Medieval times in Manderscheid

  • Published
  • By Iris Reiff
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  The medieval castle festival of Manderscheid is just around the corner. From Aug. 24-25, the middle ages will be featured at Oberburg and Niederburg, the Eifel's most beautiful castle ruins.

The castles and the nearby meadow field will turn into stage areas for jousting tournaments with lances, swords and bows. Furthermore, minnesingers and musicians will entertain visitors with special ballads. For the younger guests, a children's jousting tournament is offered in front of the castle's basement entrance and puppet show will be performed inside the basement.

Performances by buffoons, jugglers and fire eaters can be seen on both days of the festival. An art market is truly a highlight, running all the way from the top to the bottom of the castle. Whether it is blacksmith work, a lantern craftsman or a flower arranger--they are all there and excited to demonstrate their skills, which all relate to medieval times.

Below is a schedule of events for this year's festival:

Aug. 24:

The medieval art market opens at 11 a.m., Aug. 24, followed by a variety of music and theater performances take place in the jousting area.

A jousting tournament, presented by the "Loewenritter" (Lion Knights), dressed in their armor suits, takes place at 2:30 p.m. followed by an evening performance 9 p.m.

Highlight of the day is a fireworks display at 10:30 p.m. from the lower castle. More entertainment is scheduled following the display.

Musical performances, the reading of fairytale stories and many other exciting events take place in the castle area, starting at 11 a.m.

Aug. 25:

The medieval art market will reopen at 11 a.m., followed by more music and theater performances in the jousting area.

Jousting performances by the Lion Knights are scheduled for 2 and 6 p.m. with a historical music concert starting at 8 p.m.

Starting at 11 a.m., throughout the castle area are musical performances, fairy tale stories and other entertainment events for children and adults.

The entrance fee to the castle festival is 8 Euro for adults and 4 Euro for children, age 12-17. Children under age 12 get in for free. Visitors, dressed in medieval costumes only pay 5 Euro to get in.

On both days of the festival, the town of Manderscheid will sponsor a free shuttle bus to and from the public parking areas of Manderscheid and Pantenburg. Park and ride signs will be set up for visitors to follow.

Manderscheid's two castle ruins can be visited daily throughout the year. The Oberburg or upper castle is the oldest and dates from the year 973. The Niederburg or lower castle was first mentioned in 1173.

Manderscheid is located north of the Moselle River, directly north of Autobahn A48. To get there, take a right outside the main gate and follow the signs. As you get into Manderscheid stay on the main road until you get to the first main intersection. Take a right at this intersection, following the signs "Zu den Burgen" or to the castles.

It is highly recommended that visitors take advantage of the free Park & Ride shuttle service.

For additional information call the Manderscheid tourist information office at 06572-932665 or email info@manderscheid.de.