Bergtheater Thale, Open-air theatre at Hexentanzplatz, Thale, Germany
Bergtheater Thale is an open-air theatre set on the Hexentanzplatz plateau in the Harz mountains, above the town of Thale. The seating runs in a semicircle carved into the hillside, with rocky cliffs and forested ridges forming the natural backdrop of the stage.
Ernst Wachler opened this venue in 1903 under the name 'Grüne Bühne', making it one of the first open-air theatres in Germany to be built within a natural landscape. Over the following decades it was gradually rebuilt and eventually took on its current name.
The Hexentanzplatz plateau where the theatre stands has been tied to local witch legends for centuries, and this connection shapes the feel of the place. Visitors often notice this layer of folklore even before the show begins, as the name and setting echo the old stories.
The theatre can be reached by the Bodetal cable car from Thale or by road, with both routes clearly signposted. Evening performances tend to get cold on the plateau even in summer, so bringing an extra layer is a practical idea.
The theatre shares the Hexentanzplatz plateau with a wildlife enclosure and a museum dedicated to local Walpurgis Night traditions, making it easy to combine a show with a broader visit to the hilltop. This mix of performance space, animals, and folklore museum on the same terrace is unusual for a theatre setting.
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