Photo by Roman Kraft ()
Nothing makes me happier than to finally hear birdsong in the cool, misty mornings of spring. Nature seems to reflect the renewed sense of excitement in the air. Stark tree branches fill with leaves, pollen dusts the sidewalks and flowers have finally returned to the world. It’s time to celebrate the changing season, which in Germany, means there’s no shortage of spring celebrations.
Frühlingsfest
Mention a trip to Germany and the first festival that pops to mind is always Oktoberfest. But here’s a secret: Oktoberfest has a little sister; Frühlingsfest. Often referred to as “Little Oktoberfest”, there’s nothing little about this spring festival (Frühling literally means Spring). Munich and Stuttgart hold two of the biggest Frühlingsfests, and while crowds are typically lighter than Oktoberfest, they aren’t non-existent, so securing both lodging and tickets ahead of time is smart.
Munich: April 25- May 8, 2019
Stuttgart: April 20 - May 19, 2019
If managing the logistics of hitting a big festival in a large city aren’t appealing – not to worry! Many villages across Germany will host their own, local Frühlingsfest!
Kirschblütenfest
While the large Frühling festivals are definitely entertaining – beer tents and carnival rides aren’t the only headlining events for spring. Many cities experience a magnificent display of cherry blossoms (Kirschblüten). The blooms are weather-dependent, but for about two weeks, (typically early to mid-April), tree-lined streets turn into stunning pink canopies as branches grow heavy with the delicate pink blossoms. Thousands of cherry trees made their way to Germany via the Japanese Sakura Campaign, so-named for the Sakura cherry blossom. Cherry trees can now be found throughout Germany, but these five cities are particularly noteworthy for their cherry blossoms and associated Kirschblüten festivals.
Bonn hosts a Kirschblütenfest in Old Town, usually starting the first or second day of April but this year is April 13, 2019.
Berlin
There are over 50 locations in Berlin to see blooms, as well as two Kirschblütenfests: The Japanisches Kirschblütenfest in Teltow and the Kirschblütenfest at Gärten der Welt.
One of the top places to see blooms in Munich is Olympic Park.
Every May, the city of Hamburg ceremonially welcomes their cherry blossoms with a colorful mix of fireworks, music, food and more.
One of the highlights of springtime in Germany is Spargelzeit, or Asparagus Season. This is no ordinary asparagus – this is white asparagus. Until the 19th century, white asparagus was planted exclusively for German royalty, thus earning it the name Königsgemüse, or royal vegetable (Königs: kings; gemüse: vegetable). Harvesting runs from early April and ends precisely on June 24th, the Christian feast day of St. John. The city of Schwetzingen claims to be the “Spargel Capital of the World” and hosts an annual Spargelfest. While multiple villages will host their own asparagus festival, if you find yourself hopelessly smitten with this delectable veggie, take a 136km scenic drive through Asparagus Country (Spargelland) on the Baden Asparagus Route.
April 30 is not merely the last day of the month; it is also Witches’ Night (Hexennacht). In German folklore, Hexennacht marked the night when witches met at the highest point in the Harz mountain range on Brocken summit. Myth and legend vary but in general, it was believed that the witches gathered to hold consort with the devil on this night. In some legends, the witches welcomed spring. Other versions claim the witches try to prevent the Queen of Summer from entering the worldly realm, as it means the witches are forced back into hibernation and return upon Halloween.
To help scare the ghouls of winter away and usher in spring – villages host Hexennacht bonfires in the center of town and revelers often dress as witches and demons, both to blend in and confuse any evil spirits that might be roaming about and to kick-off a costumed celebration. Everyone is expected to do their part and make as much noise as possible long into the night as they “dance their way into spring and into May” (Tanz in den Mai).
Many of the large Hexennacht festivals center in the Harz region in the villages of Quedlinburg, Thale, Harzgerode and Wernigerode, although bonfires are common throughout Germany.
Once you survive Witches’ Night, it’s time to welcome the “unofficial” official start of summer in Germany! The first of May is a public holiday and celebrated as Labor Day (Tag der Arbeit) but May Day also represents the beginning of summer. As such, the day comes with a rich tradition.
The centerpiece of a May Day festival is, of course, the Maypole. Villages take great pride in creating their Maypole and decorate it with spring wreaths and colorful ribbons. The Maypole is usually set up on April 30 in order to be ready for the following May Day festivities. It’s also tradition for neighboring villages to attempt to steal each other’s Maypoles. If successfully stolen, the Maypole is held ransom and usually exchanged to the Mayor (or City Council equivalent) for a couple kegs of beer. Once the Maypole makes it safely through the night (or back into the village it belongs to) it’s time to officially welcome summer.
Germany is truly a magical place to be in the spring. As the days grow longer, and the sun shines brighter and warmer with each passing day, it’s time to get outside and enjoy the country’s celebrations taking place this spring
