Walpurgis Night in Germany, or Walpurgisnacht, is a long-standing festival held from the night of April 30th into May 1st. It welcomes spring and marks the symbolic end of winter and its darkness. The celebration mixes devotion to an 8th-century Christian saint with old pagan customs and stories about witches meeting on mountain tops. Today, many Germans treat it like a “second Halloween,” with big bonfires, costumes, parties, and a lively move into the month of May.
The festival has deep roots in the Harz Mountains in central Germany, but its influence reaches across the country and into nearby European countries. The night is full of dancing and music, but it also carries many layers of history, showing changes in religion and the lasting strength of local myths. Whether you want a spooky meeting with “witches” on the Brocken or a joyful dance into sunrise, Walpurgis Night offers a striking look at German culture and tradition.
What Is Walpurgis Night in Germany?
Origin of the Name Walpurgis Night
The name “Walpurgis Night” comes from “Saint Walpurgis Night,” in German Sankt-Walpurgisnacht. It was recorded as early as 1603 in Johann Coler’s Calendarium perpetuum, and again by Johannes Praetorius in 1668. The term refers to the evening before the feast day of Saint Walpurga on May 1st, the date that honors her canonization in the year 870.
Over time, the name also became linked with Hexennacht (Witches’ Night) because Christian feast days and older pagan festivals fell on the same date. While the church meant the day to honor a holy abbess, local people slowly blended her name with older spring rituals that celebrated a time when the barrier between the spirit world and the human world was thought to grow thin. This change in language reflects how the celebration itself moved from a strictly religious event to a wide cultural festival.
Who Was Saint Walpurga?
Saint Walpurga was an 8th-century Anglo-Saxon missionary, born around 710 AD in Devon, England. She was the daughter of Saint Richard the Pilgrim and sister of Saint Willibald, so she came from a well-known religious family. Walpurga traveled to the Frankish Empire (in areas that are now Germany) to help spread Christianity among the Saxons and later became abbess of a double monastery in Heidenheim. She had studied medicine, and her skills as a healer made her very popular with the local people.
Christian tradition praises Walpurga for helping against “pest, rabies, and whooping cough,” and especially for protecting people from witchcraft. Because she was able to convert many non-Christians, people in later centuries prayed to her for protection against evil spirits. Even today, pilgrims visit her tomb in Eichstätt, where a so-called “Walpurgis oil” is said to seep from the stone. Many believe this oil has healing power.
The Historical Roots of Walpurgis Night
Pagan Traditions and Pre-Christian Rituals
Long before Saint Walpurga came to Germany, local Germanic tribes held spring festivals that likely resembled the Gaelic Beltane. These took place halfway between the spring equinox and the summer solstice, when people began driving their animals out to pasture. They lit great fires to welcome back the sun and made offerings to gods like Wodan for fertility and protection in the coming year.
The Harz Mountains were a main center for these rites, with the Brocken peak used for courts of law and sacrifices. According to pagan legend, April 30th was also the wedding day of the god Wotan and his beloved Freya on this mountain. These old customs were so strong that even after the spread of Christianity, the people kept lighting their fires. They simply connected them to the saint’s feast day instead of the old gods.
The Christianization of Walpurgis Night
The Church tried to end pagan “superstition,” but only had limited success. By setting Saint Walpurga’s canonization date on top of the older spring festival, the Church gave the people a Christian reason to keep their fires and seasonal customs. Locals could still gather and celebrate, but over time they started to say that the fires were meant to scare away spirits and “heathen” forces instead of honoring them.
The double meaning of the day soon became its most important feature. On one side, it was a day of pilgrimage and prayer; on the other, it remained a night of wild folk celebration. This Christian frame placed over a spring festival later helped shape the Osterfeuer (Easter fires) that are common in many regions of Germany today, although the strong link with witches stayed most alive in the remote Harz region.
Witches’ Sabbath in German Folklore
By the 15th and 16th centuries, a darker story formed around Walpurgis Night. As fear of witchcraft spread across Europe, the Brocken gained fame as the main meeting point for the Hexensabbat (Witches’ Sabbath). Legends said that witches flew on broomsticks, goats, or demons to the summit to meet Satan. There they would dance wildly, take part in sinful rituals, and plan tricks and harm for the year ahead.
These tales turned the night from a simple spring feast into a time of supposed danger. Many people came to believe that evil forces were strongest on April 30th. To protect themselves, they prayed to Saint Walpurga and used protective customs, such as making loud noise or hanging blessed branches over their doors so that the “flying hags” would stay away from their homes.
Walpurgis Night Traditions and Rituals in Germany
Bonfires and Their Symbolism
The best-known feature of Walpurgis Night is the Maifeuer (May bonfire). Huge fires are lit on hills all over Germany to “burn away” the last trace of winter and push back evil spirits. In some places, people put a straw witch on top of the fire and burn it to stand for the end of bad luck and the cleaning of the village or town before the new season.
