Table of Contents
Introduction: Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival
The Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival, known as the Ludwigsburger Kürbisausstellung, is a beloved annual event held at the spectacular Ludwigsburg Palace in Germany. Running from early September through early November, it is the largest pumpkin festival in the world, featuring over 450,000 pumpkins of various shapes, sizes, and colors.
Visitors can marvel at intricate pumpkin sculptures, enjoy seasonal dishes like pumpkin soup and pumpkin-flavored sweets, and even participate in fun activities such as pumpkin carving and the popular pumpkin regatta, where participants paddle across the palace’s lake in hollowed-out giant pumpkins! The festival also offers a farmers' market, showcasing pumpkin varieties for purchase and live entertainment for the whole family.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Baroque palace gardens, the Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival is a unique and picturesque celebration of autumn, with activities for all ages to enjoy.
Blühende Barock Ludwigsburg
You'll often see the words Blühende Barock associated with this event. Let me explain what this is!
Blühende Barock Ludwigsburg is a stunning Baroque-style Garden surrounding Ludwigsburg Palace, known for its exquisite floral displays, elegant fountains, and intricate landscaping. This historic garden provides a beautiful backdrop for various seasonal events, including the world-famous Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival. The festival transforms the gardens into a vibrant autumn spectacle, where visitors can explore fascinating pumpkin sculptures, taste pumpkin-inspired dishes, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. The blend of the garden's Baroque charm and the lively pumpkin displays makes it a unique and picturesque destination during the fall season.
Rain or Shine
I attended this event in both 2022 and 2023, and each visit was a vastly different experience. In 2022, I was met with rain and overcast skies. Due to the weather, most of the festival remained closed, making for a memorable, though somewhat somber, visit. Fast-forward to 2023, and I was welcomed by perfect weather and a stunning sunset, which completely transformed the experience! You never quite know what you’ll get, but regardless of the conditions, each moment is worth cherishing.
Logistics: Parking, Pricing, Opening Hours
If you're wondering where to park, the parking section on their website covers that! Additionally, pricing information & current opening hours can be found there, with adult tickets typically ranging from €16 to €18 and children's tickets from €6 to €7. Make sure to use the translation function on your browser if the information is displayed in German!
Directly from their website as of 9/7/2024 (please always manually verify for the most current details): From March 22 to December 1, 2024, the park is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., with the Fairy Tale Garden (included in admission) open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
As always, I would bring cash with you to this festival, just in case it is required for purchases.
Children
Have children? The Fairy Tale Garden at Ludwigsburg Palace is a magical attraction within the Blühende Barock Gardens, designed to bring beloved fairy tales to life. This enchanting space features interactive displays, playful sculptures, and scenes from classic stories like Hansel and Gretel and Rapunzel. Children and adults alike can wander through charming pathways and experience fairy tales in a unique and imaginative setting. The garden’s whimsical atmosphere, vibrant storytelling, and immersive design make it a must-visit for families exploring the Ludwigsburg Palace grounds.
Disclaimer: If you haven't seen some of the European animatronic fairy tales or heard of the dark endings of German fairy tales, be prepared. The animatronics are super weird and scary (in my opinion), and they crack me up. I'd just be prepared for things to be different than what you are used to seeing. I’m not saying you shouldn’t take your kids—just wanted to give a heads-up in case it’s different from what you're used to!
Pets
According to the official policy on their website, dogs are welcome at the Blühende Barock, but they must be kept on a short leash at all times. Please ensure that dogs stay clear of lawns, plantings, and play areas. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals immediately. However, pets are not permitted in the free-flight aviary (volière).
Food & Drink
You’ll get to try plenty of German autumn-themed food and drinks! Don’t miss out on tasting some Kürbis Secco (pumpkin prosecco). Featured above is pumpkin Maultaschen, a traditional German dish from the Swabian region. Maultaschen are large pasta pockets, similar to ravioli, but larger and typically filled with a savory mixture of minced meat, spinach, onions, and herbs. For the autumn season, this dish can be filled with pumpkin, adding a seasonal twist to the classic recipe. They’re usually served in broth or pan-fried, offering a hearty, comforting meal perfect for cooler weather.
