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A season of color and celebration
As the vibrant hues of summer give way to the rich, warm tones of autumn, Germany transforms into a picturesque landscape filled with cultural festivities and natural beauty. Fall in Germany is a time of celebration, reflection, and enjoyment of the great outdoors with colorful red, yellow and purplish forests. There is a multitude of activities to choose from!
Germany’s Indian summer
Altweibersommer, often referred to as the German equivalent of “Indian Summer,” is a delightful meteorological phenomenon that occurs in early autumn, typically between late September and October. This period is characterized by a stretch of warm, sunny days that provide a final taste of summer before the onset of the cooler fall and winter months.
The term “Altweibersommer” (literally old wives’ summer) has an interesting etymology. It is derived from the old German word “weiben,” which means “to weave” and refers to the fine, silvery threads of spider webs that are often seen floating in the air during this time, resembling the gray hair of elderly women. These threads are produced by young spiders, known as Baldachinspinnen, which use them to travel through the air.
Equinox: Beginning of fall
The autumn equinox this year occurs on Sep. 22 at 2.43 p.m. local time and marks the official start of fall, when day and night are approximately equal in length. It’s a time when the country begins to embrace the cooler weather and the changing colors of the leaves.
Many people take advantage of the pleasant weather to go hiking, cycling or simply enjoying a leisurely walk through the painted forest of the Pfälzerwald. With Kaiserslautern being right in the heart of it, it’s time to don your hiking boots, but it is also a popular time for festivals and outdoor markets.
Farmers Markets
On Sep. 19 and 20, Speyer will turn into one large market. Regional specialties, traditional handcraft and artisan articles, and country life in the middle of the city. Over 70 vendors from the region will present their produce: fresh fruits and vegetables, cheese and sausage specialties. Lovingly crafted straw figures that shape the face of the market year after year and the sunflower – the symbol of the farmers’ market – guides the way through the market alleys full of colors, scents, and encounters. Use the opportunity and visit the historic cathedral, the Jewish mikveh or the Technik Museum while there.
The annual Farmers’ Market in Schneckenhausen (near Otterberg) and all-time favorite in the local area, with over 70 stalls, will present a wide range of regional produce, jewelry and decorative items, honey and wines. It has become a highlight in the region’s calendar of events, and takes place Sep. 29 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ramstein will also offer a smaller farmers’ market on Oct. 4, with regional vendors and fresh produce from the local area.
A French-German Biosphere Farmers’ Market will be held on Oct. 18 in Kirrweiler (near Neustadt/Weinstrasse). Guests have the chance to fill their shopping bags with goods, many of which come directly from the region. The range includes special cheese and sausages, fish and vegetables, liqueurs, as well as soaps, herbs, honey, jams, flowers, gift items, and wicker products.
Chestnuts galore
Another not quite so well-known festival is the Keschdefeschd (Palatinate for Chestnut Festival) in Annweiler near Trifels Castle on Oct. 3 and 4. Local vendors will offer dishes and products from and with chestnuts, such as sweet and savory variations, chestnut cream, chestnut liqueur, chestnut honey, chestnut flatbread, chestnut mustard and chestnut bread.
Wine and beer fests
One seasonal highlight is the Deutsches Weinlesefest in Neustadt/Weinstrasse from Sep. 25–Oct. 11. Visitors can not only experience great wine and a carnival atmosphere, but the German Wine Queen is elected and crowned, topped off by a parade on Sunday, Oct. 11.
The world-famous Oktoberfest in Munich starts on Sep. 19 and will run through Oct. 6. It is followed by the Cannstadter Wasen (near Stuttgart), which is smaller, but therefore somewhat more relaxed, taking place from Sep. 25 through Oct. 11.
Wildpark Betzenberg
The park is located in the eastern part of Kaiserslautern, behind Kleber Kaserne and across from Gasthaus Quack. It offers you the opportunity to see typical animals, home to the Pfälzerwald, and even some ancient species, such as wild horses. A stroll in autumn, in particular during “golden October,” as Germans say, when the leaves of the up to 120-year-old oaks and beeches turn golden brown, red and yellow, is especially spectacular. A Sunday walk is always worthwhile and even double the fun with binoculars and camera.
Pumpkin exhibitions
Another astonishing exhibition worth a visit is the annual pumpkin display at Gartenschau Kaiserslautern that started Sep. 1 and will run through Oct. 31. This year the exhibit is all about dinosaurs. Well-known species such as Diplodocus, Stegosaurus and Triceratops are part of the display with about 40,000 pumpkins in total. Different pumpkins are used to give the figures their color and range from white to classic orange decorative pumpkins to blue pumpkins.
Ludwigsburg Castle (near Stuttgart) offers the world’s largest pumpkin exhibition until Oct. 31. This year’s theme, “LET’S PLAY,” celebrates fun, games, and imagination, including Super Mario and Barbie.
Tsukimi and Yokai Festivals
Just close by, the Japanese Garten will host a Tsukimi, or Moon Fest, Sep. 20 and 21 from 7 –10 p.m. The ponds and waterfall will be illuminated, and the garden will offer a diverse evening program. The Gartenimbiss will offer specials. The first official Yokai Festival will take place on Oct. 31, which is a small cozy community event that centers around Yokai, Japanese ghost and mystical creatures. There will also be a show program and hands-on activities, traditional Japanese market games, a ghost rally, photo spots and more. The best Yokai costume will be awarded followed by a parade through the garden.
Oktoberkerwe
The Messeplatz in Kaiserslautern invites visitors to its annual October Fair starting Oct. 16 with thrilling rides, live music, food and beverages and fireworks at the end of the fair on Oct. 26. Stores will be open for Sunday shopping on Oct. 18.
Whether you’re enjoying a local festival, exploring the scenic landscape, or simply savoring seasonal foods like pumpkin soup, apple strudel or Federweisser, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during this magical time of year.
