Walpurgis in the Harz Mountains
When witches fly on their brooms and devils swing their tridents in the Harz Mountains, one thing is clear: Walpurgnisnacht is just around the corner. Holidaymakers and tourists travelling to the Harz Mountains at the end of April will see numerous witch dolls dangling from lanterns or hanging from house walls and trees in many places. The witches' festival on the last night of April is all about dark powers and mysterious myths. Numerous villages around the Brocken traditionally organise Walpurgis celebrations in the spirit of the mystical witch cult.
In many places, the devil's cult, a mixture of magic and customs, delights visitors and guests of all ages, young and old. Walpurgis Night is ideal for families with children as well as couples or singles, as the more than 30 towns in the Harz region offer a wide variety of events, including parades, medieval markets and, in some places, the election of the May Queen. While the spa gardens in Hahnenklee-Bockswiese are lit up at night, a wonderful firework display is held in front of the Kranich pond. Music lovers can look forward to Walpurgis in the Harz Mountains, as Goethe's Faust is performed in the form of a unique rock opera in the hostel on the Brocken. However, many visitors also use the Harz narrow-gauge railway to get to the famous witches' dance floor, where an exciting programme of shows and entertainment awaits them. It's clear: Walpurgis Night in the Harz Mountains has something for everyone.
The significance of Walpurgis in the Harz Mountains
The Walpurgis festival in the Harz Mountains has been a tradition for several hundred years and is intended to drive away winter for good and at the same time welcome spring with cheerfulness. The history of the European festival dates back to pre-Christian times, whereby it is assumed that the inhabitants of the Harz Mountains at that time celebrated such a spring festival more than 1,000 years ago, on the occasion of which offerings were made to the Germanic god Wodan. As well as celebrating the arrival of spring, the festival also served to drive away evil spirits by dressing up in costumes and masks.
According to legend, witches gather every year above the Bode Valley at the witches' dance site near Thale to fly together to the Brocken and marry the devil there. Once at the actual meeting point of the witches' festival, all the witches danced around the fire and the devilish goings-on took their course. By marrying the devil, the witches were supposed to gain the magical powers of sorcery.
The historical development of Walpurgis Night
Regardless of the truth of the legend, the spring festival of pagan origin is still known beyond the borders of the Harz Mountains today. In the course of Christianisation, the representatives of the new religion at the time tried to adapt the customary festival to the new circumstances, but were unsuccessful. It was particularly important to the missionaries of the time to condemn everything pagan. Nevertheless, the festival, which gained its fame primarily through Goethe's "Faust", underwent a number of changes over the centuries. How exactly the ancient Germanic tribes celebrated it, however, can only be surmised today.
A Walpurgis celebration was officially organised for the first time in 1896, after which it was even possible for revellers to climb the Brocken summit on the Brocken Railway from 1899, until Prince von Stolberg-Wernigerode finally banned the mystical celebrations from 1901. This eventually led to more and more towns and cities in the Harz region organising annual celebrations on the eve of 1 May.
During the division of Germany, no Walpurgis celebrations took place in the former GDR. It was only after the end of this division that celebrations and parties in the style of witches and devils were organised again in the eastern part of the Harz Mountains. Over time, the Walpurgis Festival developed into a tradition with the character of a folk festival, which still attracts around 100,000 visitors to the Harz Mountains every year.
The witches' dance floor
The Hexentanzplatz is certainly one of the most famous excursion destinations in the entire Harz Mountains. After all, the historic plateau near Thale in the Harz Mountains is precisely the place where, according to legend, the witches meet on 30 April to continue their ritual dance to the Brocken where they will try the devil's hand. It is therefore hardly surprising that the witches' dance site is a magnet for numerous visitors, especially on Walpurgis Night, who are mesmerised by the spring festival.
A real experience awaits you here on a night full of live acts, fireworks and laser shows surrounded by thousands of people dressed up as ghoulish devils, witches or fantasy creatures.
Walpurgis events 2026
The following selected events and happenings await you around Walpurgis Night in the Harz Mountains. This is just a small selection of Walpurgis events worth seeing. Be sure to take a look at our events calendar to discover more exciting Walpurgis events.
Walpurgis Spectacle in Schierke
Schierke am Brocken is the very essence of Walpurgis. The event is one of the largest and most beautiful in the Harz region and attracts visitors from across the region year after year. In 2026, guests can once again look forward to a unique medieval spectacle in the small village near Wernigerode, this time spanning three days from 30 April to 2 May.
Witches, devils and all manner of characters invite you to eventful days full of mysticism and medieval atmosphere against a unique natural backdrop. At the large medieval experience market in the spa gardens, craftsmen, traders and taverns set up shop, whilst jugglers, minstrels, Vikings and knights get up to mischief. From the afternoon of 30 April, witches and devils will be roaming the town, creating a festive atmosphere.
As darkness falls, the Walpurgis bonfire is lit and the legendary Walpurgis Night begins. Cultus Ferox, Nobody Knows, Cellart and Cobblestones will get all visitors dancing with their traditional, fun-filled performances on stage. The night concludes with a spectacular pyrotechnics and laser show, before the witches, according to legend, set off on their broomsticks for the Brocken.
For younger visitors, there are spookily beautiful children’s tattoos, creative hands-on activities and a ghost photo spot. Those arriving by car will find parking spaces at the Winterbergtor car park, amongst other locations. On the evening of 30 April, a free shuttle bus will also run from Wernigerode main station and from the Drei Annen Hohne car park, valid with the event ticket.
Walpurgis Night celebrations in Harztor
On 30 April 2026, Harztor will be a magical, mystical and truly spectacular place. Taking to the stage will be Bartlos, who will get the crowd going with their rock energy, and Kevin Neon, who will create a lively atmosphere with his pop hits. Visitors can also look forward to a laser show, a witch and devil show, and all sorts of dance and performance acts. The children’s disco kicks off at 7 pm, with a voucher awarded for the coolest witch or devil costume.
