Numerous uniformed artillerymen and historical figures bring history to life.
The artillerymen position faithful replicas of historic guns from the 15th to the 19th century along the fortress wall and carry out artillery manoeuvres several times a day. In impressive demonstrations, they show how firing with black powder worked up until the late 19th century. The shots, fired without cannonballs, make the fortress plateau tremble, while the thunderous blasts echo far across the Elbe Valley. Powder fumes and clouds of smoke envelop the participants, creating an imposing scene—but also illustrating one of the major disadvantages of black powder, which was replaced by smokeless powder around 1880–1900.
After each 20-minute firing demonstration, the artillerymen are happy to explain how the cannons work at close range.
When the artillerymen return from their manoeuvres to their field camps on the Parade ground, by the Ammunition store and at the Old Armoury, meals are cooked over an open fire and shared together. Soldiers perform military drill and training routines to practise discipline, coordination and rapid responses to commands. Weapons are cleaned and repaired. Numerous historical figures roam the fortress plateau, creating the impression of a journey through the different eras of history.
