Medieval fest takes place at castle

A medieval fest will revive the Middle Ages today through Sunday at Graefenstein Castle near Merzalben.

The event will feature musical entertainment, juggling, show fights, fire shows and children’s activities. Visitors can watch craftsmen, such as blackmiths, weavers, wood-carvers, stone masons, potters, soap-makers and basket-makers, demonstrate how their products were created in former times.

In a knights camp, different knights groups will present sword fights and lansquenets will perform funny plays. Jugglers will show off their skills and present fire shows, and music groups will perform medieval songs on unique instruments.

Children can craft their own sword or axe, try out archery and listen to Absolom’s and Gabriela’s stories.

A variety of food and drink specialties will 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 7 p.m. Sunday. Admission is €7 for adults and €2 for children. Children shorter than a sword, which is 1.30 meters, are admitted free. Today, tickets cost half price. Visitors in medieval costumes only pay €5. A ticket for all three days is €16; the two-day ticket is €12.

Graefenstein Castle is a rock castle near the town of Merzalben. The upper castle is built on a 12-meter-tall oval-shaped sandstone and has a seven-corner tower and a three-floor-tall hall. The lower castle is divided into three parts connected by gates. In its beginning, Graefenstein served as an administration center for the surrounding farms and villages and had defense capacity.

Graefenstein Castle’s known history dates back to 1220, when the castle was first documented. During the Thirty Years War, Graefenstein was burnt down accidentally in 1635 when imperial troops, who used the castle as a garrison, were careless with fire. From then on, Graefenstein Castle was in ruins. In the 20th century, the castle was partially renovated. It is 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 details, visit www.merzalben.de.