Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival

Ludwigsburg Palace is located just north of Stuttgart in southern Germany. This stunning palace boasts the title of hosting the World’s largest pumpkin exhibition every fall. The festival generally runs from mid-August to the first week of November. Each year is a different theme which makes it a great place to visit every year. According to the website of the Pumpkin festival itself there are over 450,000 pumpkins and 600 varieties. This festival has pumpkin themed art, attractions and pumpkin themed cuisine. There is something “a-peeling” for everyone!  

Pumpkin Art

Throughout the castle garden grounds there are pumpkins arranged in elaborate displays according to the theme for that year. Many of these are life size or large and are fascinating to see how the pumpkins are used sculpturally. In addition to giant pumpkin sculpture displays there is also a pumpkin carving contest. The event is held at the start of the festival by artists from all over the world. Once completed, the carved pumpkins remain on display for all to enjoy throughout the festival. I would advise going earlier in the season to see them more fully and complete in nature. Some festival seasons have been warmer or with more rain which then affects the long-term quality of the pumpkin carvings by the end of the festival season.

Pumpkin Delicacies

Not only are pumpkins on display in wide variety for your eyes to feast on but also there are many options for your stomach to also have a feast. There are pumpkin wines, beers and juices. The quell your appetite there are many pumpkin dishes and sweet treats to try as well. The perfect fall pairing is a warm pumpkin soup paired with a pumpkin flavored beverage! Also make sure to grab some pumpkin treats to take home for friends and family to try as well.

A real highlight of the festival is the last weekend in September “Germanys largest pumpkin soup” is made for festival goers to enjoy. This is a charity portion of the event with part of the soup sales going to a local charity. Local farms donate pumpkins to make the soup, and local chefs give their time to make it.

Pumpkin wine is a must try!

Pumpkin Entertainment 

As well as eating all the pumpkin themed items you can also participate in some pumpkin related activities. There are many events throughout the festival period and make sure to check the official website and event calendar to ensure you attend a special event you may want to take part in. One of the most popular events is the pumpkin regatta. This is where individuals canoe in a hollowed out giant pumpkin in the lake on the grounds of the garden. Of course, the goal is to make it from one side of the lake to the other.

There is also a pumpkin weighing championship to find the largest pumpkin of the festival. Once the weighing competition takes place this pumpkin will be on display for all to view at the festival. On weekends and public holidays during the festival season there are pumpkin carving stations to create your own piece of pumpkin art to take home and display. Additionally, on Saturdays and Sundays there is a pumpkin fairytale Storytime with a local storyteller.

Some of the winning largest pumpkins of the festival.

Brothers Grimm Fairytales

Situated within the garden grounds of the palace there is an area called Märchengarten. It has interactive sections you wander through telling all the stories from the Brothers Grimm. There are interactive areas for Rapunzel and her tower, the gingerbread house Hansel and Gretel visit and many other fairytales we know and love. This is a cool area for kids to explore once they have had their fill of pumpkins at the festival. There is also a small petting zoo, aviary and steam train you can ride around the gardens as well.

Stuttgart Area Attractions

Ludwigsburg Palace itself is worth the visit and assure you explore all the castle grounds and gardens. Another nearby castle is Schloss Favorite. While there is nothing to visit within the castle grounds and surrounding park are worth the visit. This castle is unique in its exterior colors yellow and orange. This area is located about a 30-minute drive north of Stuttgart.

While in the area for the pumpkin festival there are some other local attractions you should consider visiting. The two biggest highlights for visitors of all ages are the Porsche Museum and the Mercedes-Benz Museum. The Mercedes-Benz Museum walks you through, multi-story interactive exhibits spanning over 125 years of automotive history. The Porsche Museum is not as extensive but with a little under 100 cars on display this is a must-see for car enthusiasts.

Another popular area attraction is the Wilhelma Zoo. Interestingly, it is the only zoological-botanic gardens in Germany. According the Wilhelma Zoo website, over 1.8 million visitors came through their gates in 2024 making it one of the most visited zoos in Germany. Make sure to check their schedule online as there are many “Wilhelma Talks” with the animal keepers focusing on specific animals throughout the day to learn more about them. Make sure to visit on a good weather day if you can so you can fully enjoy the botanic gardens element of this zoo as well.

Ludwisgburg Palace and its stunning gardens.

The Baden-Württemberg region of Germany (where this festival is located) is beautiful and this is just a small portion of this stunning area. Stuttgart has plenty to offer for you and your family to be well entertained for a long weekend or more. The highlight of the year for this area is the pumpkin festival followed closely behind the local Christmas market, also held on the palace grounds. If you love fall vibes and all things pumpkin this festival is a must see in Germany!

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Meet Dara

Originally I am from the very first and second smallest state in America, Delaware. After achieving my masters degree I wanted to take a 'gap year' to work in Shanghai, China with Disney. I met my husband in Shanghai and somehow that 'gap year' turned into more than 8 years of living abroad! I have lived across three continents and four countries before I turned 30 and I wouldn't be surprised if those statistics change again before I am 40. I currently reside in the land of fairytale inspiration itself, Bavaria, Germany with my German husband. I love the thrill of visiting somewhere new and I am passionate about planning every single detail for all of our trips. I have always wanted to share my knowledge and expertise from this magical life abroad and thus this column was born. Join me as I take you from Delaware to Everywhere.

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