"Love and hate, giant trees, and dragon's blood!“
The Nibelungen Festival in Worms are among Germany’s most extraordinary cultural events. Set against the impressive backdrop of Worms Cathedral, the open-air theater combines the Nibelungen saga with contemporary themes each year, offering a unique summer experience in Heylshofpark.
Siegfried, with his superhuman strength; the beautiful Kriemhild; the evil Hagen: The Song of the Nibelungs We’re still familiar with it from our school days. A multifaceted German heroic epic that has captivated audiences for decades. It’s about love and hate, betrayal and war. Many key scenes from this UNESCO Memory of the World inscription take place in Worms, which is why the city also calls itself the „City of the Nibelungs.“ Every year, at the festival of the same name, queens, warriors, and other characters come to life there—in ever-changing, multifaceted ways, in modern language, and with surprising staging. The organizers weave the action on the open-air stage, set against the majestic backdrop of the cathedral, into a complete experience. In Heylshofpark—also known as Germany’s most beautiful theater lobby—guests can enjoy delights for all the senses before and after the performance, as well as during intermission: illuminated giant trees, “dragon’s blood”-red water, chill music, and delicacies to delight the palate. Marina Noble was there as part of the current production of “The Hun Queen.” The show runs through August 2, and with a little luck, there may still be some tickets left.
Right at the entrance—the historic Kunsthaus at the Heylshof Museum—it becomes clear: This won’t be a heavy, literary evening, but rather a colorful and cheerful one. The guests, of all ages and dressed in a wide variety of styles, are in high spirits, laughing and chatting. Anticipation is in the air. This builds as we enter Heylshof Park, a romantic landscaped garden: white tents and umbrellas dot the greenery of the towering trees and plants. In the background, the cathedral’s tall towers loom. Sofa nooks, seating arrangements accented with slipcovers, and barrels serving as bar tables all contribute to the relaxed atmosphere.
Charm and Delight in Germany's Most Beautiful Theater Lobby
As you stroll through the park, new perspectives keep opening up. There’s so much to discover. Near the entrance, a treasure chest featuring dragons makes it clear that the festival definitely has a political message as well: „The true treasure lies in not giving violence any room,“ the cryptic inscription tells us. A little further on, a blood-red stream quickly becomes a popular spot for photos and selfies: The color symbolizes the dragon’s life force, which Siegfried defeats according to legend. Further back, the oversized bronze „Luther’s Big Shoes“ serve as a reminder: it was at this very spot that he refused to recant his writings.
No one has to go to the show hungry. There’s a wide variety of culinary options. A definite highlight is the „Nibelungen Dinner,“ available in meat or vegetarian versions, which the attentive team from the well-known caterer Gaul serves in the dinner tent in a relaxed and unhurried manner. Alternatively, you can order selected dishes à la carte. The flower-decorated seats on the terrace, with a view of the colorful festivities, are particularly charming. At other stands, the selection ranges from cheese sausage with potato-cucumber salad to Rheinhessen burgers and tarte flambée, all the way to summer salad bowls or cheese platters.
The „wine experience“ is also celebrated with fine wines from Rheinhessen and the Palatinate. These are served at reasonable prices at the various booths. In the Wine Lounge, Worms winemakers showcase what their nearby vineyards have to offer. Later, the stylish Heylshof Lounge opens, offering Burgundy varieties from the six wine-growing regions of Rhineland-Palatinate for tasting.
The musical acts also contribute to the relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. On our evening, pianist Gabriel Groh performs well-known melodies in a laid-back lounge style. On all performance days, the musical program before the show and during intermission focuses on jazz, chanson, and acoustic pop.
Nibelungen Festival in Worms: A new world premiere in front of the cathedral every year
A friendly woman’s voice announces over the loudspeakers: “It’s time to take your seats.” Just stepping onto the grandstand captivates the senses. The cathedral’s north facade rises majestically, with three huge LED screens attached to it; on stage, a turntable serves as the wheel of fortune, and in the right-hand corner, the band’s setup is in place. Rows of spectators also line the right and left sides of the stage—a new feature this year and a nod to Shakespeare, who would have liked this setup. This way, the audience sits right in the thick of the action.
What will happen on stage? Ulrike Löffler knows the festival like almost no one else. She has attended at least one performance every year since the festival’s inception in 2002 and explains: „Every year there’s a completely new play—a world premiere—that sheds light on different aspects and characters of the Nibelungen, offering a new production and perspective.“ Looking back, this is what has particularly stuck with her: the well-known actor Mario Adorf, who took the stage as Hagen in 2002 at the age of over 70. „An incredible stage presence and performance—in any weather.“ The comedian Dirk Bach, who has also since passed away, shone as a character actor and singer under the direction of Dieter Wedel in 2010. A special technical highlight for her was the actors’ faces and expressions—including that of Jimmy Blue Ochsenknecht—which were projected in oversized form onto the cathedral wall via computer animation in 2018. Or, as a special set design in 2022, the massive water landscape in which the actors performed while standing ankle-deep in water. Also legendary is Brünhild’s ice horse, which in the early years was actually made of ice—preserved in a giant cold storage chamber and equipped with all kinds of special effects.
