While you’ve probably heard about Germany's May day and the poles that go with it, have you heard of the night where witches dance on mountain tops when it's not Halloween? On April 30 each year, the pagan festival of Walpurgis Night takes place. Legends tell of witches riding their broomsticks to the top of Brocken mountain, the highest peak in the Harz mountains. Here they are said to worship their gods and practice dark magic while awaiting the arrival of spring.

In order to protect themselves from this witchcraft, Christians would pray for an intercession from Saint Walpurga, a Christian missionary praised for converting heathens. These “witches” that were so feared were likely people who had yet to convert to Christianity and were looking for a place to worship. Bonfires are still lit today on April 30 to ward off evil spirits and witches, and Saint Walpurga is celebrated on May Day. In some parts of Germany, it is common for children to play pranks on this night. These combinations of April Fools, Halloween, and May Day makes for quite the holiday celebration! If you want to join in the celebration, head to Hahnenklee. Starting on April 28, the Coffee Corner is offering a witches’ breakfast buffet. On Saturday evening, visitors can ride the cable car to the top of Brocken mountain for a celebration at the Bocksberghütte. Anyone dressed as a devil or a witch gets free access to the cable car. On Sunday, author of “In the Shadow of the Witches,” Kathrin R. Hotowetz will be available for book signings and a tour through the mysterious forests of Harz. Dancing is also available each night starting at 8 p.m. at the Hahnenklee rises (Rathausstrasse 6). Don’t miss this chance to get witch-crafty during the family-friendly celebrations!