The SCHLOSSLICHTSPIELE Karlsruhe is a festival for projection mapping. Projection mapping is a form of media art in which customized video projections are projected onto an object. International artists develop 3D video mappings for the SCHLOSSLICHTSPIELE, which are projected onto the façade of Karlsruhe Palace - every evening for several weeks. The result is one of the largest audiovisual digital works of art in Europe.

The program changes regularly and there are always several shows running consecutively on one evening. The SCHLOSSLICHTSPIELE Karlsruhe took place for the first time in 2015 to celebrate the city's 300th birthday and delighted the audience. Since then, they have taken place every summer. The images of the SCHLOSSLICHTSPIELE go around the world.

The SCHLOSSLICHTSPIELE Karlsruhe is a summer event that takes place on Schlossplatz Karlsruhe. This year, the SCHLOSSLICHTSPIELE will take place every evening after dark from 13 August to 13 September 2026. The projection mappings start daily at dusk. A detailed schedule will be available on site during the SCHLOSSLICHTSPIELE and at a later date on the website under ‘Programme’.

The projections on the castle’s facade start every day at dusk and end at around 11.15 p.m. from Sunday through Thursday, and at around 11.45 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Starting times:

→ From August 13 on at 9.15 p.m.

→ From August 17 on at 9 p.m.

→ From August 24 on at 8.45 p.m.

→ From August 31 on at 8.30 p.m.

→ From September 7 on at 8.15 p.m.

Every evening, various works are presented one after another in a different order. The new shows can be seen every night. They are accompanied by a selection of works from the past years.

Once a week, on Maxin10sity Wednesday, several of the most impressive shows by the Hungarian artist collective will be presented.

The SCHLOSSLICHTSPIELE are a partner project of KME Karlsruhe Marketing und Event GmbH with the ZKM | Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe. The ZKM was founded in 1989 as a "digital Bauhaus" with the mission of continuing the classical arts into the digital age. It is a globally unique cultural institution that combines research and production, exhibitions and performances, collections and archives, mediation and events in its work.
The SCHLOSSLICHTSPIELE are financed by the City of Karlsruhe, partners and sponsors as well as income from catering on the Schlossplatz.

We recommend arriving by bicycle or public transport. Bicycle parking is available on the Schlossplatz. The bus stop "Marktplatz" is only a few meters away from the castle.

Arrival by train

From Karlsruhe main station, streetcars and S-Bahn lines 2, S1, S4, S11 and S52 run to Marktplatz (Pyramide and Kaiserstrasse). From here it is only a 2-minute walk to Schlossplatz.

Arrival by car

Take the A5 towards Frankfurt/Basel or the A8 towards Stuttgart/Mannheim Frankfurt to reach Karlsruhe. After the "Zentrum" exit, follow the white signs marked "Schloss". You can park your car in the Schlossplatz underground garage or in the "Zirkel" parking garage (open 24 hours).

To interactive directions.

No, admission is free. However, you have the opportunity to support the SCHLOSSLICHTSPIELE financially. In addition, income from catering at the castle also goes towards financing the SCHLOSSLICHTSPIELE.

There are places to eat and drink on Schlossplatz. Since the venue is right in the centre, it's also a great idea to grab a bite or do some shopping in Karlsruhe city centre before the SCHLOSSLICHTSPIELE.

Yes, the Schlossplatz is also open to the public during the SCHLOSSLICHTSPIELE. It is permitted to bring your own seating and picnic utensils.

For safety reasons and out of consideration for other guests, we ask that you refrain from bringing bulky and visually impairing items.

In principle, the SCHLOSSLICHTSPIELE Karlsruhe shows run in all weathers. However, if there are safety concerns, e.g. due to thunderstorms or strong winds/storms, the shows may be interrupted or canceled at short notice. We will inform you about this on our social media channels and on site.

Karlsruhe Palace Square is accessible without barriers. Please note that the grounds include green areas and gravel paths. There is a platform with good visibility for wheelchair users in front of a guard's house in the courtyard of honor (at the front of the palace). Wheelchair-accessible toilets are available.

Information about the SCHLOSSLICHTSPIELEN can be found online on the website www.schlosslichtspiele.info, on Facebook (@schlosslichtspielekarlsruhe) and on Instagram. There will be an information container on Schlossplatz during the performance period, which will provide you with all the important information.

The castle façade measures 170 by 17 meters, which corresponds to an area of 10,800 x 1080 pixels. During the SCHLOSSLICHTSPIELEN, the south façade of Karlsruhe Palace becomes one of the largest screens in Germany.

Card payment at the food and drink stands is planned, but you are on the safe side with cash. You will find ATMs in the immediate vicinity, e.g. on the market square.

You are cordially invited to photograph the light projections. We would be delighted if you would capture the special atmosphere of the SCHLOSSLICHTSPIELE and share your impressions with us on Facebook or Instagram.