Roswitha Festival 2026

On September 19 and 20, 2026, when late summer bathes the streets of Bad Gandersheim in golden light, the city will open its gates to a special cultural event: the Roswitha Festival. With this premiere, Bad Gandersheim honors its most famous historical figure – Roswitha of Gandersheim, who is considered the first German poetess and whose work resonates to this day. The organizers use the Roswitha Festival to retell the role of women in the Middle Ages. At the center is Roswitha of Gandersheim as a poet and scholar, whose work represents education, language, and the power of the written word. Books, writing, and literature form a thematic part of the festival. Additionally, the event also looks at the herbal and healing practices of that time and shows how women applied their knowledge in everyday life. This creates a multifaceted picture of female influence between intellect, culture, and practical knowledge. A specially designed historical market provides the atmospheric backdrop for the festival. Here, craftsmen bring centuries-old techniques to life, while mystical walking acts create surprising moments between the stalls. Families will particularly enjoy the event: a colorful children's program invites young visitors to explore the Middle Ages in a child-friendly way through interactive activities, playful knowledge stations, and creative offerings. Musically, the Roswitha Festival will also be a special experience. On the daytime stage, Vera Lux captivates the audience with driving rhythms and historical melodies. Soulhikers complements the program with atmospheric songs that blend modernity and tradition. As the first day of the festival comes to a close, the historic marketplace transforms into a warm sea of lights. A spectacular fire show provides a dazzling finale – and at the same time, the emotional highlight of an event that will remain unique. The Roswitha Festival 2026 is not the starting point for a series, but a consciously unique cultural event that Bad Gandersheim will experience only this one time in this form. With this special festival, the city writes a new, singular chapter in its history – vibrant, inspiring, and full of moments of discovery.