Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival 2024 in Germany

The Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival, known as Kürbisausstellung Ludwigsburg, is an annual fall event that draws visitors from around the world to Ludwigsburg, Germany. Held from late August to early November, the festival is renowned for its impressive displays and family-friendly activities. This festival is a must-see if you are looking for an event that combines horticulture, art, and culinary experiences.

Pumpkin Exhibition and Activities

At the heart of the festival are over 450,000 pumpkins of 600 varieties, ranging from tiny decorative gourds to mammoth pumpkins weighing hundreds of kilograms. Visitors can marvel at intricately carved pumpkin sculptures and themed displays that change annually, promising new and exciting designs.

The festival also hosts a variety of events, such as giant pumpkin carving competitions, a pumpkin regatta where participants race in hollowed-out pumpkins, and pumpkin smashing contests. For those interested in trying their hand at pumpkin art, there are opportunities for visitors to participate in pumpkin carving workshops on weekends and public holidays.

Culinary Delights

Pumpkin-based culinary delights are a major highlight of the Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival. Visitors can enjoy a wide array of dishes, from traditional pumpkin soup to innovative treats like pumpkin fries, pumpkin burgers, and pumpkin ice cream. One notable event is "Germany's Largest Pumpkin Soup," where a giant pot of pumpkin soup is prepared for charity. Other specialties include pumpkin waffles and Maultaschen, a local dish similar to ravioli but made with pumpkin.

Cafeteria at the Rose Garden

Located right in front of the gates of the fairytale garden and a short walk from Favorite Castle, the Cafeteria at the Rose Garden offers stunning panoramic views of Ludwigsburg Residential Palace and Emichsburg (Rapunzel Tower). The cafeteria serves a variety of warm meals, hot and cold drinks, fresh cakes, as well as a breakfast and ice cream menu.

Opening Hours

The Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival runs daily from August 23 to November 3, 2024, with the exhibition open from 9 am to 8:30 pm. The festival's gastronomy services operate between 10:30 am and 5 pm. Visitors can also explore the souvenir shop and pumpkin sales area from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm.

Tickets and Parking

Tickets for the festival can be purchased both online and at the gate. Prices vary depending on the day and age group. For example, adult tickets cost €16 at the gate during weekends and public holidays but are available for €14 online. There are also discounts for seniors, children, and students. Families can benefit from special rates, with a family ticket for two adults and two children priced at €38 online during peak season. Parking is available on-site, and visitors can bring dogs, making it a pet-friendly event.

Location and Infrastructure

The Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival is held in the Blühendes Barock, the Baroque Gardens of Ludwigsburg Palace, located approximately 12 kilometers north of Stuttgart. The gardens are easily accessible by car or public transport, with ample parking facilities nearby. Besides the festival itself, the location offers visitors a chance to explore the beautiful Ludwigsburg Palace, its extensive gardens, and the nearby fairytale garden, which is particularly popular with children.

History

The Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival traces its origins back to 1997, when the first pumpkin exhibition was held at Juckerhof in Seegräben, Switzerland. Inspired by this, the Jucker brothers, Martin and Beat, brought the concept to Ludwigsburg in 2000. Since then, the festival has grown to become the largest of its kind in the world. Over the years, it has introduced numerous events, including the European and German Pumpkin Weighing Championships, where colossal pumpkins are judged and showcased.