As the leaves turn golden 🍂 and the crisp air invites cozy sweaters 🧣, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than by visiting a pumpkin patch or fall festival. Around Karlsruhe (and within about an hour or so), you’ll find charming farms, family-friendly events, and even one of Europe’s biggest pumpkin spectacles! Whether you’re craving fresh pumpkin soup, cute photo ops 📸, or family fun — this guide has you covered.
🌻 Top Picks Near Karlsruhe
Below are the best fall destinations — from rustic farm experiences to world-famous pumpkin art.
🎃 1. Hitscherhof (Massweiler, Rheinland-Pfalz)
📍 ~1–1.5 hours from Karlsruhe
🌾 Website: hitscherhof.com
What to Expect:
- Their “Herbstzeit / Kürbiszeit” weekends feature delicious pumpkin soups 🥣, farm-fresh treats, and a corn maze 🌽.
- Kids love the straw castle and bounce house 🏰.
- The farm shop (Hofladen) sells pumpkins, jams, and cozy fall goods.
✨ Why Go: A charming countryside vibe — perfect for families or a relaxed day trip.
🍂 2. Bauer Lipp – Kürbisparadies
📍 Within driving distance of Karlsruhe
🌾 Website: bauer-lipp.de
What to Expect:
- Literally a Pumpkin Paradise 🎃 — with hundreds of colorful gourds and creative displays.
- Kids can try pumpkin carving, enjoy the playground, and wander through the maize labyrinth 🌽.
- Seasonal bites and drinks 🍰☕ make it a full fall experience.
✨ Why Go: A lovely balance of fun, photo ops, and autumn atmosphere.
🧡 3. Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival (Kürbisausstellung Ludwigsburg)
📍 About 1 hour from Karlsruhe
📅 2025 Dates: August 23 – November 2
🌾 Website: travel.ludwigsburg.de
What to Expect:
- The world’s largest pumpkin festival 🎃 — more than 450,000 pumpkins and 600 varieties!
- Each year features a new theme for its giant pumpkin sculptures 🏰.
- Pumpkin-themed food galore: pumpkin waffles 🧇, soups 🥣, secco 🍾, and even pumpkin fries 🍟.
- Fun events like the pumpkin regatta (yes, racing in giant hollowed-out pumpkins! 🛶) and the European pumpkin weigh-off.
✨ Why Go: A must-see! Massive, artistic, and unbelievably photogenic.
🌙 4. Karlsbad Kunst- & Kürbisnacht (Karlsbad-Langensteinbach)
📍 Only 30–40 min from Karlsruhe
📅 Usually mid-October (e.g. Oct 19 in 2024)
🖼️ Website: bnn.de
What to Expect:
- A cozy evening event mixing local art, music, and pumpkin displays under twinkling lights ✨.
- Expect local vendors, food trucks, and a great community vibe.
✨ Why Go: Super close and perfect for a casual fall night out.
🌾 5. Herbst- & Kürbisfest at Mundenhof (Freiburg area)
📍 About 1–1.25 hours away
📅 Usually mid-October
🌾 Website: regiotrends.de
What to Expect:
- Family-friendly fall fest with animal encounters 🐮, local crafts, and hands-on activities for kids.
- Great spot for combining nature, animals, and autumn vibes.
✨ Why Go: If you’re up for a mini-road trip, this is a lovely, authentic experience.
🍻 6. Karlsruhe City Festival (Stadtfest)
📍 Right in Karlsruhe City Center
📅 October 11–12, 2025
🌇 Website: karlsruhe-erleben.de
What to Expect:
- While not pumpkin-focused, it’s packed with autumn charm 🍁 — live music, markets, food stalls, and family activities.
✨ Why Go: For those who want fall festivities without leaving the city.
🧺 Tips for the Perfect Fall Day
🍂 Check times & tickets – Many farms only open weekends.
🚗 Arrive early – Best pumpkins + fewer crowds.
💶 Bring cash – Rural stands may not take cards.
🧥 Dress in layers – It can get chilly as the sun sets.
📷 Bring your camera – These festivals are made for Instagram!
🐕 Check pet policies – Some farms don’t allow dogs.
☕ Plan a cozy café stop nearby to warm up after your adventure.







