If you’re as obsessed with all things pumpkin as I am, then the Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival in Germany should be added to your fall list! From August 23 to November 3, 2024, the stunning Palace Gardens of Ludwigsburg transform into a pumpkin wonderland, hosting the world’s largest pumpkin festival. With over 450,000 pumpkins and 600 varieties, is it worth the trip? Dive in to find out!
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Table of Contents
- History Behind the Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival and the Palace
- Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival (Everything You Need to Know!)
- My Honest Thoughts on the Festival
- FAQ’s and Tips About the Festival
History Behind the Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival and the Palace
The Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival started as a small celebration of the fall harvest and has grown into an event that attracts visitors from all over the world. It’s fascinating to see how it evolved over the years into the spectacular festival it is today, with over 450,000 pumpkins and 600 varieties on display.
One thing that truly stands out is Ludwigsburg Palace itself. The grounds are breathtaking, and they’re worth a visit whether the festival is happening or not. The palace’s Baroque architecture and beautiful gardens make for a perfect day trip. Plus, it’s close to one of my favorite German cities, Stuttgart, making it worth a stop if you’re in the area.
I’ve been to this palace through many seasons and it is a must-visit when you are near the Stuttgart area, no mater the time of year. | Photo by Jasmine Hana Otto Unsplash
Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival (Everything You Need to Know!)
When and Where
Dates: August 23 – November 3, 2024, 9:00am-8:30pm.
Location: Blühendes Barock, Ludwigsburg Palace Gardens
Nestled in the picturesque Blühendes Barock, the festival is part of the Baroque in Bloom horticultural show, which adopts a new theme throughout the year. This time, it’s all about pumpkins! The festival runs daily from August 23 to November 3, 2024 and it is open from 9:00am – 8.30pm. Check out the exact time schedule here! After nightfall they have a Dream Path that is illuminated and you can purchase a separate ticket to check out. I am also unsure of why the festival begins in August, as that is not when I would personally purchase pumpkins, but you do you. I’ve been in September and October so this guide is from that point of view.
Just a small section of the 600 varieties of pumpkins on display at the festival!
Getting to the Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival
Driving is the best option for getting to the pumpkin festival, especially if you intend to bring pumpkins back home with you to carve. Ludwigsburg is just a short drive from Stuttgart, making it super easy to get to by public transport or car. From Zurich it’s around a 2 hours and 45 min drive, which some of you may think is long, but for us we don’t mind it at all! It’s a perfect day trip. The address is Blühendes Barock Gartenschau Ludwigsburg GmbH, Mömpelgardstraße 28, 71634 Ludwigsburg, Germany.
Expert Tip: Do not park at the actual Ludwigsburg Parkplatz, as this is more expensive than all surrounding parking lots. And remember, most of the outdoor parking is free on Sundays!
A few of the pumpkin sculptures you will throughout the grounds, the one in the middle shoots fire!
Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival Event Schedule 2024
- Every Saturday and Sunday is Pumpkin Fairytale time which is very cute!
- September 21 and 22 is the Pumpkin Regatta. A race where people are inside enormous pumpkins and race on the water.
- The German Pumpkin Weighing Competition is on October 6th.
- There is a giant pumpkin carving festival October 12th.
- Pumpkin Light Night is October 18 and 19th.
The pumpkin carving competition will inspire your own Halloween pumpkins! | Photo by Pasqualino Capobianco Unsplash
Check out the full list of events here!
My Honest Thoughts on the Festival
If you’re like me, you’ve probably stumbled upon countless videos, blog posts, and Instagram stories about the Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival in Germany and are left wondering, “Is it really worth it?” Most of the blog posts online share similar images and facts you can find directly on the events homepage. With so many similar images and facts circulating online, it can be tough to find truthful information and decipher what’s just “trending” or not.
I will say, I do love any excuse to wear a cute fall outfit! Similar jacket on sale! | Jeans | Boots
The Real Deal: Is the Festival Worth It?
My answer is a bit mixed. Yes and no. For fellow Americans living abroad, the Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival in Germany offers a nostalgic taste of home. It’s fun and enjoyable, but it does leave a little to be desired.
What’s Great: The festival is undoubtedly cool, and the sight of 450,000 pumpkins in one place is impressive. As an American living in Switzerland and missing the fall traditions I grew up with, the festival did scratch that itch. It brought back fond memories of pumpkin patches, even if it wasn’t quite the same. I like that they have a variety of events scheduled through the months as well.
What’s Not-So-Great: However, the festival isn’t as amazing as it appears online. The pumpkins are expensive, and the overall vibe just isn’t there. While we managed to take some seriously cute photos (thanks to my husband’s photography skills), we left within an hour feeling a bit underwhelmed. I wondered if it would be more fun with kids? I think so. For me, the setup feels a bit rigid, with most pumpkins displayed in buckets rather than a true pumpkin patch experience. The pumpkin themed food they boast about online consists of pumpkin seeds, those were great tbh, pumpkin soup, pumpkin ‘secco’, pumpkin fries, spaghetti with pumpkin pesto. None of which I can say I loved.
You might also like: Unique Things to Do in Switzerland in September
If you’re nearby or looking for a nostalgic fall experience, the Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival in Germany is a delightful way to spend a few hours. But if you’re expecting the ultimate pumpkin patch adventure, you might be a bit disappointed. However, the stunning Ludwigsburg Palace and its gardens make the trip worthwhile. So, hence my yes & no answer.
FAQ’s and Tips About the Festival
- How do I buy tickets? I highly suggest buying your tickets online before you go so you can skip the long lines! Get yours here before you arrive.
- Is the Festival Pet-Friendly? Dogs are allowed if they are on a short leash and you bring the appropriate waste disposal bags.
- Where do you park? There are various parking lots surrounding the grounds, as well as along the street. Look for large, blue ‘P’ signs to head to the garage. And don’t forget, Ausfahrt is parking exit and Eingang is parking entrance!
- Is it crowded? On the weekends YES, so plan to get there early to find parking spot and beat the crowds.
- Bring cash! Most vendors will only accept cash, and if they take card there is often a minimum spend.
- Bring a wagon or stroller to bring back large pumpkins. The grounds are huge, and parking is quite far from the entrance, so if you intend to bring back pumpkins this will make your journey easier!
Drop your questions in the comments, and let me know what your thoughts are on this festival!
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