Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to the most common questions people ask us. Still unsure? Just message us — we’re happy to help!

✅ Quick answers

✓ Beginners welcome

✓ No equipment needed

✓ No history knowledge needed

✓ Most activities are free

✓ No compulsory membership

✓ Fighting is optional

✓ No minimum commitment

✓ International community

❓What is Turmstadt?

Turmstadt is a group of people who explore and enjoy the Middle Ages together. Whether you’re interested in crafts, music, cooking, fighting, camping or simply meeting new people, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to join in.

Our members come from many backgrounds and countries, some local, some international, and everyone is welcome. What unites us is curiosity, creativity and the joy of shared experiences. We’re part of a global nonprofit called the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA).

❓Where are you based?

Turmstadt is active across Franconia and the northern Oberpfalz, including Nürnberg, Bamberg, Würzburg and Regensburg. We also support US military members at Grafenwöhr and Hohenfels.

❓How can I try this?

There are two easy ways to get started.

If you’re the spontaneous type, just check the calendar and come along to one of our local meet-ups, like a picnic, craft evening or pub night. There’s usually no need to sign up in advance unless stated.

There’s no pressure to take part in anything. You’re welcome to simply look around, chat to people and get a feel for the group.

If you’d rather get to know us first, take a look through this website, browse this FAQ, check out our Discord or Facebook group, or simply send us a message or chat (see below). We’re always happy to answer questions, and there’s no pressure to join anything until you’re ready.

❓Do I need to be really into history?

Not at all. This isn’t about exams or experts. It’s about fun, creativity and friendship. Some members love researching tiny historical details. Others just enjoy the atmosphere and good company. Whether you’re here for the crafts, the camping, the combat or simply to relax, there’s space for you.

❓When is the next meet-up?

Take a look at our local calendar to see what's coming up nearby. It includes our regular activities and any larger events that are especially relevant to our group, for example if we're travelling there together.

For your first visit, we usually recommend a local activity such as a picnic, craft evening, pub night or training session. They're relaxed, easy to join and a great way to get to know people.

If you'd like to explore what's happening across the wider SCA, you'll also find a separate European events calendar.

If you're not sure where to start, just send us a message or reach out through one of the chat groups below. We're happy to help.

❓What does it cost to play?

Usually nothing or very little. Most local meet-ups are free, and larger events may have a moderate fee to cover things like the site or shared meals, but nobody makes a profit.

Membership in the SCA (or the German equivalent) is optional unless you want to take on an official role.

You can spend as much or as little as you like on equipment. Most of us begin by borrowing from our loaner store, then gradually make or trade our own things. It’s very possible to enjoy this hobby on a budget.

❓What if I don’t have any medieval clothes or gear?

No problem! You don’t need to buy anything to get started. You can come to local meet-ups in modern clothes, and we’ll lend you what you need when you’re ready to try one of our larger events. Just contact us beforehand.

❓Do I have to come regularly?

Not at all. Some people join us almost every week, while others only come to the occasional craft evening or weekend event. There is no minimum commitment. Join us whenever it suits you.

❓Do I have to fight?

Not at all! Fighting is just one of many things you can do. In fact, most of our members don’t fight. They prefer crafts, cooking, dancing, music, costume or simply relaxing with friends. If you do want to try fighting, we’ll help you get started safely with loaner equipment and friendly support.

❓Is this group for beginners or experienced people?

Both! We love meeting complete beginners who are simply curious, and we also warmly welcome experienced medieval enthusiasts from reenactment, LARP and other groups. Whether you’re bringing years of experience or simply your enthusiasm, you’ll find friendly people to share the journey with.

❓What kinds of people join Turmstadt?

All kinds! Our members range from students to retirees, with people of many different ages, professions, nationalities and interests. Some come on their own, others as couples or families or groups of friends. You'll usually find people around your own age, especially at larger regional and international events. What brings us together isn't our age or background. It's enjoying time together and sharing a hobby

❓Is Turmstadt suitable for families?

Yes. Families with children are very welcome, and some of our younger members have grown up in the group. Children are always the responsibility of their parents or guardians, but we take child protection seriously. Not every activity is aimed specifically at children, but many events are very family-friendly, and we're happy to help you find activities that suit your family.

❓Are you a "medieval market" group?

No. We don’t perform for spectators or run market stalls. We do this for ourselves. It’s a hobby and a community. At events, everyone joins in the experience, wearing medieval-style clothing and sharing activities together.

❓Is this "LARP" (Live Action Roleplay)?

No. There are no fantasy characters, hit points or game rules like in LARP. We focus on friendship, skills and community, not acting out a story. Like LARP, though, we also enjoy dressing up and doing things in costume, so there is an overlap in spirit.

❓Is this "reenactment" or "living history"?

Some members achieve museum-quality accuracy, while others wear simple medieval-style clothing and simply enjoy the experience. Our only rule is “an attempt at pre-17th-century clothing”, and we can lend you something to get started. How far you take it is entirely your choice.

❓What time period do you recreate?

Anything before the year 1601 is welcome – that's our only official limit. Most of us enjoy the Middle Ages or the Renaissance, but you're free to choose any culture or period before that date that inspires you. How historically accurate you want to be is entirely up to you.

❓Do I need to speak German??

No. As an international group, we often speak a mixture of German and English, depending on who’s around, and you’ll hear other languages from time to time as well. If you speak some English or German, you’ll be absolutely fine. You don’t need to be bilingual.

❓What if I live outside your area?

No worries! If you’re not in Franconia or the Oberpfalz, we’ll happily connect you to a group near you. The SCA has hundreds of active communities across Germany, Europe, and the world  and we’re all part of the same extended family.

❓How can I stay in touch?

Choose whichever suits you best:

Info@Turmstadt (WhatsApp)
Announcements only. Around 2 to 3 updates each month.

Chat@Turmstadt (WhatsApp)
Ask questions, meet people and join the conversation.

Facebook
News, events, photos and discussions.

Discord (Beta)
Practical information, guides and community discussions.

Email & Phone/WhatsApp
If you’d prefer to contact us directly:
+49 157 73743115   
turmstadt.info@gmail.com

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Responsible for this website: Adam Lawrence, Vordere Stallbaugasse 4, 91413 Neustadt an der Aisch, Germany.
Email: adam@workplayexperience.com
Responsible for the content: Adam Lawrence

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