Karl May Festival in Bad Segeberg

The Karl May Festival is an outdoor theater event in Bad Segeberg held at Kalkberg, presenting dramatized stories about frontier adventures in North America. The venue features thousands of seats, and exhibition areas beside the stage display themed installations and environments.

The festival was established in the 1950s and draws from adventure novels written by a German author whose works became internationally famous. Since its founding, the spectacle has made Bad Segeberg known as a destination for these particular theatrical productions.

Performances bring stories by a famous German author to life through dramatic scenes featuring indigenous cultures and frontier characters. Audiences experience these narratives outdoors with elaborate stagecraft and music that creates an immersive theatrical environment.

Performances typically occur during warmer months when weather permits comfortable outdoor viewing from fixed seating. It is wise to arrive early to secure a good seat and bring layered clothing as temperatures can vary significantly during evening shows.

A vintage-style train carries visitors through Bad Segeberg's old town while a local guide shares stories and historical context about the area. This train journey provides a different perspective on the town beyond the main festival events.