Entertainment · Books & Arts · 7 hrs ago
Burgrieden Karl May festival files for insolvency, cancels 2027 season
The Karl May festival in Burgrieden has filed for insolvency after financial trouble linked to cancelled shows and unpaid insurance claims.
Burgrieden is in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, and the festival stages outdoor adaptations of Karl May adventure stories featuring characters such as Winnetou and Old Shatterhand.
Five performances were cancelled because of bad weather during the 2026 summer season, and the organizers say the insurer has not paid for the losses.
The insurance dispute is now being handled through legal proceedings.
The 2027 season has been cancelled, although the organizers had planned a production of “Old Shatterhand.”
The festival began in 2014 and drew about 22,000 visitors in its latest season, but its future is now up to others to decide.
The Karl May festival in Burgrieden has filed for insolvency.
The organizers have canceled the 2027 season.
Managing director Claudia Huitz cited weather-related cancellations and insurance payments that have not been made.
Five performances of “The Treasure of Silver Lake” were canceled because of the weather this summer.
About 22,000 people attended the 2026 season, but the organizers say they cannot continue next year.
- Who
- The Karl May festival organizers in Burgrieden, represented by managing director Claudia Huitz.
- What
- The festival has filed for insolvency and canceled its 2027 season.
- When
- The insolvency filing was reported on October 28, 2026; the canceled performances took place in summer 2026.
- Where
- Burgrieden, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
- Why
- Five performances were canceled because of the weather, and the insurance company has not paid for the losses; the dispute is being handled legally.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Karl May festival in Burgrieden began presenting the author’s adventure stories as open-air theatre.
Five performances of “The Treasure of Silver Lake” were canceled because of the weather.
About 22,000 people attended the festival.
The festival filed for insolvency and canceled its 2027 season.
- Location
- Burgrieden, Baden-Württemberg
- Insolvency reported
- October 28, 2026
- 2027 season
- Canceled
- Canceled performances
- Five performances of “The Treasure of Silver Lake
- 2026 attendance
- About 22,000 people
What people are saying
Ich sage es offen: Es ist eine Katastrophe
Wir hatten eine wunderbare Zeit und haben in einem kleinen Dorf in Oberschwaben etwas Großartiges geschaffen. Burgrieden kennt man heute europaweit.