Kaltenberg Knight’s Tournament – Bavaria

European Middle ages captivate the imagination of people all over the world with its characteristic mystery, valour, heroism, chivalry and similar qualities which are almost extinct or considered to be irrelevant in the present age of advanced technology. But all of us would like to step back in time to enjoy the wonderful and lively times of the medieval ages.

If you fancy such a thing, you only have to go to Bavaria, Germany during the month of July. There you will be transported to middle ages by the Kaltenberg knights Tournament. This magnificent tournament is hosted by real royalty in the grounds of a real medieval Bavarian castle.

This is the world’s biggest Jousting festival at present. It is conducted in July every year in the three hectares of land around the Kaltenberg castle. Entering the festival ground, you will find it difficult to believe that you live in the 21^st century. Wherever you look you’ll see period costumes and the performances which were characteristic of the Middle Ages. The jugglers, fire-eaters, incredibly agile acrobats, men on stilts, musicians and what not!

This festival was begun in 1979 by Prince Luitpold of Bavaria. The Kaltenberg brewery is one of the major breweries in Bavaria and it was an ancestor of Prince Luitpold, Duke Wilhelm IV, who had made the Bavarian Beer purity law. But the brewery did not qualify for any major beer festival in Munich because of its distance from the city. It was too much for Prince Luitpold and he decided to do something about it. As a result, he started this festival to organize a beer festival of large dimensions in Bavaria.

Even if it had started as a small performance of amateur artists, through years it grew into a festival that attracts millions of people to Bavaria. Kaltenberg knights Tournament is a 10 day festival. During these 10 days a number of performances are organized. The main tournament is jousting. The knights armed with lanced will tilt with each other with enthusiasm and great show of valor till they tumble down in fight. The recreation of medieval armed duels is staged with authentic clarity during the tournament.

Another fascinating tournament of the Kaltenberg knights Tournament is the fight between the black knight and the hero knight. The story line often deals with the clash between good and evil and rescuing womanhood from the harm’s way. Such chivalry and heroism! Prepare yourself to be completely enchanted by the whole atmosphere.The medieval market is another attraction of the Kaltenberg knights Tournament. You can enjoy authentic medieval foods in the market. Besides, you can get articles and goods which belong to the bygone era.

The elixirs, musical instruments, weapons – all are available in this large medieval market. It will be open till midnight hours. You get to enjoy the signature beer of the festival, which is specially brewed by the Kaltenberg brewery. It is a rare pleasure to enjoy this in the original beer stein.

There are five performance stages and all the stages will be occupied with some or the other performance. The real events of the tournament start at 8.30 pm with equestrian shows. There will be colorful parades of people wearing all sorts of medieval costumes. The audience as well as performers chooses to appear in period costumes.

Out of these 10 nights one night will be set apart for performances other than jousting. This is termed as ‘Jester’s night’. The performances of the night include magic shows, concerts, juggling and acrobatic shows and the like.

Kaltenberg knights Tournament presents medieval life with all its glory and thus takes the visitors and festival goers to another world in another time.

by Marina Chernyak