The Hun Queen at the Nibelungen Festival: Current Issues and Grand Theater
This year, production will move „The Hun Queen“ The opera centers on the character of Kriemhild, who is „sold off“ by her family to Etzel, the king of the Huns. The play depicts her life after Siegfried’s death and her journey over the course of seven years—from her fear during the journey to meet Etzel, whom she regards as a barbarian, through the growing love between the two, to the bloody finale. In the end, Queen Kriemhild beheads her own son to deprive the Burgundians and Huns of their heir to the throne. The content touches on highly topical issues such as the role of women. Quotes like „A woman’s weapons are silence and patience“ or „We do not bleed on the battlefield; we bleed on the sheets“ provoke reflection. This also applies to aspects such as the fear of the unfamiliar, which is often rooted in ignorance and prejudice. Equally relevant today are the questions raised about justice and peace. „Peace is the memory of war,“ says King Etzel with conviction.
The collaboration with the London-based theater group Les Enfants Terribles introduces new, international stylistic elements: a grand spectacle combining acting, music, dance, puppetry, and technology. In this way, the late Siegfried comes to life as a screen projection, a puppet, and an actor. The songs composed specifically for the production by Alice Merton add an additional musical dimension. The singer—known internationally for her hit „No Roots“—and her band perform the pieces, which blend elements of rock, pop, and world music, live and as an integral part of the stage action.
We and the entire audience are thrilled. Even a downpour after intermission doesn’t dampen our enjoyment. The many regulars are well prepared and protect themselves with long rain ponchos. On stage, the ensemble continues to perform undeterred. The standing ovation at the end is a tribute to their special dedication.
Afterward—as well as during the 40-minute intermission—the atmosphere of Heylhof Park, bathed in red and green light, captivates the audience once again. Spotlights make the giant trees and their roots glow. On the way home, candles line the fountain’s glowing „dragon’s blood,“ and melodies play as a farewell. The evening lingers in the memory for a long time …
The giant trees glow in the light
Candles line the Dragon's Blood Fountain
A diverse supporting program: discussions, exchanges, concerts, and cultural events
Beyond the evening performances and the experience at Heylshofpark, the Nibelungen Festival provides the occasion for a multifaceted supporting program. This program aims to open up different perspectives on art, society, and the Nibelungen saga, and to position the festival as a venue for debate, social exchange, and the promotion of democracy. The program includes the “Democracy Dialogue,” lectures, theater encounters, recitation concerts, and musical readings. The Youth Theater and the Children’s and Family Day are designed for young visitors.
In the permanent exhibition of the Museums at the Andreasstift The new exhibition „The Nibelungs—Love, Betrayal, and Downfall“ invites visitors to experience the Nibelung saga in a museum setting. Films and exhibits, such as props from past productions, show how the festival artistically adapts elements of the saga.
How do I get ...
Tickets for the Nibelungen Festival in Worms: Call the hotline at 01805 – 33 71 71 (0.14 euros/minute from a German landline; from a cell phone, max. 0.42 euros/minute) or via the Website.
All known TicketRegional ticket outlets also sell the tickets.
Walking Maps allow visitors to enjoy Heylshofpark—with its culinary offerings and live music—even without attending a performance.
Discounted Parking There are four nearby parking garages—you can simply pay for your ticket at the booth in Heylshofpark.
Some very practical tips:
For first-time visitors to the Nibelungen Festival, expert Dr. Ulrike Löffler has some very practical tips:
- To understand the characters and the plot, it helps to be familiar with the legend and have a general idea of what it’s about. The online introduction, which is always available starting on opening night, is helpful for this. It can be accessed on the Nibelungen Festival homepage and, via a QR code, even on-site.
- The dress code is casual-chic; a light summer dress is ideal for women.
- If it rains, hooded rain capes will be available for purchase on site. The performances will take place even if it rains. The event will be canceled only in the event of a thunderstorm for safety reasons, since, for example, the grandstand is made of metal.
- A small pillow helps you sit more comfortably. You can bring one with you or buy one at the merchandise tent.
Nibelung Sites in Worms: Discover the Cathedral, the Nibelung Tower, and the Siegfried Fountain
Even beyond the festival, you can experience the Nibelungen in Worms, as the legend is deeply rooted in the city:
- The Worms Cathedral: In the legend, this is the site of the famous quarrel between the queens Kriemhild and Brünhild over who would be allowed to enter the cathedral first—a symbol of their struggle for supremacy. On the west side lies the „Siegfried Stone,“ which, according to legend, Siegfried hurled over the cathedral.
- The Nibelung Tower: The 53-meter-high entrance gate on the „old“ Worms Rhine Bridge, which also „Nibelungen Bridge“ is called.
- Hagendenkmal and „Kriemhild’s Rose Garden“ on the banks of the Rhine: A monument by the river commemorates Hagen von Tronje, who is said to have sunk the legendary Nibelung hoard here. Next to it, the blossoms of the rose garden—said to have been tended by Kriemhild—form a walk-through work of art that changes throughout the year.
- Siegfried Fountain: In the city center, the hero triumphantly places his foot on the defeated dragon. At the The Nibelungenlied Fountain The Worm-based sculptor Gustav Nonnemacher depicts scenes from the legend and excerpts from its text.
Tip for more Worms:
There are attractive offers for the festival Accommodations and Group Packages, to combine the performances with a visit to the city. The Basic Package includes one night’s lodging with breakfast in a three- or four-star hotel in a double room, plus one festival ticket in the booked category. It also includes discounted admission to the Andreasstift Museum upon presentation of the festival ticket. The Special Package adds a behind-the-scenes tour to these benefits, while the Deluxe Package also includes a three-course „Dinner in the Park“ meal. For information and reservations, please contact: Angelika Rosin a.rosin@nibelungenfestspiele.de
