Historic Drachenstich Illustration (Verlag Max Wagner (https://www.andreas-praefcke.de/carthalia/id/6019, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons))

Deep underground lurks the banished dragon, Tradinno awaiting his return. Only the blood of a massive war can bring him back to the surface. Drachenstich is a 15th-century folk festival and dragon slaying pagaent in Furth im Wald, or the Drachenstadt (Dragon City). It is Germany’s oldest festival and steeped in 500 years of tradition.

In the tradition of medieval festivals, Drachenstich will have plenty of Bavarian regional cuisine, like whole roasted pigs, flame-cooked fish and stews, plus other classics like sweet roasted almonds, mead and hand-crafted beer. From August 15- 18th, try the “incomparable” Cave- Gladium Beer, a specialty lager served at the Drachenstich medieval market.

Pot with lunch over open fire place at a medieval festival (123rf)

Nestled in the Bavarian forest and next to Drachensee (Dragon Lake), is Furth im Wald, an area that celebrates nature and recreation. Get into the medieval spirit of the festival by camping where there is plenty of hiking, kayaking, skiing, and bird watching. A fun budget-friendly option is: Campingplatz Einberg, only a ten-minute walk to the town center and located directly on the water and near the entrance to Wildgarten. The camping grounds are equipped with a small bistro, two playgrounds, a sanitary building, and 52 pitches with electric supply. Dogs are welcome for an additional fee. It is recommended on their website, campingplatz-einberg.de, to book ahead as spots fill up quickly during August.

For a luxury experience, Haus Schonblick am Hohenbogen is a 20-minute drive from the festival. With romantic chalet-style rooms, it’s perfect for some pampering. The rooms include a gorgeous mountain overlook and wooden whirlpool tubs to soak in on the balcony. There are many affordable packages to choose from and additional spa treatments. Book your room at schoenblick-hohenbogen.de. 

Tradinno a Large Fire-Breathing, Robot Dragon (Andreas Mühlbauer, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)

Drachenstich is from August 2- 18th. The festival centers around a traditional folk pageant. The pageant features a flesh-eating dragon; Tradinno is the largest fire-breathing, four-legged walking robot in the world. There is also a self-sacrificing young girl hoping to save her village, and lots of fiery battles. The enthusiasm from the crowds and actors makes for an enthralling experience even for non-German speakers.

I recommend waiting to go to Drachenstich until mid-August when additional events start. This includes:

The Historical Pageant | August 11th

1,200 participants in original costumes, 250 horses, replicas of medieval baggage wagons, carriages, cannons, and more parade through town. Drachenstich actors and their entourage also participate.

Cave Gladium- Mittelalterliches Lagerleben | August 15- 18th

A true immersion into medieval times, when the entire town is transformed with over 100 traders and craftsmen stalls. Sip a refreshing “incomparable” Cave Gladium Beer while you jam out to some medieval tunes, view craftsmen practicing medieval professions, and watch fighters battling it out with swords and shields.

Kinderfestzug/ Kinderdrachenstich | Aug 17-18th

This is a kid-friendly showing of the dragon pageant where kids can participate and win prizes. There is a children’s kite engraving performance and play course, especially for them.

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