Located on the east side of the Palatinate Forest, embedded in the picturesque surroundings of the German Wine Route and with a view overlooking the expanse of the Upper Rhine Plain is Hambach Castle, a vibrant site that marks the history of democracy in Germany and Europe.
The Hambach Festival of 1832
On 27 May 1832, up to 30,000 people gathered at Hambach Castle to stand up for basic political rights, a united Germany and a Europe united in solidarity. Among them were men and women from all social classes. They came from the Palatinate as well as from large parts of the German Confederation, but also from Poland, France and England. It was the first large people’s assembly in German history. Against the will of the authorities, the participants celebrated a festival where they discussed, argued, sang and confessed colour: With black-red-gold flags and cockades, they declared their support for a united nation state with basic democratic rights. Since then Hambach Castle has been regarded as the cradle of German democracy.
The Hambach Festival of 1832
On 27 May 1832, up to 30,000 people gathered at Hambach Castle to stand up for basic political rights, a united Germany and a Europe united in solidarity. Among them were men and women from all social classes. They came from the Palatinate as well as from large parts of the German Confederation, but also from Poland, France and England. It was the first large people’s assembly in German history. Against the will of the authorities, the participants celebrated a festival where they discussed, argued, sang and confessed colour: With black-red-gold flags and cockades, they declared their support for a united nation state with basic democratic rights. Since then Hambach Castle has been regarded as the cradle of German democracy.
The exhibition “Up, Up to the Castle!” invites you to join the procession of 1832. The events surrounding the Hambach Festival are vividly conveyed with the help of exhibits, hands-on stations, and opportunities for further study. The regional roots of the festival become just as clear as its national significance and European dimension. The heart of the exhibition is the black-red-gold flag that flew on the tower of the castle ruins during the Hambach Festival. Today, it is considered the original German flag.
The second part of the exhibition "Confess colours" takes us from 1832 to the present day. It deals with "Hambach themes" such as freedom of opinion, freedom of the press, black-red-gold and Europe. Under the motto "Confess colour", numerous interactive stations invite visitors to participate, vote and comment. By the example of well-known and less known persons, you can learn how to confess colour with a ceran field scraper or a broomstick for example. You can also find out for yourself how much courage you have.
The second part of the exhibition "Confess colours" takes us from 1832 to the present day. It deals with "Hambach themes" such as freedom of opinion, freedom of the press, black-red-gold and Europe. Under the motto "Confess colour", numerous interactive stations invite visitors to participate, vote and comment. By the example of well-known and less known persons, you can learn how to confess colour with a ceran field scraper or a broomstick for example. You can also find out for yourself how much courage you have.