Walpurgis Night: Germany’s Magical Spring Celebration 

If you’ve ever dreamed of a festival where witches, bonfires, and a touch of supernatural magic come together, Walpurgis Night (or Walpurgisnacht in German) should be at the top of your bucket list. Held every April 30th and spilling into the early hours of May 1st, this centuries-old celebration marks the end of winter and the welcoming of spring with a spectacular mix of folklore, music, and merriment. 

What’s Walpurgis Night All About? 

The festival is named after Saint Walpurga, an 8th-century abbess celebrated for warding off disease, pests, and evil spirits. Over the years, pagan rituals, local legends, and regional customs have woven themselves into the festivities, creating a magical mix of history and myth that’s truly unique to Germany. 

Witches on the Mountain 

One of the most famous spots for Walpurgis Night is the Harz Mountains’ Brocken peak, where legend has it witches swoop down on broomsticks, dance around roaring fires, and celebrate spring alongside the devil himself. This spellbinding image was immortalized by German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in his play Faust, making the Brocken synonymous with mystical mayhem and theatrical magic. 

Fire, Music, and Festivities 

Today, Walpurgis Night is a full-blown festival extravaganza. Up to 20 events take place across the Harz region on April 30th, attracting visitors from all over the world. Locals and travelers alike dress as witches and devils, enjoying live music, street performances, jugglers, and - of course - delicious local food and drinks. The highlight? A gigantic bonfire, around which everyone dances, sings, and celebrates long into the night, often capped with a dazzling fireworks display. 

Experience Germany's Magic All Year Round 

Even if you miss the festival, Germany is packed with hiking adventures that let you explore its magical landscapes, charming towns, and rich history. 

Walking in the Bavarian Alps: Discover dramatic mountain trails, cozy villages, and welcoming guesthouses. Along the way, enjoy hearty Bavarian cuisine and locally brewed beer - perfect for recharging after a day of hiking. 

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Walking in the Black Forest: Wander through dense woodlands, picture-perfect valleys, and traditional towns. Take in the folklore, breathe in the fresh forest air, and relax in family-run guesthouses along the way. 

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Castles of the Romantic Rhine: Wander along the Upper Rhine Valley on the Rheinsteig trail, tracing your path past more than 30 hilltop castles and stately homes. As you hike through vineyards, deep gorges, and quaint villages, you’ll soak up myths (hello, Loreley rock!) and maybe wind down your day with a glass of Riesling in a timbered tavern in Rüdesheim.  

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The King Ludwig Way: This 8-day route takes you through fairytale Bavaria - starting from Lake Starnberg, you’ll pass monasteries, frescoed churches, the wild Ammerschlucht gorge, and eventually reach the iconic castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau. Expect alpine scenery, Bavarian beer gardens, and a generous dose of royal whimsy. 

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Whether you’re chasing folklore, bonfires, or just a good old-fashioned German adventure, there’s plenty to explore on foot. 

If you want a hand planning your next hiking vacation in Germany - or just want to chat about witches, mountains, and festivals - get in touch. We love talking travel as much as we love a good festival!