Walpurgisnacht

Witches, Bonfires, and the Magical Spring Festival of Germany

2026/04/29 - 2026/04/30

Every April 30th, the Harz Mountains and towns across Germany come alive with the crackle of bonfires, laughter from people dressed as witches, and the mouthwatering aroma of grilled sausages drifting through the night air. “Walpurgis Night” (Walpurgisnacht) is a one-night festival where legend and folklore meet, celebrating the end of winter and the arrival of spring. Locals and visitors alike step into a world of ancient magic, fire, music, and playful mischief.

While most famous in the Harz Mountains, Walpurgis Night is celebrated throughout Germany and welcomes families, party lovers, and anyone interested in history and legend. From witch costumes and mountaintop bonfires to storytellers spinning old tales, this spring night adventure is a feast for the senses.

Main Attractions

Bonfires and Witch Dances

The heart of Walpurgis Night is the massive bonfires lit on mountaintops and in villages. Especially on the legendary Brocken Mountain, flames leap into the sky as people dressed as witches and devils dance around the fire, their cheers and laughter echoing through the valleys. The heat of the flames, the scent of burning wood, and the swirling costumes create an atmosphere that is both eerie and exhilarating.

Costume Parades and Mischief

Across Germany, people parade through the streets dressed as witches and imps, banging pots and pans, setting off fireworks, and playing pranks to chase away evil spirits. In some regions, straw witch dolls are burned or hung as a symbolic ritual to drive out the darkness of winter.

Traditional Food & Drink

Stalls and taverns serve grilled sausages, pretzels, roast meats, and sweet treats. In some areas, butter and honey bread (Ankenschnitt) is prepared as an offering to the spirits. The scent of sizzling sausages, wood smoke, and mulled wine fills the night air, warming both body and soul by the fire.

Decorations and Maypoles

Homes and barns are decorated with green branches to ward off evil, and in some villages, maypoles adorned with ribbons and flowers are erected in preparation for May Day (May 1). The feel of fresh greenery, colorful ribbons, and the sound of folk music all signal the arrival of spring to the senses.

Cultural and Historical Background

The origins of Walpurgis Night date back over a thousand years to ancient Germanic spring festivals celebrating fertility, renewal, and the end of winter. After the arrival of Christianity, it merged with the feast day of Saint Walpurga (an English nun canonized in 870) on May 1, blending witch legends and folk beliefs. The Brocken Mountain in the Harz is especially famous as a witches’ gathering place, immortalized in Goethe’s “Faust.” Today, the festival is a living tradition where pagan, Christian, and folk elements mix, marking the arrival of spring and strengthening community bonds.

For Germans, this night is a cathartic farewell to winter and a joyful sharing of spring’s hope—a special time to experience the power of myth, folklore, and togetherness.

Participant Voices

I came to the Harz Mountains to experience Walpurgis Night. A local told me stories of the witches’ legends, and afterwards, we enjoyed sausages and beer by the bonfire. It was the warmest and liveliest night I’ve ever had in Germany.

Fun Facts

Walpurgis Night is sometimes called “April Halloween,” but its origins are even older than Halloween.
The Brocken Mountain in the Harz is famous as the legendary witches’ meeting place.
In some regions, Ankenschnitt (butter and honey bread) is offered to spirits.
Goethe’s “Faust” made Walpurgis Night world famous and inspired many artists.
The festival is linked to May Day, with maypole dances and spring rituals held the next day.

Festival Dates

Walpurgis Night is held every year from April 30th to May 1st, especially in the Harz Mountains and towns across Germany. For the latest information, check the official websites.

The event schedule is subject to change. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.