Between August 7-9 this year, the gates of Eger Castle will once again be thrown wide open for the youngest knights and their families!
The main protagonists of the Little Knights' Festival (Apródfesztivál) are the children, who over two days can discover the glorious past of Eger and the castle almost unnoticeably, through craft activities, playful tasks, and the contribution of traditionalist groups. Diverse adventures await children and their parents throughout the three days:
August 8 (Saturday) - FAMILY DAY
All-day programs:
9:00-17:00 | Little Knights' training and fencing instruction
Camp scenes and exciting challenges with the Fencing Hungarians Traditionalist and Sports Association
Location: At the foot of the Szép Bastion
9:00-14:00 | Bake with the baker! – delicacies from the oven
Make delicacies, knead and shape brioche and sweet bread! The prepared baked goods will be baked in the authentic oven of the Loaf-distributing House (Cipóosztó ház), and you can even take them home as a souvenir!
Location: Loaf-distributing House
9:00-17:00 | Museum craft tent
The museum pedagogy activities, popular all year round, now return outdoors with the atmosphere of the Little Knights' Festival! The staff of the István Dobó Castle Museum await young and old with various craft programs, helping them immerse themselves in the Renaissance era.
Location: Eger Castle courtyard
9:00-17:00 | Object doctors – peek into the work of restorers!
Are you curious about the job of an object doctor? Did you know that museum restorers heal broken pottery pieces and worn treasures exactly like doctors heal patients? Now your family can also try the craft of object doctors!
- Artifact puzzle: We will try how to fit broken ceramic vessels together.
- Real sparkle: We will learn the secret of wood restorers, and everyone can try gilding on a small wooden profile strip with their own hands, which you can proudly take home!
Location: Eger Castle courtyard
9:00-17:00 | Mercenary camp: camp scenes with the Mathias Rex Traditionalist Association
Get to know the mercenary camp of the typical German Landsknechts from the era of the 1552 siege! Besides the warriors, visitors can also learn about the crafts of the era, not to mention the authentic replica firearms.
Location: Hospital Cellar and Blacksmiths-Locksmiths Tower
9:00-17:00 | Weapons and medicine in the early modern period
with the Eger Valiant School (Egri Vitézlő Oskola)
The Traditionalist Association, returning to the castle so often, once again lines up its diverse weapon selection, brings the best-known medicinal herbs, and introduces interested visitors to the world of early modern medicine.
Location: Palace courtyard
9:00-17:00 | Music in the castle courtyard
On Saturdays and Sundays, Sonivius Vappae provides the music: medieval bagpipes, medieval whistles, flutes, vocals, and drums will resonate in the castle courtyard.
11:00- 16:00 | Renaissance play casino
The Renaissance casino tempts older children and adults with exclusively medieval-origin, now forgotten games. Guests receive play money (tokens) upon arrival. They can place their bets with the play money on various games of chance at the tables. After guests have tried and finished playing, they can buy prizes with the tokens they have acquired.
Location: Eger Castle courtyard
Highlighted programs:
- 9:00- 9:45 | Opening event of the 2nd Little Knights' Festival
A colorful procession from Eger Castle to Dobó Square, followed by a parade in the city. Enriched with a spectacular flag-throwing demonstration. - 9:00- 10:00 | Mommy-and-baby guided tour
Private guided tour for parents arriving with infants. Parents arriving with babies in arms can learn about the 'History of Eger Castle' exhibition. Strollers can be placed in the stroller storage located in the Flag Hill (Zászlódomb) building, ask our Information staff for help!
Location: History of Eger Castle exhibition - 10:00- 11:00 | "The Golden-Fleece Lamb" musical fairy tale play
performed by Kackiás Folkszínház
Location: Varkoch Gate Bastion stage - 10:30- 11:30 | Guided tour in the Prison Exhibition
Guided tour by the knights of Eger Castle, for adults
Location: The tour starts from the Information Point! - 10:00- 10:45 | Detective game: Underground with a lantern
Adventure in the underground corridors, in the warm light of the lanterns. Discover the secret passages of the castle and find the hidden treasure with the help of the knights of Eger Castle!
The number of places is limited: maximum 15 children and one accompanying adult.
Age group: 1st age group (4-6 years old) | Fee: 1000 HUF/person
Or show your Little Knight Invitation at the Information Point and participate for free!
Location: Departure from the Information Point - 10:45- 11:30 | Detective game: Underground with a lantern
Adventure in the underground corridors, in the warm light of the lanterns. Discover the secret passages of the castle and find the hidden treasure with the help of the knights of Eger Castle!
The number of places is limited: maximum 15 children and one accompanying adult.
Age group: 2nd age group (7-10 years old) | Fee: 1000 HUF/person
Or show your Little Knight Invitation at the Information Point and participate for free!
