As discussed in my previous article, many residents of the Harz Mountains of Germany maintain a strong tradition of recognition of the elements of witchcraft, dating back to pagan times.

This tradition reaches an annual crescendo on or around Walpurgis Night (Walpurgisnacht) on 30th April. At this time, local revellers celebrate the meeting of Europe’s witches on the summit of Brockenberg to celebrate the coming of spring.

April 30 is when things get spooky in Germany. In 1876, Jacob Grimm wrote Deutsche Mythologie II, which included the following stanza:

“There is a mountain very high and bare, whereon it is given out that witches hold their dance on Walpurgis Night,”

Naturally, local tourist authorities do their utmost to evoke this sense of otherworldliness as a way or encouraging visitors to the region. In the days leading up to Walpurgisnacht there is a brisk trade in Harzhexen, souvenir representations of witches riding broomsticks. Postcards, beer steins, and wooden carvings also celebrate the season of the witch.

The tiny village of Schierke attracts thousands of revellers each year to celebrate Walpurgisnacht. The day begins with a parade of kindergarteners dressed as witches and pitchfork-wielding devils. Festooned with witch puppets, even the railway station joins in the fun. The local steam train becomes a Hexenexpress, chugging down from the Brockenberg’s summit to Wernigerode–the quintessential “fairytale” town of half-timbered houses and gothic turrets.

Things really start to get interesting after dark. The visitor is likely to be surrounded by a bevy of witches, vampires, goblins and even Valkyries wandering around a medieval fair. The whole area gathers a festive atmosphere, with food, drink and craft booths, bonfires, pantomime and fireworks displays.

Remember that this part of Germany has not yet been exposed to the levels of international tourism, and thus English is not very widely spoken at all.

However, even given this,we are sure that you will find Walpurgisnacht celebrations in the Brockenberg area an experience that you’ll never forget.
Submitted by John Kumm www.onlinetravelconsultant.com