The bonfire also has a romantic side. A custom called the “corn jump” (Maisprung) invites young couples to hold hands and jump over the dying embers together. People say that if they make it over without letting go, their love will be blessed and they will stay together. This shows how once-fearful rituals have become cheerful and social, bringing the community closer instead of filling it with fear.
Witch Costumes and Masks
In modern times, thousands dress up as Hexen (witches) and Teufel (devils). Outfits range from classic fairy-tale witches with hooked noses and broomsticks to detailed, scary masks. In towns such as Thale and Goslar, the streets fill with costumed crowds who now enjoy the very figures their ancestors once dreaded, turning the “Witches’ Sabbath” into a giant street festival.
Masks play a special part because they go back to ancient customs where people wore frightening faces to scare away winter spirits. By “becoming” the witch or demon, the wearer symbolically takes control of fear. Today this is mainly a chance for creative costumes and playful theatre, with contests for the most striking or frightening look.
Music, Dancing, and Festive Gatherings
The move from April to May is marked by the Tanz in den Mai (Dance into May). Parties take place in halls, clubs, and public squares and usually last past midnight into May 1st. Traditional folk music and brass bands mix with pop and DJ sets, so there is something for nearly every taste and the mood stays lively for hours.
Food and drink are a big part of the night. Many people enjoy Maibowle (May punch), a light alcoholic drink made from white wine, sparkling wine, and fresh woodruff (Waldmeister). Sausages, grilled meats, and breads are sold at stalls, giving people the strength to keep dancing around the bonfires or moving through the streets until late.
Scaring Away Evil Spirits
Besides fire, noise has long been used to chase away spirits. In the past, church bells rang, and people cracked whips or clanged pots and pans to frighten off witches thought to be flying past. Today, fireworks often take over this role, lighting up the sky above the Harz Mountains and other places where people still celebrate.
Small, local customs also survive in some rural areas. Some people leave out Ankenschnitt (bread with butter and honey) as an offering for ghostly dogs or hang green branches to protect their animals. Very few people now truly believe in flying witches, but these practices keep the old stories alive and pass them on to children and visitors.
How Walpurgis Night Differs Across German Regions
Northern Germany
In the north, along the coasts, the main focus is still on great fires that welcome May. These blazes are usually community events where neighbors come together to chat, drink, and enjoy the warmth against the chilly breeze from the Baltic or North Sea. Witches are less central here than in the central mountains; people tend to focus more on the change of season and the local seafaring traditions.
In big northern cities like Hamburg, the evening can feel different again. The Schanzenviertel area, for example, has a history of May Day Eve protests and political events. These have become quieter over time, but the night can still feel like a mix of social action and street life, which contrasts sharply with the peaceful, story-driven celebrations in the countryside.
Central and Southern Germany
The Harz Mountains in central Germany are the main center of Walpurgis Night. There, stories about the Brocken and the Hexentanzplatz (Witches’ Dance Floor) shape the whole event. The celebrations are very theatrical, draw many tourists, and aim to offer an “authentic” witch-night experience. Stages, performances, and costumed crowds create an atmosphere that feels both wild and magical.
In southern Germany, especially in Bavaria, the night often goes by the name Hexennacht. Here, local youth culture and pranks play a major role. Young people walk through villages playing tricks such as hiding garden gnomes, wrapping cars in toilet paper, or moving fences and gates. It is a night where small, playful acts of mischief are briefly accepted as normal, giving the evening a cheeky “devil may care” character.
Key Locations for Walpurgis Night Celebrations
Brocken Mountain and the Harz Region
The Brocken is the highest peak in the Harz Mountains and the most famous place linked to Walpurgis Night. Often covered in mist and known for the “Brocken Spectre” (a rare effect where your shadow appears huge on the clouds), it is easy to see why people gave it a supernatural name. On April 30th, special trains sometimes run from Berlin to the Harz region to bring visitors directly to the main events.
Near the Brocken lies the town of Thale, home to the Hexentanzplatz, an old plateau used today as a huge open-air stage for Walpurgis shows. Visitors can ride a cable car to the top and watch fire-breathers, jugglers, and musicians perform above a dark forest landscape. Many people see it as one of the most atmospheric spots in Germany for this night, a kind of “boiling cauldron” of shows and crowds that feel old and modern at the same time.
Other Notable German Towns and Regions
Apart from Thale, towns such as Goslar, Wernigerode, and Bad Grund are well known for their Walpurgis celebrations. Goslar, a UNESCO World Heritage town, offers a stunning medieval setting, with half-timbered houses lit by torches and bonfires. Wernigerode often has a “Witches’ Market” where local craftspeople sell their goods, and its castle towers above, adding a fairy-tale mood.
In Berlin, Mauerpark in the Prenzlauer Berg district is a common meeting place on this night. Though there are no mountains, the park fills with people watching fire shows and enjoying a more urban, alternative version of the festival. No matter where people gather, they share a wish to come together and celebrate the end of the long winter period.