Location: Departure from the Information Point - 11:00- 11:20 | German mercenary camp: the Mathias Rex company introduces itself
Location: Varkoch Gate Bastion stage - 11:30- 11:45 | Little Knights' duel - sock battle with the Fencing Hungarians
Location: Varkoch Gate Bastion - 12:00- 12:20 | Artillery demonstration with the Mathias Rex company
Location: Hospital Cellar - 12:30- 13:00 | Renaissance dances
with the Pavane Historical Dance and Flag Throwing Group
Location: Varkoch Gate Bastion stage - 12:00- 12:45 | Detective game: Underground with a lantern
Adventure in the underground corridors, in the warm light of the lanterns. Discover the secret passages of the castle and find the hidden treasure with the help of the knights of Eger Castle!
The number of places is limited: maximum 15 children and one accompanying adult.
Age group: 1st age group (4-6 years old) | Fee: 1000 HUF/person
Or show your Little Knight Invitation at the Information Point and participate for free!
Location: Departure from the Information Point - 12:45- 13:30 | Detective game: Underground with a lantern
Adventure in the underground corridors, in the warm light of the lanterns. Discover the secret passages of the castle and find the hidden treasure with the help of the knights of Eger Castle!
The number of places is limited: maximum 15 children and one accompanying adult.
Age group: 2nd age group (7-10 years old) | Fee: 1000 HUF/person
Or show your Little Knight Invitation at the Information Point and participate for free!
Location: Departure from the Information Point - 13:00- 14:00 | Guided tour in the Prison Exhibition
Guided tour by the knights of Eger Castle, for adults
Location: The tour starts from the Information Point! - 13:30- 13:45 | Little Knights' duel - sock battle with the Fencing Hungarians
Location: Varkoch Gate Bastion - 13:45- 14:15 | The tale of Bea, the heroic woman of Eger Castle
Location: Eger Castle courtyard - 14:00- 15:00 | Guided tour in the Mine Observation Corridors
with the knights of Eger Castle, for adults
We recommend this program for adults and those over 12 years old. Capacity is limited to a maximum of 40 people! Free for children under 6.
Location: Departure from the Information Point - 15:00- 15:20 | Flag-throwing demonstration
by the Pavane Historical Dance and Flag Throwing Group
Location: Palace courtyard - 15:30- 15:52 | Weapons demonstration and 1552 salute firing
Location: Hospital Cellar - 16:00-16:10 | Little Knights' duel - sock battle with the Fencing Hungarians
Location: Varkoch Gate Bastion - 16:15- 17:15 | "Starving Mátyás" (Koplaló Mátyás) - musical fairy tale play
performed by Kackiás Folkszínház
Location: Varkoch Gate Bastion stage - 16:30- 17:00 | Fencing technique demonstration with the Mathias Rex company
Location: Hospital Cellar - 17:00- 17:30 | Bites between the walls - interactive presentation
What did the defenders of Eger Castle eat?
In the presentation by Bea, the heroic woman of Eger Castle, you can learn how people of the early modern period ate, and what foods the Hungarian knights consumed during the 1552 siege. The presentation also highlights that Captain István Dobó's foresight played a huge role in the successful defense of the castle: carefully accumulated supplies and proper provisions proved crucial during the siege.
The presentation can be enjoyed interactively within the walls of the Loaf-distributing House. Participants can hold rye, wheat, and millet in their hands, and can also recognize the herbs we still use in our kitchens today.
Location: Loaf-distributing House
August 9 (Sunday) - FAMILY DAY
All-day programs:
9:00-17:00 | Little Knights' training and fencing instruction
Camp scenes and exciting challenges with the Fencing Hungarians Traditionalist and Sports Association
Location: At the foot of the Szép Bastion
9:00-14:00 | Bake with the baker! – delicacies from the oven
Make real delicacies, knead and shape brioche and sweet bread! The prepared baked goods will be baked in the authentic oven of the Loaf-distributing House (Cipóosztó ház), and you can even take them home as a souvenir!
Location: Loaf-distributing House
9:00-17:00 | Museum craft tent
The museum pedagogy activities, popular all year round, now return outdoors with the atmosphere of the Little Knights' Festival! The staff of the István Dobó Castle Museum await young and old with various craft programs, helping them immerse themselves in the Renaissance era.
Location: Eger Castle courtyard
9:00-17:00 | Object doctors – peek into the work of restorers!
Are you curious about the job of an object doctor? Did you know that museum restorers heal broken pottery pieces and worn treasures exactly like doctors heal patients? Now your family can also try the craft of object doctors!
- Artifact puzzle: We will try how to fit broken ceramic vessels together.
- Real sparkle: We will learn the secret of wood restorers, and everyone can try gilding on a small wooden profile strip with their own hands, which you can proudly take home!
Location: Eger Castle courtyard
9:00-17:00 | Mercenary camp: camp scenes with the Mathias Rex Traditionalist Association
Get to know the mercenary camp of the typical German Landsknechts from the era of the 1552 siege! Besides the warriors, visitors can also learn about the crafts of the era, not to mention the authentic replica firearms.
