About the Walpurgis Night
Walpurgis Night (Walpurgisnacht) is a yearly tradition held in Germany on the eve of May Day. Featuring huge bonfires and merrymaking, the festival is celebrated to mark the arrival of spring.
The festival honors Saint Walpurga, an 8th-century abbess who was famous for protecting people from pests and illnesses. Also, the lighting of the bonfires during the event is based on pagan rituals, believed to ward off evil spirits.
Over the years, the event has grown into a massive celebration full of live music, theatrical plays, and bustling medieval markets, offering a perfect blend of ancient history and modern fun.
Aside from the massive bonfires, here are the other highlights you can expect from Walpurgis Night:
- Witch Parades – Local crowds and travelers march through the village streets wearing creepy masks and elaborate costumes.
- Food Stalls – These stands serve up plenty of delicious local treats and drinks to keep the energy going.
- Live Performances – The festival floor stays busy with a cool mix of live music and talented street jugglers.
- Fireworks Display – A spectacular show of lights in the sky usually marks the grand finale of the event.
Festival Dates 2026
Walpurgis Night is a one-day event usually held in April, in time with the arrival of spring and the transition into the warmer months.
This year, the festival will happen on Thursday, April 30, 2026, promising another night of festivities and unforgettable moments.
If you wish to take part in this unique celebration, then save the date so you don’t miss out on the excitement and magic of Walpurgis Night.
Where It’s Located and How to Get There
While the event takes place all over Germany and in some parts of Europe, the Harz region is the absolute heart of the festival. One of the most famous celebrations of Walpurgis Night is at the Brocken peak, where legends say witches fly in on broomsticks to dance around massive fires alongside the devil.
You should also check out the event in Thale, home to a high mountain plateau called Hexentanzplatz, which literally translates to the “Witches’ Dance Floor.”
Other charming towns like Schierke, Braunlage, and Bad Grund offer their own unique spin on the festivities, while Berlin’s Mauerpark hosts a more laid-back celebration for city dwellers.
Getting to the Harz Region:
- International Flights – Flying into Berlin (BER) or Hannover (HAJ) is usually your best bet for getting close to the mountain region.
- Train Travel – You can hop on a Deutsche Bahn train from any major German city to reach gateway towns like Wernigerode or Goslar.
- Steam Train Adventure – The historic Harz Narrow Gauge Railway is a magical way to travel through the forest and right up to the Brocken summit.
- Rental Cars – Renting a car is a great choice if you want to explore smaller mountain villages at your own pace.
- Local Shuttles – Once you arrive, many towns provide special festival buses to help you get from your hotel to the bonfires safely.
If you liked this festival, you can also check out these other stunning celebrations that feature massive bonfires:
Christmas Eve Bonfires on the Levee
Festival Hours
Most festivities kick off in the early afternoon, giving you plenty of time to explore the medieval markets featured in the event. You can also expect most of the big parades to kick off around 6:00 PM as the sun begins to set.
The main events, which feature the lighting of the bonfire, run from early evening until the stroke of midnight.
While many celebrations wrap up at 12 AM, some venues keep the music going much later for the night owls.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend the Walpurgis Night
Costs to attend the festival vary depending on location and booking schedule. In Schierke, you can grab a day ticket for around €26.00 if you buy in advance, though the price bumps up to €30.00 at the gate.
If you’re looking for a bigger spectacle, the celebration at Hexentanzplatz in Thale typically costs about 51.90€ for adults. Younger attendees between the ages of 12 and 17 can usually get in for a discounted rate of around 24.00€.
For those looking to save some cash, you can find awesome free celebrations in places like Berlin’s Mauerpark or the village of Wolfshagen im Harz.
Festival Weather and What to Wear
April weather in Germany is normally unpredictable. While daytime temperatures usually reach about 14°C, they can quickly drop to a chilly 4°C once the sun sets and the bonfires are lit.
Since this festival takes place outdoors in various regions, the best way to stay cozy is to dress in plenty of layers. You will want to bring clothes that are easy to pile on as the night air gets much colder during the celebrations.
Here’s what to wear:
- Thermal shirt – keeps your core warm without feeling too bulky.
- Waterproof jacket – essential for those quick, passing spring showers.
