Cannstatter Wasen is a festive ground situated on the banks of the Neckar River in Bad Canstatt, Germany. The area is well known for hosting festivals such as the Cannstatt Volksfest as well as the Stuttgart Spring Festival.
In 1818, the site was a tranquil watery meadow on the banks of the River Neckar. Surrounded by vineyards as well as exquisite green fields, the ground could be viewed through Villa Bellevue. The only zoo and the botanical garden in the whole of Germany lie in the vicinity of the ground.
Location
Cannstatter Wasen is located on the banks of the River Neckar in the district of Bad Cannstatt.
Weather
Stuttgart usually has a humid temperature with warm summers. Summers last from May to September with the temperature rising to 25 degrees on the hottest days. November to February is the months that witness cold winters. During those months, the temperatures can drop as low as -3 degrees on the coldest days. The city center experiences more heat during summers as well as less snow during the winters as compared to the suburbs. If you are planning to visit this place, it is advisable that you do so in the summers when the temperatures are fairly normal. On the other hand, winters can be extremely chilly and sub-freezing temperatures might not be ideal for you, especially if you want to explore this place.
History
After the damage, Wurttemberg suffered post the Napoleonic wars, King Wilhelm I and Queen Katharina designed to revive the state’s economy by organizing an agricultural festival in 1817. The festival consisted of horse races with prizes for outstanding livestock breeding. The idea was to put kings among farmers and farmers among kings.
The festival took place on the 28th September 1818 at Cannstatter Wasen. Since the site was close to the royal palace, it became easy for the King and the Queen to reach the venue in time and witness the successful start of the festival. The first Volkswagen parade took place on Cannstatter Wasen in 1841, with an audience of 1,00,000 witnessing the event. The numbers have only increased since that year till the present date.
The ‘Fruchtsaule’ is the signature of the Cannstatter Volksfest. A towering column is decorated with fruits, cereals as well as vegetables ever since the advent of the festival in 1818. The column’s appearance has been modified several times since 1818. But, it remains as a symbol of the festival. A great festival, Volkfest attracts tourists from all parts of the world and it would be an enriching experience for you to be a part of the thrilling atmosphere during the festival.
The city
Cannstatter Wasen is located in the city of Stuttgart- the capital city of the state of Baden- Wurttemberg in Germany. The ground acts a venue for festivals such as Cannstatter Volksfest as well as The Spring Festival since 1818 till the present date.
Stuttgart, the city in the Cannstatter Wasen, is nestled among vineyards and woodlands. But, Stuttgart is much more than a city located between natural beauty. It has a culturally diverse atmosphere. It houses the State Theatre as well as the State Gallery. Apart from the renowned Volksfest that is second in size and popularity to only Oktoberfest, Stuttgart also hosts the Christmas Market, the largest and oldest market in all of the Europe. The city is also well known for its Summer Festival, which includes a spectrum of entertainment such as music, dance, shows, etc. for people of all age groups. This is why the city is one of the most visited cities by tourists in this part of the world. From festivities to cultural programs, this city has a lot on offer to its visitors from various parts of the world.
The city is home to five of the eleven state museums in Baden-Wurttenburg. They include The Old State Gallery, The New State Gallery and The State Museum. Any history lover would be amazed to visit these places and know more about the German history. Even if you’re not a history lover, a visit to these state museums will definitely be a great learning experience (and lots of fun!).
Stuttgart is a city filled with cultural events throughout the year. If Cannstatter Volksfest has left you quite out of breath, you can choose to visit a zoo or a botanical garden in the city and cherish the unique variety of animals and plants. If History piques your curiosity, you have a wide range of museums to select from the list. Art Galleries are the best place to be if beautiful and meaningful paintings get you thinking. You can also enjoy shopping at the Schlossplatz. A visit with friends and family would make the experience even better.
The city has a range of attractions to offer to people of all occupations and ages. All you have to do is only look around.
Why visit?
Cannstatter Wasen is a festive ground that annually becomes a venue for the second largest fest in Germany. The Volksfest is truly a family festival in spirit. Right from activities such as face painting, to meeting to clown or enjoying a ride on a little railway train, your little ones are sure to have a delightful time on Wednesday.
And who wouldn’t like to witness a modern day beer being drawn in old wagons, historical vehicles, colorful costumes, and last but not the least, agricultural displays. A race of Air balloons is a novel concept to look forward to many of the visitors. If you are one of them, you will surely enjoy the scene and the ambiance.
A 15-minute firework display at the end of the festival will leave the skies filled with light and color. The festival promises fun and enjoyment for anyone and everyone present there. You can sample the best-brewed beers of Germany at the festival, as well as amaze little one’s face by surprising him with unusual activities at the festival. This is one festival you wouldn’t want to miss at all since a thing of beauty is a joy forever and Volksfest is a beauty in itself. You can visit the place with your friends and family and enjoy the festivities at the amazing Volksfest. People from all parts of the world enjoy this fest and you shouldn’t miss a chance to be a part of it, too.
Major attractions
The city is a culturally thriving one at its best. There is something in every nook and corner to cure your wanderlust you can enjoy with your family and friends. Some of the best attractions in the city are:
- The State Gallery
It is one most visited museum in the country, and the reason behind it is that the Gallery houses some of the best art collections. Works of art ranging from the 14th to the 19th century, from various nations across the globe have found their way into the Gallery. Visit it with your family and friends for a great experience.
- Mercedes- Benz Museum
For all the automobile lovers out there, Stuttgart is the place to be. The city is known to have had a long love affair with the cars, and a visit to the museum will make one understand just how passionate it has been. With more than 160 exhibits on display, it can rightly be termed as any automobile lover’s paradise.
- Schlossplatz
The shopping avenue is more than a street filled with shops. It is an area surrounded by buildings that take one back in the time when royalty reigned supreme. The beautiful gardens, The Jubilee Column, modern sculptures and an exquisite fountain, all of it is sure to enhance your shopping experience at various shopping arcades and boutiques.
- Altes Schloss (Old Castle)
This structure was built in the 16th century. It now houses Wurttemburg Landmuseum with the finest collections of medieval art, musical instruments, crown jewels and much more. The Palace Church lies in the south wing where you can find tombs of former reputed residents and royalty. It is a highly recommended place to visit for tourists.
What else is around?
- Konigstrasse and Hauptbahnhof
- Wilhelma Zoological and Botanic Garden
- The Sepulchral Chapel
- Killesberg Park and Tower
- Stiftskirche
- Schillerplatz and The Old Town
- Stuttgart’s Outer Districts and Steamy Spas
- The Carl Zeiss Planetarium
- Schloss Solitude