Location: Hospital Cellar and Blacksmiths-Locksmiths Tower
9:00-17:00 | Weapons and medicine in the early modern period
with the Eger Valiant School (Egri Vitézlő Oskola)
The traditionalist association, returning to the castle so often, once again lines up its diverse weapon selection, brings the best-known herbs, and introduces interested visitors to the world of early modern medicine.
Location: Palace courtyard
9:00-17:00 | Music in the castle courtyard
On Saturdays and Sundays, Sonivius Vappae provides the music: medieval bagpipes, medieval whistles, flutes, vocals, and drums will resonate in the castle courtyard.
11:00- 15:00 | Renaissance play casino
The Renaissance casino tempts older children and adults with exclusively medieval-origin, now forgotten games. Guests receive play money (tokens) upon arrival. They can place their bets with the play money on various games of chance at the tables. After guests have tried and finished playing, they can buy prizes with the tokens they have acquired.
Location: Eger Castle courtyard
Highlighted programs:
- 9:00- 9:45 | City parade on the occasion of the 2nd Little Knights' Festival
A colorful procession from Eger Castle to Dobó Square, followed by a parade in the city. Enriched with a spectacular flag-throwing demonstration. - 10:00- 11:00 | "The Little Pig and the Wolves" performance
Production by the Harlequin Puppet Theatre
Location: Loaf-distributing House - 10:30- 11:30 | Guided tour in the Prison Exhibition
Guided tour by the knights of Eger Castle, for adults
Location: The tour starts from the Information Point! - 10:00- 10:45 | Detective game: Underground with a lantern
Adventure in the underground corridors, in the warm light of the lanterns. Discover the secret passages of the castle and find the hidden treasure with the help of the knights of Eger Castle!
The number of places is limited: maximum 15 children and one accompanying adult.
Age group: 1st age group (4-6 years old) | Fee: 1000 HUF/person
Or show your Little Knight Invitation at the Information Point and participate for free!
Location: Departure from the Information Point - 10:45- 11:30 | Detective game: Underground with a lantern
Adventure in the underground corridors, in the warm light of the lanterns. Discover the secret passages of the castle and find the hidden treasure with the help of the knights of Eger Castle!
The number of places is limited: maximum 15 children and one accompanying adult.
Age group: 2nd age group (7-10 years old) | Fee: 1000 HUF/person
Or show your Little Knight Invitation at the Information Point and participate for free!
Location: Departure from the Information Point - 11:00- 11:20 | German mercenary camp: the Mathias Rex company introduces itself
Location: Varkoch Gate Bastion stage - 11:30- 11:45 | Little Knights' duel - sock battle with the Fencing Hungarians
Location: Varkoch Gate Bastion - 12:00- 12:20 | Artillery demonstration with the Mathias Rex company
Location: Hospital Cellar - 12:30- 13:00 | Renaissance dances
with the Pavane Historical Dance and Flag Throwing Group
Location: Varkoch Gate Bastion stage - 12:00- 12:45 | Detective game: Underground with a lantern
Adventure in the underground corridors, in the warm light of the lanterns. Discover the secret passages of the castle and find the hidden treasure with the help of the knights of Eger Castle!
The number of places is limited: maximum 15 children and one accompanying adult.
Age group: 1st age group (4-6 years old) | Fee: 1000 HUF/person
Or show your Little Knight Invitation at the Information Point and participate for free!
Location: Departure from the Information Point - 12:45- 13:30 | Detective game: Underground with a lantern
Adventure in the underground corridors, in the warm light of the lanterns. Discover the secret passages of the castle and find the hidden treasure with the help of the knights of Eger Castle!
The number of places is limited: maximum 15 children and one accompanying adult.
Age group: 2nd age group (7-10 years old) | Fee: 1000 HUF/person
Or show your Little Knight Invitation at the Information Point and participate for free!
Location: Departure from the Information Point - 13:00- 14:00 | Guided tour in the Prison Exhibition
Guided tour by the knights of Eger Castle, for adults
Location: The tour starts from the Information Point! - 13:30- 13:45 | Little Knights' duel - sock battle with the Fencing Hungarians
Location: Varkoch Gate Bastion - 13:45- 14:15 | The tale of Bea, the heroic woman of Eger Castle
Location: Eger Castle courtyard - 14:00- 15:00 | Guided tour in the Mine Observation Corridors
with the knights of Eger Castle, for adults
We recommend this program for adults and those over 12 years old. Capacity is limited to a maximum of 40 people! Free for children under 6.
Location: Departure from the Information Point - 15:00- 15:20 | Flag-throwing demonstration
by the Pavane Historical Dance and Flag Throwing Group
Location: Palace courtyard - 15:30- 15:52 | Weapons demonstration and 1552 salute firing
Location: Hospital Cellar - 16:00-16:10 | Little Knights' duel - sock battle with the Fencing Hungarians
Location: Varkoch Gate Bastion - 16:15- 17:15 | "The Bass Player's Son and the Devils (and the Pig)"
Production by the Harlequin Puppet Theatre
Location: Loaf-distributing House
Programs are subject to change.
All rights to modify the program are reserved.