Holiday activities during the summer holidays at KinderDomusMerseburch

Step into the world of emperors and kings. Our cathedral has seen a lot in its 1000-year history. Children can discover numerous myths and legends, important historical events and true celebrities of the Middle Ages among the ancient walls. In the KinderDomusMerseburch, we go on a fascinating search for clues together during the holidays, encounter thieving ravens, centuries-old magic formulas and the secrets of the cathedral building.

Prior booking via our Visitor Centre is strictly required.

Dates

2.7.2025 | 10 Uhr
„Duftsäckchen und Zauberbeutel“
People in the Middle Ages used all sorts of methods to fight diseases: aromatic herbs, blessings or incantations like the Merseburg Incantations. For centuries soothing herbs and medicinal plants have grown at the Cathedral Garden. The knowledge about their usage and effect has been passed on from generation to generation. We roam through the blooming cathedral garden, find medicinal plants and make our own fragrant sacs and magic bags.

9.7.2025 | 10 Uhr
„Der König schaut über sein Land“
Wir erklimmen 1000 Jahre Turmgeschichte. Die Spuren der Vergangenheit führen über die Königstreppe, vorbei an den mittelalterlichen Graffiti der Handwerker und der ehemaligen Schüler des Domgymnasiums, zum Aussichtspunkt auf dem Süd-West-Turm. Von hier erstreckt sich der Blick über die Dächer der Stadt. Auf dem Dachboden entdecken wir, was es mit dem Himmelsloch auf sich hat, und besichtigen die beeindruckenden mittelalterlichen Glocken. Wir erfahren, wie die Glocken hergestellt und nach oben gebracht wurden und welche Geschichten sie erzählen können. Hoch hinauf geht es für die Kleinen und Großen Erkunder. Anschließend können die Kinder selbst einmal in die Rolle des Königs schlüpfen und basteln sich ihre eigene Krone.

16.7.2025 | 10 Uhr
"The coronation of the king"
King Henry II, who later became emperor, is considered the founder of today's Merseburg Cathedral. His coronation as king in 1002 was not without controversy, as others also laid claim to the throne. Henry II's memorable meeting with the Saxon dukes on 25 July 1002 in Merseburg, the so-called "Saxon by-election" of the king, was therefore a highly dramatic political event. Together we will get to the bottom of the story, slip into the role of the king ourselves and make our own crown.

23.7.2025 | 10 Uhr
„Musik bitte“
With its almost 5,700 pipes, the magnificent Ladegast organ in the Merseburg Cathedral really is the “Queen of all instruments”. Merseburg’s princes elaborately decorated the cathedral as court church already during the Baroque period. Of course, they could not leave out the organ. But how exactly does such a huge instrument work? How are the pipes supplied with enough air? And what happens when all stops are pulled out? Our children-organ allows us to find out about the functioning and technology of the instrument. Together with you, we want to take a look at the organ’s insides and understand the craftsmanship of past organ builders.

30.7.2025 | 10 Uhr
„Sagen am Merseburger Dom“
There are numerous legends and myths about the Merseburg Cathedral. Here, for example, Bishop Thilo von Trotha was brought to desperation by a thievish raven. We find traces of devil’s claws at the walls and learn about how a turtle under the cathedral almost caused its collapse. On this tour, we also discover locations of written tales and take on the roles of their actors. How much truth might lie behind these legends?

6.8.2025 | 10 Uhr
„Duftsäckchen und Zauberbeutel“
People in the Middle Ages used all sorts of methods to fight diseases: aromatic herbs, blessings or incantations like the Merseburg Incantations. For centuries soothing herbs and medicinal plants have grown at the Cathedral Garden. The knowledge about their usage and effect has been passed on from generation to generation. We roam through the blooming cathedral garden, find medicinal plants and make our own fragrant sacs and magic bags.