Courtly merrymaking and colorful jugglery at the historic Neuburg Castle Festival.
Only every two years, but with all the greater attention to detail, the wheel of time is turned back in Neuburg an der Donau. On two weekends - this year from June 27 to 29 and from July 4 to 6, 2025 - the former princely glory of the old royal seat is brought back to life: The citizens wear authentic Renaissance costumes and celebrate the time when Count Palatine Ottheinrich (1502-1559) threw lavish parties in his palace.
Thousands of visitors from all over Germany are enchanted by the atmosphere of the old town with its restored town houses, the Hofkirche church and the castle. A historical fair, equestrian games, concerts, dancing, crafts, jugglers and musicians make for a lively experience. A historic bathing parlor becomes a special meeting place.
The historic Neuburg Castle Festival 2023 © Dietmar Denger
Highlights of the castle festival
The festival begins on June 27 with the reception of the prince and princess and a festive procession into the Upper Town. The centrepiece of the program is the Neuburger Steckenreitertanz - a colourful children's dance performance with around 50 girls aged six to 13, inspired by the Balleto a Cavallo di Naiburgo.
The equestrian games in the stables are reminiscent of Ottheinrich's knightly tournaments. Even today, riders compete for fame and honor in the jousting ring.
Highlights include the spectacular fire theater over the Danube (July 5) and the grand parade (July 6), in which over 2000 participants parade through the streets of Neuburg in historical costumes.
June 27 to 29 and July 4 to 6, 2025
