Is there anything better than pumpkins? The crisp leaves of Fall, the beautiful scenery, and pumpkin flavored everything. What if I told you about the largest pumpkin festival in the world in Ludwigsburg, Germany?!

Each year, thousands come together to celebrate Fall and glorify the pumpkins at the Palace, Blühendes Barock, Ludwigsburg. Entertainment, fun and games, and pumpkin flavored everything make this a must see event. Make sure to bring your appetite, there are plenty of things to eat and even drink. Make sure to bring your walking shoes, there's plenty to see and do around the city and the Palace grounds.

Last weekend we decided to get in the Fall spirit and head to Ludwigsburg, Germany for the largest pumpkin festival… in the world! Just like every red-blooded American woman, I get overly excited about Fall. Boots, sweaters, hats, pumpkins, hot drinks; I'm all for it.

We rented a car and loaded up the pups for a quick drive from Heidelberg to Hotel Ibis in Ludwigsburg. The weather was exceptional, clear skies and cool temperatures, a perfect day to go see 1,000s of pumpkins.

Hat (similar here) // Choker // Cardigan (under $35!) // Tank (so cute, goes well under everything) // Leggings // Cross Body Bag // Boots (under $72!)

2021 Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival Details

Each year, a new theme is presented with displays of pumpkins. This is a seriously incredible event for ANY age! I like to try and go every year. With the 2021 dates (and it's OPEN) from August 27th though December, 2021, there's plenty of time to go.There are events, pumpkin things to eat, and really so much more!

The 2021 Ludwigsburg Pumpkin festival theme is “Under the Sea” and should be a fabulous display!

There are events and activities and music throughout the 2021 season!

They have taken precautions for Coronavirus and everyone's safety.

To purchase tickets, go here and find more from the official website.

Below you can find a map of all the places discussed in this post:

Here are 21 reasons to visit the festival:

P.S. Don't forget to read: The Best Places for Fall in Europe

1. Not only are there more than 400,000 pumpkins, it's held on the stunning castle grounds of Blühendes Barock at the Residenz Palace. As you can see, being surrounded by this many pumpkins makes me extremely happy:

2. The festival is always themed, with pumpkins piled in shapes of animals, plants, and various sculptures. It's a sincere delight. Here are some of the previous year's theme's: 2017's theme was the “Circus” (or Zirkus in German) so there were giant pumpkin sculptures of animals like elephants, tigers, a clown, and horses.

In 2018, there were all different kinds of creatures:

3. There are 1,000s of different kinds of pumpkins on display, all showing where they hail from.

4. The biggest pumpkins you will EVER see. Seriously. These pumpkins weigh 1200 kilos (more than a small car!).

5. See a pumpkin you like? You can buy them!

6. Seriously cool pumpkin carving. You can also watch the artist do their work!

7. You can tour the incredible palace if you want to take a break from the pumpkins. Which you should, it's designed in the baroque style by King Ludwig (of course) and King Frederich. All the rooms are ornately decorated and feature the coolest sculptures, silk wall paper, and furniture that has lasted the test of time, and possibly the most expensive “mirror” room in the world.

8. The pumpkin flavored food is divine. We had our fill of pumpkinness: pumpkin seed bratwurst, pumpkin soup, meat and pumpkin pasta, pumpkin streusel, and pumpkin ice cream.

9. Wash it all down with pumpkin flavored drinks. There are spritzers, beer, and my favorite: wine. It was so delicious, we brought a bottle home.

10. It will 100% feel like Fall. The leaves are changing, the air is crisp (but not too cold), and it's the perfect temperature to break out your sweaters and boots.

11. The castle grounds are a picture paradise.

12. Just across the street is the Favorite Palace (the actual name!)

13. You can take a walk from the Favorite Palace through the beautiful grounds. There are deer right along the path!

Someone mentioned this on Instagram and I had to share. Doesn't it look like Snape's patronus?!

14. There is lots to see and do in Ludwigsburg, and it's all in walking distance. The main square, or Marktplatz is just near the grounds of the palace. This is a great place to take in the scene and grab a bite to eat.

15. When you're there, you can see the beautiful pink church, Stadtkirche.

16. You can also check out yet another castle, Montrepos! Walk along the banks of the river or take in the view in a paddle boat.

17. Once you've seen the city, head back to the pumpkin patch and take a look at some more pumpkin art!

18. Find your way through the maze in the park.

19. Check out the “Fairy-tale garden”. If you like Rapunzel, Hansel and Gretal, Little Red Riding Hood, and many more, you can see them reenacted with life size puppets that come to life.