The Waldbühne Schwarzenberg: Open-Air Culture in a Rock Arena
The Waldbühne Schwarzenberg: a historic rock arena in the Erzgebirge with around 12,500 seats. Open-air culture just a few kilometres from the Sonnenhotel Hoher Hahn.
When summer arrives in the Erzgebirge, an old granite quarry high above Schwarzenberg transforms into a hall of sound beneath the open sky. The Waldbühne Schwarzenberg is one of Germany's most impressive open-air venues – a rock arena that breathes history while still bringing together thousands of music and arts enthusiasts today. As your hosts at the Sonnenhotel Hoher Hahn, we would love to recommend this very special place to you.
An Arena of Granite and History
The Waldbühne lies in the heart of the municipal Rockelmannpark in Schwarzenberg in the Erzgebirge. The town itself describes its open-air stage as "Germany's second-largest historic open-air theatre" – and anyone who has once sat among the stone tiers understands where that appreciation comes from.
The complex was created between 1934 and 1937. Built to a design by Ludwig Moshamer, it was erected from granite directly on an old quarry. The ground-breaking ceremony had already taken place on 21 March 1933, and the festive inauguration – then under the name "Grenzlandfeierstätte Erzgebirge" – took place on 26 June 1938. Over the decades, the stage bore several names: from 1950 it was called "Großfeierstätte Wilhelm Pieck", until the town council adopted the name "Waldbühne Schwarzenberg", which remains binding today, on 26 May 1993.
What makes it so special is the sheer scale of this natural theatre. With around 12,500 seats, the Waldbühne is, according to the town of Schwarzenberg, Germany's second-largest historic open-air theatre, set in an idyllic elevated location with views over the Erzgebirge landscape. Those who want to climb all the way to the top should bring a little stamina: from the stage area to the very last row there are around 175 steps to climb, with an elevation difference of about 30 metres. It is precisely this ascent that creates the appeal – with every step, the view opens ever wider across the wooded slopes of the Erzgebirge.
Great Names Beneath the Open Sky
The Waldbühne is not a museum-like monument but a vibrant concert and event venue. After 1989/1990, artists whose names have shaped generations performed here: Peter Maffay, Herbert Grönemeyer, Joe Cocker, André Rieu, Eros Ramazzotti and Howard Carpendale have all stood on this stone stage.
The record speaks for itself: between 1990 and 2025, the Waldbühne Schwarzenberg hosted 125 events with a total of more than 778,000 guests. In summer, Schlager, rock, pop and folk music blend into a colourful programme under the open sky. As the dates change from year to year, we recommend checking the current events in good time – ideally directly via the official Waldbühne events page or the well-known ticket portals. A balmy summer evening, good music and the vast Erzgebirge sky above you: little more is needed for an unforgettable evening.
Schwarzenberg – the "Pearl of the Erzgebirge"
A concert visit pairs wonderfully with a stroll through Schwarzenberg. It is no coincidence that the town carries the nickname "Pearl of the Erzgebirge". In the old town, the Meissen porcelain carillon rings out, consisting of 37 Meissen porcelain bells and chiming daily at 9, 11, 2 and 5 o'clock – with a winter break from 7 January to 20 March. A fine, bright auditory experience entirely in the spirit of the Erzgebirge.
Historically, too, Schwarzenberg has a remarkable episode to offer: after the German capitulation on 8 May 1945, the area around Schwarzenberg remained uncontrolled by any occupying power for around 42 days. The popular term "Free Republic of Schwarzenberg" goes back to Stefan Heym's 1984 novel "Schwarzenberg" and was coined in 1990 by the sculptor Jörg Beier. However, there was no real republic with a constitution or its own currency – anti-fascist action committees were primarily concerned with supplying the population with food as well as with safety and order; from 26 May 1945 the Schwarzenberger Zeitung also appeared.
World Heritage on Your Doorstep
The entire region stands under a special star: the Montanregion Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří was designated a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee on 6 July 2019. Spanning the border, it comprises 22 components on the Saxon and Czech sides. In Schwarzenberg, the Rother Berg mining landscape is an official component, while Schloss Schwarzenberg is an associated object of the World Heritage region.
Those who wish to delve deeper into the history of mining, the art of carving and Erzgebirge culture will find plenty of inspiration in our Erzgebirge Guide – perfect for turning a concert evening into an entire holiday of discovery.
Your Base at the Sonnenhotel Hoher Hahn
Our Sonnenhotel Hoher Hahn lies in a quiet hilltop setting at around 670 metres altitude, a little south of Schwarzenberg's town centre in the Bermsgrün district. This puts the Waldbühne in the municipal Rockelmannpark comfortably within reach for a concert evening – and yet, with us, you are nestled in the tranquillity of the Erzgebirge.
After a long concert evening, our indoor pool invites you to swim, while the Finnish sauna and the wellness and relaxation area provide moments of calm. The restaurant awaits you with half board and culinary themed evenings, and anyone arriving by bike will find a lockable e-bike garage with a charging station right at the house. Whether for a concert, a hike or a cultural trip: we look forward to welcoming you – as your base in the heart of the Pearl of the Erzgebirge.