Massive clash in Bad Frankenhausen: 500 combatants and over 10,000 viewers at the Battle of White Mountain confrontation
Bad Frankenhausen, a city rich in history, played host to a remarkable spectacle this weekend as several hundred actors brought the "Battle of the White Mountain" from the Peasants' War of the 16th century to life.
Visitors were able to immerse themselves in the past, exploring a peasant and landsknecht camp during the event. The reenactment, a highlight for the city, saw around a thousand volunteers take part, recreating the chaotic atmosphere of the battlefield with loud cannon fire and the sound of forks and scythes echoing through the air.
The reenactment, part of Thuringia's commemoration of 500 years of the Peasants' War, was a meticulously prepared event. The "Anno dazumal" ensemble spent a year in preparation, ensuring the historical accuracy of the reenactment. Despite the rebels not being uniformly poorly armed and inexperienced farmers, as is often portrayed, they were defeated by the princes' army in the reenacted battle.
Mayor Matthias Strejc saw the battle reenactment as an absolute highlight for the city, with the spectacle costing 400,000 euros. The event also featured a peasant market showcasing regional products and historical crafts, adding to the immersive experience for the visitors.
The reenactment was expected to attract twice as many viewers and around 1,000 participants on the side of the actors, but approximately 10,000 spectators attended the two-day event, fewer than organizers had anticipated. Nevertheless, the city had hoped that the event would boost tourism and the economy, and it seems that the goal was largely achieved.
During the "500 Years of the Peasants' War" commemorative year, visitor numbers to the museums increased significantly. For instance, the Panorama Museum saw 70 percent more guests than in the comparative period, and the city's regional museum had three times as many visitors as usual.
The Peasants' War is considered the bloody climax of the Peasants' War, with the rebellious peasants under reformer Thomas Müntzer being defeated by a princes' army. Tragically, Müntzer was captured, tortured, and eventually executed in Mühlhausen.
The 2025 Peasants' War reenactment is viewed as a significant cultural event by the economy and tourism in Bad Frankenhausen, emphasizing its importance as a historic and cultural highlight for the city. With hundreds of participants creating an engaging experience for a broad audience, the event is expected to attract many visitors and boost the region in the coming years.