I'll be honest here... I didn't really like it, but my friend seemed to enjoy it!
The Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival offers a wide variety of pumpkin-themed and regional foods that cater to all tastes. Some popular options you might find include:
Pumpkin Soup – A classic favorite, this creamy soup is made from fresh pumpkins and spiced to perfection.
Pumpkin Pasta – Often served with a savory pumpkin sauce or stuffed with pumpkin, offering a delightful autumn twist on traditional pasta.
Pumpkin Bread – Sweet and flavorful, this bread is infused with pumpkin and spices, perfect for a quick snack.
Pumpkin Fries – A fun take on fries, these are crispy, golden pumpkin slices served with dipping sauces.
Pumpkin Seeds – Roasted and salted for a crunchy snack on the go.
Pumpkin Pie – A sweet dessert option with rich pumpkin filling and a flaky crust, beloved by visitors.
Pumpkin Beer – A unique seasonal beer brewed with pumpkin, providing a refreshing, earthy flavor.
Pumpkin Risotto – Creamy risotto cooked with pumpkin puree and spices for a hearty, satisfying dish.
Pumpkin Strudel – A sweet pastry filled with pumpkin, often combined with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Pumpkin Ice Cream – For those with a sweet tooth, this ice cream offers a cool, creamy pumpkin flavor.
In addition to these pumpkin delights, the festival also features regional specialties, sausages, pretzels, and other traditional German fare.
Special Events
It was on my 2023 calendar, but I completely forgot to sign up! One of the highlights is the exciting Kürbis-Regatta (pumpkin lake race), which I missed out on. But guess who didn’t? Hello, It’s Jasper beat me to it and actually participated! You can check out her Facebook post here. If you missed the chance to sign up for the race this year, don’t worry—you can still go and enjoy the fun as a spectator!
Other pumpkin related events are also (calendar linked):
Weight-off of the Giant Pumpkins (early)
Pumpkin Carving (multiple days & different events)
Giant Pumpkin Weighing
The Giant Pumpkin Weighing Championship at the Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival is one of the most anticipated events. Each year, growers from around the region showcase their massive pumpkins, hoping to set a new record. The pumpkins can weigh over 1,000 kg (2,200 pounds), with the current record being 1,226 kg (2,702 pounds). Spectators gather to witness the enormous pumpkins being carefully weighed, with excitement building as each contender is measured. The atmosphere is fun and festive, as the competition culminates in the crowning of the largest pumpkin. This event is not only a thrilling spectacle but also a testament to the incredible skill and dedication of local farmers.
It's a must-see for festival visitors and a great photo opportunity to marvel at these giant gourds!
Pumpkin Sculptures
The pumpkin sculptures at the Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival are one of the festival's most iconic and captivating attractions. Each year, artists create large, intricate sculptures entirely made from pumpkins, often sticking to a specific annual theme like “Under the Sea” or “Famous Personalities”." These works of art range from life-size animals and famous landmarks to fantastical creatures, all constructed from thousands of pumpkins of different colors and sizes.
Talented artists from around the region are commissioned to bring these pumpkin masterpieces to life. One of the well-known artists who regularly participates is Ray Villafane, famous for his expressive pumpkin carvings that have been featured worldwide. Villafane and other professional sculptors use a combination of carving and creative stacking techniques to transform ordinary pumpkins into stunning displays that visitors can admire throughout the festival.
The sculptures often become the focal point of photo opportunities and are a huge draw for families and art lovers alike, with many visitors returning year after year to see how the festival's art evolves. The detail and creativity of these pumpkin sculptures highlight the unique combination of artistic talent and seasonal charm.