- Sturdy shoes – helps you stay steady while walking through festival grounds.
- Warm scarf – protects your neck when the evening breeze picks up.
Where to Stay
For those of you looking to rest your head after attending the festival, here are some great spots to stay near the main events:
- REGIOHOTEL Am Brocken Schierke – This is the go-to spot if you are attending the festival in Schierke. You get a free breakfast to start your day, along with free parking and Wi-Fi to keep things simple.
- H24 Parkhotel Thale – If you are heading to the Thale event, this hotel is a perfect choice for your stay. It features a relaxing spa to help you unwind, plus they offer free parking and Wi-Fi for all guests.
- Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz – This 4-star hotel is a very convenient base for those visiting the festival in Mauerpark. You can grab a meal at their hamburger restaurant or hit the fitness center, and the free Wi-Fi makes it easy to stay connected.
Where to Eat
If you’re attending Walpurgis Night in Thale, here are some great local dining spots to try out:
- Hotel Ristorante Piccolo – This friendly Italian spot is the place to go for a perfect pizza or a classic bowl of spaghetti aglio e oglio. You can even top off your meal with some tartuffo for a sweet treat.
- Forsthaus Todtenrode – This charming restaurant feels like a fairytale with its whimsical animal statues and wood carvings. They serve up hearty German comfort food like Spätzle along with plenty of tasty vegetarian dishes.
- Athos Thale – This local favorite is a great choice if you are in the mood for Greek dishes like tender lamb or Moussaka. It is a very cozy place to sit down and enjoy a delicious meal.
More Things to Do in the Area
For those attending the festival in Mauerpark in Berlin, here are some nearby attractions to check out:
- Brandenburg Gate – This famous historical landmark is a must-see and is perfect for a quick photo op. You can take a walk through the massive stone arches to soak in the city’s history before heading back to the festivities.
- Berlin Zoological Garden – As the oldest zoo in Germany, this huge park is home to over 20,000 animals from all over the world. You can spend an entire afternoon wandering through the 35-hectare grounds to see one of the most diverse animal collections on the planet.
- Tiergarten – This enormous urban park is one of the most popular spots in the city for anyone who loves the outdoors. It is a great place to hop on a bike for a ride through the leafy lanes or just set up a relaxing picnic on the grass.
A Blazing Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Walpurgis Night
Walpurgis Night is not just a festival, but a tradition that offers a glimpse into a country’s culture and history. Whether you’re a fan of fire festivals or simply someone who wants to enjoy something unique, the event is something that you should definitely add to your travel plans.
Aside from the celebrations, the areas surrounding the festival are filled with hidden gems that you can discover and explore along the way.
So go ahead. Make your plans, grab your tickets, and get ready for an experience like no other. Walpurgis Night awaits you.
FAQ
- Where can I park my car during the events? Most major festival locations like Thale and Schierke offer public parking lots, but using the official shuttle buses is the best way to avoid traffic.
- Are there designated areas for smoking? Smoking is generally allowed in the open-air festival grounds, but you should always be mindful of the crowds and keep away from the wooden stalls.
- Can I bring my dog to the celebrations? Pets are welcome on a lead in many areas, though it is usually better to leave them at home to avoid the loud music and dense crowds.
- Is the festival accessible for people with disabilities? Many of the main grounds are wheelchair accessible, and Schierke even offers free admission for registered companions of guests with a disability pass.
- Is Walpurgis Night a family-friendly event? While the night can get rowdy with parties, many locations host dedicated “Family Days” with puppet theaters and games for children.
- What kind of food and drinks will be available? You can find plenty of local treats like German sausages and “Maibowle” woodruff punch at the various medieval market stalls.
- Will there be public restrooms on-site? Most festival organizers set up plenty of portable toilets and mobile restroom stations throughout the main event areas.
- Can I bring my own drinks to the festival? You are usually allowed to bring non-alcoholic drinks in plastic bottles up to 0.5 liters, but glass containers and alcohol are strictly prohibited at the gates.
Sources: https://www.macsadventure.com/us/blog/what-is-walpurgisnacht/
https://www.iamexpat.de/lifestyle/lifestyle-news/walpurgisnacht-german-night-witches-explained
