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Knights groups present show fights during the medieval fest on Gräfenstein Castle today through Sunday.
Gräfenstein Castle near Merzalben will be the stage for a medieval fest today through Sunday. The event will feature musical entertainment, juggling, knight fights, fire shows, craftsmanship presentations and children’s activities.
Actors, singers and dancers will entertain the audience with various plays and songs. Jugglers and fire-eaters will show off their skills and music groups will perform medieval songs on unique instruments.
Brachmanoth, a knights group along with its Black Knight, will present sword fights and look for victims in the audience.
Children can craft their own swords or axe and play with a red dragon.
Visitors can test their skills by defeating the “German Hammer” and trying out archery.
Craftsmen such blacksmiths, weavers, woodcarvers, stonemasons, potters, soapmakers and basketmakers will show off their work and vendors will sell medieval items such as jewelry, clothes, woolen and wood products, furs, spices, herbs, honey, mead and liquors.
A variety of food and drink specialties will also be available.
Fest hours will be from 2 to 11 p.m. today, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Admission is €7 for adults, €5 for visitors in medieval costumes, €2 for children and children shorter than a sword, 4.25 feet, are admitted free. Family tickets cost €12; three-day tickets cost €16 and two-day tickets are €12.
Gräfenstein Castle is a rock castle near the town of Merzalben. The upper castle was built on an almost 40 foot high oval-shaped sandstone with a keep that has seven corners and a great palace, standing three floors tall. In the lower castle, there are parts of the forcer and remaining walls still standing. In its beginning, Gräfenstein served as an administration center for the surrounding farms and villages and had the defense capacity.
In 1220, Gräfenstein Castle was first mentioned in a document. During the Thirty-Years War, Gräfenstein was burnt down accidentally in 1635, when imperial troops, who used the castle as garrison, were careless with fire. From then on, Gräfenstein Castle has been ruins. In the 20th century, the castle was partially renovated and is now open to visitors throughout the year.
Merzalben is located northeast of Pirmasens. Go on B270 toward Waldfischbach-Burgalben, then left to Donsieders, Clausen and Merzalben. Past Merzalben take a right toward the castle. Visitors can walk up to the castle by foot or take a shuttle bus.
For more information, visit www.merzalben.de.
