate
- Youth (7–15 years): €22 advance / €32 at the gate
- Adults (16+): €32 advance / €40 at the gate
- Family (2 adults + up to 3 children/youth): €81 advance / €90 at the gate
1-Day Ticket (same price advance & gate)
- Children (3–6 years): €9
- Youth (7–15 years): €16
- Adults (16+): €23
- Family: €60
Evening Ticket (from 6 PM)
- Children (3–6 years): free
- Youth (7–15 years): €9
- Adults: €16
- Family: €39
Accompanying carers for visitors with disabilities who cannot attend independently are entitled to free admission. Dogs are welcome on a lead.
Getting There
- Take the Vinschgau Railway (Vinschgerbahn) to Schluderns station; the festival grounds are just a 5-minute walk away.
- The site is located directly along the Vinschgau Cycle Path, part of the historic Via Claudia Augusta.
- Free parking is available directly at the festival grounds.
Visitor Tips
- Bring sun protection – the site is largely open ground in the Vinschgau valley.
- Buy 3-day tickets online early to save up to 30 %.
- Book accommodation well in advance; hotels in the area fill up quickly around the festival dates.
- Keep dogs away from the battlefield during the Battle of Calven re-enactment as cannon fire can startle animals.
- Tickets also available at the tourist offices in Mals (tel. +39 0473 831190) and Schluderns (tel. +39 0473 615590).
