Stuttgart Beer Festival: Of Beer, Food and Adventure

You could be one of five million people milling around on a massive ground. As the crowds press against one another, gathering under huge marquees, heading to the market place, screaming out from atop dangerous rides, you’ll realise most of these people are drunk – on fun, food and an endless supply of beer. This is the Stuttgart Beer Festival, known locally as Cansttater Volksfest or Consttater Wasen. Scheduled to be held from September 27 to October 13 this year, this is Germany’s second largest beer festival.

What the Germans do best

…is make awesome sausages, black forest cake, greasy potato dishes, sauerkraut and of course guzzle beer. Germany’s two beer festivals – the Stuttgart Beer Festival and the Oktoberfest are perfect examples of this. A visit to the former could give you a perfect taste of the German idea of gay abandon! While the fest was initially created way back in the 19^th century to mark the first harvest after a prolonged famine, and was essentially an agricultural festival, it has today taken the shape of one giant beer party. Named after the area it is held in, Cansttater Wasen in the Stuttgart city district, this festival caters to locals as well as a huge influx of tourists who come specially to participate in this two-week event.

Photo Credit: Wolfgang Staudt / Wikimedia

What a Party!

The highlight of the festival of course, is the seven giant marquees or tents set up for visitors, where thousands of people sit on tall benches eating, drinking and generally having a great time. You may notice several spontaneous competitions of beer drinking – the biggest, the fastest, and the greatest; but they will only add to the fun and the appeal of the festival. This festival, however, isn’t limited to the eating and drinking; there are several other attractions, principal among them being the many joy rides and of course the famous Stuttgart Ferris Wheel, which is a whopping 60 metres in diameter. Incidentally, it happens to be the world’s largest and most likely you have to be quite drunk before you attempt to take a ride, otherwise, why would you! There are of course several other rides, equally dangerous and equally thrilling, which you can try. Those not keen to organise a personal heart attack just yet can take the mellow route and head to the market place which has every measure of local goods; from food and cheese to spices, leather products and jewellery. You can also go and admire the fantastic Fruit Column bang in the middle of Consttater Wasen. To add to the ambience is the French Village, now usually known as the Alpine Village, which offers French food, wines, and music. Among other exciting events is a parade that usually takes place on the first Sunday as well as fantastic fireworks display.

While in Stuttgart

Like several other German cities this one is a mine of architectural wonders. It’s beautiful squares, museums, zoo, and other famous buildings are there just waiting to be explored. The city is also dotted with lovely parks and gardens and can prove to be a real traveler’s delight.

How to Get There

Stuttgart has its own international airport with direct flights from major German and European cities. It is also a mere two-hour drive from Frankfurt and easily approached by road from several other cities.

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