Sand Sculptures
At the Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival, the sand sculptures are an additional visual treat, complementing the already stunning pumpkin displays. These intricate sculptures are often massive in scale, created by talented artists who use sand to depict detailed scenes or figures that fit the festival's theme for the year. The combination of sand and pumpkins adds a unique artistic element to the event, showcasing the versatility and creativity of the festival’s participants.
The sand sculptures can feature anything from mythical creatures to scenes from fairy tales or even larger-than-life portraits of historical figures, blending perfectly with the pumpkin-themed art. The level of detail in these sculptures makes them a must-see attraction for visitors, offering a distinct contrast to the vibrant pumpkins that dominate the festival. Together, they create a whimsical atmosphere where art and nature beautifully intersect.
Tour the Palace
Somehow, I had no idea this was an option, and I never took advantage of it. You can actually go inside Ludwigsburg Palace and take a guided tour (scroll down to see hours and prices)! The photos I’ve seen online are absolutely stunning, and I’m kicking myself for not considering it sooner!
The interior of Ludwigsburg Palace in Germany is a breathtaking showcase of Baroque and Rococo grandeur. As one of the largest palaces in the country, it features over 450 lavishly decorated rooms, each filled with intricate details that reflect the opulence of the 18th century. The grand marble staircases, ornate stucco ceilings, and gilded chandeliers create an atmosphere of elegance, while richly adorned walls, elaborate frescoes, and fine tapestries further enhance the palace’s royal ambiance. Notable highlights include the ceremonial halls, such as the Marble Hall and the Hall of Mirrors, where glittering reflections and artistry transport visitors to a time of courtly splendor. The palace’s rooms offer an unparalleled journey through European art and architecture, making it a must-see for history and design enthusiasts alike.
Note: The Blühendes Barock Ludwigsburg garden show is managed by a separate entity, Blühendes Barock Gartenschau Ludwigsburg GmbH, which operates independently from the State Palaces and Gardens of Baden-Württemberg. Therefore, from mid-March to early November, during the Blühendes Barock garden show season, free access to the Ludwigsburg Residence Palace and its museums is only available via the Schlossstraße entrance. For all other entrances, you will need to purchase either a Blühendes Barock admission ticket or a Baroque Experience ticket, which grants access to both the gardens and the Ludwigsburg Residenzschloss.
I’m currently unable to find an option for purchasing tickets online. It’s best to plan to arrive early and inquire about reserving your spot for a tour in person. This will give you the chance to secure your visit and avoid any potential delays, especially during busy seasons.
Explore the Grounds
Make sure to take some time to stroll around the palace grounds—they are absolutely breathtaking, and every corner offers a new view that’s worth the visit. You won’t regret it!
Unique Lodging Experience
During my last visit, I decided to go for a more charming and unique experience by staying in a cozy little hut on a farm and distillery, just 20 minutes away. It was an absolutely adorable place with so much character. The owners were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making the stay even more enjoyable. Conveniently located right behind a grocery store and other amenities, it offered the perfect balance of a rural escape with easy access to anything I needed. It was a delightful and memorable stay!
The only minor drawback is that the toilet and shower facilities are shared, but with so few guests, it was hardly an issue—during my stay, I was the only one there! Despite this, the charm of the place and the peaceful surroundings more than made up for it. I highly recommend this unique stay! You can find the Airbnb link to book this delightful spot here.
Other Bloggers
Below is a list of fellow bloggers and their posts that I’ve personally found helpful when attending the Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival. If you're looking for additional insights, tips, or opinions, I highly recommend checking out these resources! They provide great perspectives that have enriched my experience at the event.
Hello it's Japser:
Reisen Around:
Kaiserslautern Day Tripper
Conclusion
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to attend this incredible festival. My final piece of advice: be sure to dress in layers, as the weather can be unpredictable—warm during the day but much cooler in the evening. If you want to capture photos or videos without the crowds, I recommend arriving early or visiting on a weekday for a more peaceful experience. Most importantly, soak in the festive atmosphere, enjoy the creativity, and have fun! It’s an unforgettable event you won’t want to miss.
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