Lifestyle: Get medieval at Gräfenstein Castle Published Sept. 3, 2010 By Petra Lessoing 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- For the 12th time, visitors of Gräfenstein Castle near Merzalben will be taken back to the Middle Ages during a medieval fest taking place today through Sunday. The event, organized by the community of Merzalben and the Phantasia Historica medieval group, will feature musical entertainment, juggling, show fights, fire shows and children's activities. "From all over Germany, knight groups, lansquenets, jugglers, music groups, minstrels and craftsmen dressed in medieval costumes will make their appearance," said Helmut Simgen from Pantasia Historica. In a knights' camp, the Federfechter knights groups will present sword fights and lansquenets perform funny plays. The Nimulus juggler group will show off their skills and present a fire show. The musicians Triskilian, Deus Aie, Jean, Frederik Finn, Jaques and Nicola will provide musical entertainment and perform medieval songs on unique instruments. "Children also can enjoy the Middle Ages by playing on Tjalf's dragon boat, listening to Absolom's and Marie's stories, and watching William's magic skills," said Mr. Simgen. Craftsmen such as blacksmiths, weavers, wood-carvers, stone masons, potters, soap-makers and basket-makers will demonstrate crafts from the Middle Ages, and sell them as well. A variety of food and drink specialties will be available. Market activities, music and juggling are scheduled from 5 to 10:30 p.m. today. The fest will be celebrated from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Admission is €6 for adults, €3 for children, and children shorter than a sword (which is 1.30 meters) are admitted free. Today, tickets cost half price. Visitors in medieval costumes only pay €3. A ticket for all three days is €12; the two-day ticket is €10. "We expect about several thousands visitors who want to experience the Middle Ages," said Mr. Simgen. Gräfenstein Castle is a rock castle near the town of Merzalben. The upper castle is built on a 12-meter tall oval-shaped sandstone, with a keep with seven corners and a great palace, three floors tall. In the lower castle, there are parts of the forcer and remaining walls. In its beginning, Gräfenstein served as an administration center for the surrounding farms and villages, and had the defense capacity. In 1220, Gräfenstein Castle was first mentioned in a document. During the Thirty-Years War, Gräfenstein was burnt down accidentally in 1635, when imperial troops, who used the castle as garrison, were careless with fire. From that on, Gräfenstein Castle has been ruins. In the 20th century, the castle was partially renovated. It is open to visitors throughout the year. Merzalben is located northeast of Pirmasens. Go on B270 toward Waldfischbach-Burgalben, then left to Donsieders, Clausen and Merzalben. Past Merzalben take a right toward the castle. Visitors can walk up to the castle by foot or take a shuttle bus for the fee of €1 leaving from the visitor's parking lot.. For more information, visit www.phantasia-historica.com.