Let yourself be swept away by a medieval fantasy, filled with knights, minstrels and jesters, this summer at the Kaltenberg Knights’ Tournament (Kaltenberger Ritterturnier). Celebrating its 43rd anniversary this year, the tournament is set to be grander than ever before!
A summer medieval festival for all, more than 1.000 artists and performers come together for three weekends in July to transform Kaltenberg Castle in Germany into a Middle Age experience you won’t forget!
The summer medieval festival for all your senses
Immerse yourself in a medieval spectacle at the Kaltenberg Castle this July, as knights storm the arena and engage in a stunning live performance. Reenacting the classic tale of good versus evil, trained knights go head to head on horseback to win the tournament, taking the audience on a journey through the middle ages.
But that’s not all - jesters, minstrels and fire dancers put on various shows before and after the Knights’ tournament throughout the castle grounds. Over 100 market stalls are also set up, featuring a number of live workshops and offering traditional medieval craft goods. Visitors are invited to watch live demonstrations, try culinary delicacies like mead, and wander through the cosy camp to see how people lived back in the day.
In addition to performing on the larger stages set up across and in the castle, entertainers mingle with the crowds and invite them to watch plays, dance and music performances. All of the artists also come together for a ceremonial parade through the castle grounds every day.
Kaltenberg Knights’ Tournament and Jesters’ Night
During the first evening of the festival, a special acrobatic programme takes place. Known as Kaltenberg Jesters’ Night, this event sees jugglers, musicians, jesters, acrobats and dancers gather together to perform amazing feats. An additional 200 performers come from across the globe to join in on this night when campfires can burn until dawn.
Throughout the weekends, the entertainers of Kaltenberg Castle also compete in a competition to be crowned the King of Jesters, an honour bestowed by the audience. They play music, tell stories and perform magic, amazing visitors with acrobatic tricks to win the jester's staff, presented by the HRH Prince Luitpold of Bavaria in person.
Kaltenberg Knights’ Tournament Weekends 2025
The Kaltenberg Knights' Tournament will take place on the following weekends:
- July 11-13, 2025
- July 18-20, 2025
- July 25-27, 2025
Get your tickets to Kaltenberg Knights’ Tournament
Ready for your medieval summer journey? Be sure to plan your journey to the Kaltenberg Castle beforehand. Luckily the castle is easily accessible via public transport from Munich and other towns.