Walpurgis Night in German Literature, Art, and Music
Walpurgis Night in Goethe’s Faust
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s drama Faust played a huge role in making Walpurgis Night famous beyond Germany. In Part One, Mephistopheles takes Faust to the Brocken for Walpurgis Night so he can see the witches’ party. Goethe writes about witches riding “stinking old goats” and about the leader “Squire Urianus” (a name for the Devil), planting the image of a wild mountain festival firmly in readers’ minds.
In Faust, Part Two, Goethe adds a “Classical Walpurgis Night,” set in ancient Greece, with different myths. Through these scenes, he turned a local belief into an important theme in world literature. Even today, postcards in the Harz quote from Faust, linking the modern celebrations and their “carnival crew” directly back to Goethe’s famous work.
Other Artistic and Musical Representations
Many other writers and artists have used Walpurgis Night in their work. Thomas Mann wrote a “Walpurgisnacht” chapter in his novel The Magic Mountain, using the night’s themes to explore hidden feelings and irrational behavior. In English literature, Bram Stoker’s short story Dracula’s Guest has its main character walking through Munich on Walpurgis Night, facing the fears and warnings of the locals before he reaches Transylvania.
Music also picked up on the theme. In 1831, Felix Mendelssohn set Goethe’s poem Die erste Walpurgisnacht to music as a secular cantata. It tells of Druids trying to keep their old religious rites alive while Christian guards try to stop them. The music shows the tension between the two sides and catches the restless, supernatural feeling of a witches’ night, with fast rhythms that recall their night-time flight.
Modern-Day Walpurgis Night: Events, Safety, and Tourism
Contemporary Festival Activities
Today, Walpurgis Night is a major draw for visitors. Events in the Harz region include professional stage shows, medieval markets, and comedy built around witch and devil figures. Many towns plan daytime events for families, such as face painting and costume parades for children, before the more adult-focused parties start at dusk. The main goals are fun, shared stories, and pride in local culture.
The date has also been taken up by newer social movements. Since 1977, Walpurgis Night has been used for “Reclaim the Night” (Walpurgisnacht-Demo) marches in various German cities. These feminist protests use the image of the “witch”-a woman once punished for being independent or knowledgeable-to speak out against violence toward women and to demand safer streets after dark.
Tourism Tips for Visitors
If you want to visit the Harz Mountains for Walpurgis Night, book your accommodation early, as places like Thale and Goslar can be full months ahead. Wearing a costume is strongly encouraged; even a simple witch’s hat can help you feel like part of the crowd. Pack warm clothes too, because the Brocken can stay cold and windy at the end of April.
For a quieter trip, many small villages offer modest bonfires and local Tanz in den Mai dances. These smaller events can be just as charming and may give you a closer look at how locals really celebrate. Try the Maibowle and regional foods like Harzer Käse (a strong-smelling, low-fat cheese) to round off your cultural experience.
Advice for Staying Safe During Celebrations
Walpurgis Night is mostly peaceful and cheerful, but it still pays to be aware of your surroundings, especially in big cities. In Berlin and Hamburg, May Day Eve can involve political rallies and, at times, minor clashes. Police patrols are usually strong and serious trouble is rare, but staying in the well-known festival areas is the best way to have a relaxed evening.
In rural regions, the main risks are linked to fire and the “corn jump.” If you choose to jump over embers, wait until the flames are low and copy how locals do it safely. Alcohol also plays a big part in the night, so arrange a safe way back to your hotel. Public transport may be crowded or work on a holiday schedule, so plan ahead.
German Vocabulary and Phrases for Walpurgis Night
Knowing some basic German words will help you enjoy Walpurgis Night more. Here is a useful list of terms you might hear or see during your Walpurgisnacht trip:
| German Term | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Die Hexe | The Witch |
| Der Besen | The Broom |
| Das Maifeuer | The May Bonfire |
| Tanz in den Mai | Dance into May |
| Der Berg | The Mountain |
| Der Aberglaube | The Superstition |
| Der Zauberer | The Sorcerer |
| Der Maibaum | The Maypole |
| Hexensabbat | Witches’ Sabbath |
| Maibowle | May Punch (Woodruff punch) |
During the celebrations, you may hear people say “Schöne Walpurgisnacht!” (“Have a nice Walpurgis Night!”) or talk about the coming Maifeiertag (May Day holiday). Knowing these words will help you move around the stalls, talk with the “witches,” and follow the songs and shows that shape the evening.
The move from the wild night of Walpurgis to the calm of May Day morning is often marked by raising the Maibaum (Maypole). Many towns do this on the morning of May 1st, with ribbon dances and local music. It offers a gentle answer to the fires of the night before, turning from chasing away darkness to welcoming the growth and fertility of the new season. May 1st is also a major public holiday in Germany, known as Tag der Arbeit (Labor Day), making this 24-hour stretch one of the key dates in the German cultural year.
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