Like beer? Like “Hendl”? Like traditions? Like having a good time? If you honestly can answer at least one question with yes, you should visit the Stuttgarter Frühlingsfest (engl. Stuttgart Spring Festival or sometimes-vernacular Cannstatter Wasen). It is an annual fair that takes place in the German city of Stuttgart between middle of April and the beginning of May. This year it started on April 16 and ended on May 8. The festival is slightly smaller than the festival in autumn, but it is the largest spring festival in Europe.
The opening hours are:
| Monday to Thursday: | 12 am to 11 pm |
| Friday and before holidays: | 12 am to 12 pm |
| Saturday: | 11 am to 12 pm |
| Sunday and holidays: | 11 am to 11 pm |
One big advantage of the Wasen is the fact that you mostly can enter the party tents between 6 pm and 8 pm. Friday and Saturday can be a little bit trickier. Sometimes you have to wait in line to get in. To be 100 % sure you can enter, you can book a table or buy a ticket in advance. Usually you get three mass of beer and a half of a chicken (Hendl / Göckele) per person.
The Göckelesmaier (Hofbräu) tent is the oldest tent at Wasen, existing already for 80 years! It is kind of an insider’s tip.
Some people claim that most people attend the Oktoberfest in Munich to booze and it may be true. To the Wasen they go also to get drunk, but in addition because of the various kinds of fairground rides. A ride on a roller coaster or on a fairground ride after having some drinks is definitely a once in a lifetime experience. Then the martini (ehhhm beer?!) is shaken and not stirred. Sorry Mr. Bond.
And at last:
If you’re considering now to go this festival, don’t forget to take a traditional costume with you. Respect traditions! Save water, drink beer. 😀
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