Premiere Buccaneers of the Seas starts spectacular festival in Ralswiek!
Premiere of “Freibeuter der Meere” in Ralswiek: Störtebeker Festival 2025 delights with exciting performances until September 13th.

Premiere Buccaneers of the Seas starts spectacular festival in Ralswiek!
The premiere of this year's play “Buccaneers of the Seas” took place in Ralswiek on Rügen on June 28, 2025. As part of the 31st season of the renowned Störtebeker Festival, the fascinating story of Klaus Störtebeker, probably the most famous pirate in German history, comes to life here. This open-air performance is an absolute must for all theater and history enthusiasts, but also for families and holidaymakers looking for an unforgettable experience.
As [n-tv.de](https://www.n-tv.de/regionales/mecklenburg-vorpommern/Freibeuter-der-Meere- Feiert-Premiere-in-Ralswiek-article25866203.html) reports, 14 professional actors as well as 160 small actors, 10 riders and 5 horse owners are part of the impressive ensemble. In addition, 5 stuntmen and 1 stuntwoman are available to make the performance even more spectacular. The impressive open-air stage, which offers breathtaking views of the water, can accommodate up to 8,800 spectators.
A full program at the festival
The Störtebeker Festival will take place every Monday to Saturday at 8:00 p.m. until September 13, 2025, and it is reported that advance sales are going well - even those who decide at short notice can still secure tickets. Entry opens at 6:30 p.m. and there is free parking nearby for those arriving by car. In general, it can be said that the event, as one of the largest live theater events in Europe, delights the audience.
This year, viewers can look forward to numerous highlights. Wolfgang Lippert is there as a ballad singer with new songs and classics about pirate history. Particularly exciting is the new ensemble membership of Janis Günther, who will take on two roles in the piece. Volker Wackermann plays the blind servant Gottfried and boatswain Gunnar, while Andreas Müller plays the role of the villain Alexander Brandt. And don't forget, the show is crowned every evening by a magnificent fireworks display over the Great Jasmunder Bodden.
Ralswiek: A picturesque holiday resort
Ralswiek, the idyllic town where the festival takes place, has more to offer than just the great theater. Around the festival, visitors can visit historic Viking burial mounds and explore the old rampart on the Schlossberg. According to paradies-ruegen.de, a charming Swedish wooden church welcomes those arriving, and the harbor attracts with a variety of sailing ships, yachts and steamers. There's even the option to rent boats and explore the water yourself - an absolute highlight for adventure seekers!
Other attractions include authentic cogs visible in the background of the stage, as well as an impressive flight show by Falknerei Walter, showcasing a variety of bird species. The annually changing stage design and costumes ensure that the festival is an experience not only in terms of content but also visually.
In summary, it can be said that the Störtebeker Festival in Ralswiek is not just a theater festival, but a comprehensive cultural experience that should definitely not be missed. The combination of gripping story, fantastic actors and the picturesque backdrop of Rügen offers a perfect opportunity for an unforgettable evening.