Theatrical spectacle in a heavenly setting

For 32 years, the 70 steps in front of the cathedral and St. Severi have been transformed into a spectacular open-air stage for operas and musicals by the Erfurt Theatre on 21 summer evenings. Hundreds of thousands of visitors have already enjoyed this unique open-air experience, which has long attracted guests not only from Thuringia, but from all over Germany and even neighbouring European countries. 

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Every year, the DomStufen-Festspiele (Cathedral Steps Festival) impresses with spectacular backdrops. © Theater Erfurt, Lutz Edelhoff

The impressive backdrop, the magnificent costumes and the three-dimensional design of the stage constantly open up new perspectives and draw the audience into the heart of the action. Over the years, both the technical possibilities and the infrastructure have been continuously developed: the grandstand now offers 2,100 seats and six wheelchair spaces with disabled access. The entire festival grounds are accessible via the main entrance. For the first time, audio description will be offered for blind and visually impaired guests on 22 and 25 August 2026; portable radio receivers will be available for hearing-impaired visitors.

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Many of the performers, set designers and other trades already know each other from numerous other productions at Theater Erfurt. © Erfurt, Lutz Edelhoff

The festival grounds are located in the heart of Erfurt's picturesque old town, which delights visitors in summer with its Mediterranean flair and diverse culinary offerings. Thanks to its central location and well-developed infrastructure, getting there is easy – on foot, by train, by car or even by plane. Parking is available in the Domplatz car park as well as in surrounding car parks and P+R facilities on the outskirts of the city.

Since 2021, the Erfurt Philharmonic Orchestra has been providing a special musical experience in a class of its own at the DomStufen Festival: the musicians play live in the Erfurt Theatre, just 500 metres away, while their music is transmitted directly to Domplatz using state-of-the-art fibre optic technology. Under ideal acoustic conditions in the Great Hall, this creates a sound of the highest concert quality – powerful, nuanced and full of expression. At the same time, the orchestra and instruments are protected from the often changeable weather conditions on Cathedral Square, allowing the music to unfold in all its depth and brilliance. The result is an extraordinary interplay of technical precision and artistic intensity. Every evening, it transforms Cathedral Square into a magical sound space. And thanks to large LED walls, the audience can also see the orchestra.

Header picture: © Theater Erfurt, Lutz Edelhoff