The catering party kitchen will keep all guests supplied with drinks throughout the evening, whilst the Harzklub e.V. serves hearty Thuringian specialities at the barbecue station. Tickets are available in advance from the Neustadt Harztor Tourist Information Centre. Supplies are limited, so it’s best to secure yours quickly. Admission is slightly more expensive at the box office. Children under 13 get in for free.
Walpurgis Night in the Altenau Cauldron
Walpurgis at the Altenau Witch’s Cauldron promises to be another great experience for the whole family in 2026. And best of all: entry is free. The mystical, smoking witch’s cauldron and the rustic witch’s hut make for perfect photo opportunities. The “Hexen vom Bruchberg” witch group will also be back, with over 10 witches taking part. New this year are a hands-on magic show for children and a short Walpurgis play by the theatre group “Die Mixpickles”.
The children’s programme begins at 2.00 pm with face painting in the foyer of the Kurgastzentrum. From 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm, DJ music will get the cauldron in the mood. At 5.00 pm, the grand procession of witches and devils, accompanied by music from the SMG Oker, will make its way from the Altenau Brewery to the Kurgastzentrum. Afterwards, children can earn their broomstick pilot’s licence on the witch’s obstacle course, bake bread on a stick over the devil’s fire, and enjoy the interactive magic show with magician Maxim Maurice. A colourful ground fireworks display rounds off the children’s programme.
From 7.30 pm, the live band Two Voices and Friends will perform, whilst the witches from Bruchberg make several appearances at the blazing cauldron. Shortly before midnight, the Chief Devil delivers his famous devil’s speech, the May Queen makes an appearance, and afterwards a grand May welcome fireworks display heralds the arrival of spring. At the Walpurgis Market, hellish delicacies such as devil’s sausage and witch’s steak, as well as sweet treats and colourful cocktails, beckon. Matching accessories such as masks, hats, horns and brooms are available on site.
Walpurgis Market in Thale
Witches and devils gather for the grand Walpurgis celebration in Thale to celebrate the traditional spring spectacle in the town centre and the spa gardens. With its large number of visitors, the Walpurgis Market in Thale has long been one of the largest folk festivals in the Harz region. From 30 April to 3 May 2026, visitors can look forward to four action-packed days at the market. Admission is free on all days.
In the spa gardens, the medieval market and flea market ‘Franz’ invites visitors on a journey through time, whilst ‘Streetfood on Tour’ provides the culinary accompaniment. On the evening of 30 April, the Walpurgis after-show party will also take place at the Klubhaus Thale across two floors. Doors open at 8.00 pm, starting at 9.00 pm. On 1 May, the Ost-Mobile meet-up will take place from 10:00 to 18:00 in Steinbachstraße. We recommend using public transport and the Bodetal car park to get there.
Walpurgis Night in Sankt Andreasberg
Walpurgis in Sankt Andreasberg will be celebrating a special anniversary in 2026: 50 years of Walpurgis Night! The Harz region comes to life on 30 April, and to mark this milestone anniversary, a special commemorative stamp will be issued. Experience a day full of magical moments, music and traditions, from activities for children to the grand Walpurgis Night celebrations.
Things kick off in the spa gardens from 3 pm: the Heimatbund will be playing and singing, children can do crafts and have their faces painted, a bouncy castle awaits brave young witches and devils, and anyone wishing to earn their witch and devil certificate will have their chance here. Meanwhile, the enchanting Tausendschönerzählfee will be telling fairy-tale stories. From 6.00 pm, the parade sets off from the old railway station to the spa gardens, accompanied by the Forest Workers’ Instrumental Music Society.
From 8.00 pm, Walpurgis Night begins at the Kurhaus; doors open at 7.00 pm. The band Sturmflut and a DJ will provide rousing music, alongside a play loosely based on Goethe’s Faust, the traditional witch auction, bewitching antics with the Annerschbarrich Witches’ Circle, and the ceremonial coronation of the May Queen. Advance tickets cost €8, €10 on the door. Children under 16 accompanied by an adult are admitted free of charge.
On 1 May, the Grube Samson mine will plunge into the mysterious underground world from 10:00 am with its devilish entrance (admission fee applies). From 11:00 am, the traditional Maibock tapping will take place next door at Gaipelplatz, accompanied by the lively music of the Forest Workers’ Instrumental Music Society.
Walpurgis in Hahnenklee
On 30 April, Hahnenklee turns into a bustling cauldron. From 1.00 pm, the mysterious Walpurgis Market in the spa gardens will be enticing visitors with hellish delicacies and goods from market stalls. At 2.30 pm, the children’s parade sets off from the main car park by the Stave Church, and from 3 pm the Children’s Walpurgis takes place in the spa gardens, with free entry for our younger guests. Led by the Head Witch, the welcoming fire is lit, after which the children can earn the coveted Witch’s Order at game stations, granting them free entry to Walpurgis Night in the evening.
From 4.00 pm, the first band will get the evening underway, whilst mystical figures wreak havoc on the festival grounds. At 8.30 pm, the festivities continue with devilishly good live music; at 10.00 pm, the traditional witch’s fire is lit, followed by the spectacular midnight show at 11.45 pm. Shortly before midnight, the Chief Devil and the May Queen engage in a thrilling duel, before spring is heralded by church bells and a magnificent fireworks display.
Tickets are available from 5.00 pm in advance and at the box office: adults pay €8.00, €6.00 with a guest card. Children aged 6 to 14 pay €5.00; children with a ‘Witches’ Order’ pass have free entry. The family ticket for two adults with all their own children up to the age of 14 costs €18.00.
