Every year on the night of April 30th, something strange happens in Germany. Bonfires blaze on hilltops. People dress as witches. Villages erupt in dancing and drinking. And in the Harz Mountains, thousands of people hike through the dark to the summit of the Brocken, the legendary gathering place of witches.
Welcome to Walpurgisnacht, Germany’s Night of the Witches.
What Is Walpurgisnacht?
Walpurgisnacht (April 30th) is the eve of May Day, named after Saint Walpurga, an 8th-century English missionary who became a saint in Germany. But the celebration is far older than Christianity, it traces back to ancient Germanic spring festivals meant to drive away evil spirits and welcome the warmer season.
The tradition holds that on this night, witches fly to the Brocken peak in the Harz Mountains for a wild sabbath before spring arrives. Villagers would light bonfires, make noise, and wear costumes to scare the witches away.
Today, it’s one of Germany’s most atmospheric and fun celebrations, part Halloween, part Mardi Gras, part spring festival.
How Germans Celebrate Walpurgisnacht
Celebrations vary by region, but you’ll typically find:
- Bonfires: lit in fields and village squares to ward off evil spirits (and because Germans love a good fire)
- Witch costumes: children and adults dress up, similar to Halloween
- Tanz in den Mai (“Dance into May”): outdoor parties and dances that last until midnight
- Maibowle: a traditional punch made with white wine, sparkling wine, and sweet woodruff (Waldmeister), a herb that only blooms in spring
- Hiking to the Brocken: in the Harz Mountains, thousands make the pilgrimage to the summit on April 30th
The Brocken: Germany’s Witch Mountain
The Brocken (1,141m) is the highest peak in northern Germany and the legendary center of Walpurgisnacht mythology. Goethe immortalized it in Faust, where Mephistopheles takes Faust to the Brocken for the witches’ sabbath.
Today, the Brocken is accessible by the historic Brockenbahn, a narrow-gauge steam railway that runs through the Harz National Park. On Walpurgisnacht, the train runs special night services and the summit hosts a massive festival with fire, music, and thousands of costumed revelers.
Walpurgisnacht in America
German-American communities have kept the tradition alive in the US. You’ll find Walpurgisnacht celebrations at:
- New Braunfels, Texas: occasional events tied to the German heritage calendar
- Hermann, Missouri: spring festivals around May Day
- Frankenmuth, Michigan: the “Little Bavaria” of the Midwest celebrates German seasonal traditions
- Various German-American clubs across the country host Maibowle evenings and spring dances
Make Your Own Maibowle
The traditional Walpurgisnacht drink is easy to make at home. You’ll need:
- 1 bottle dry white wine (Riesling works perfectly)
- 1 bottle sparkling wine or Prosecco
- A handful of fresh sweet woodruff (Waldmeister), or a splash of Waldmeister syrup
- Strawberries for garnish
Steep the woodruff in the white wine for 30 minutes, remove, add sparkling wine and strawberries. Serve cold in a punch bowl. Prost!
Looking to bring more German tradition into your home? Check out our guide to German food and products on Amazon, from Waldmeister syrup to authentic German glassware.
