Cannstatter Wasen

Cannstatter Wasen is an event site on the Neckar riverbank in Bad Cannstatt that serves as the venue for the traditional folk festival and other large gatherings. The area is crossed by wide access routes and consists of lawn spaces where tents, rides and stalls are erected during festivals.

The grounds originated in 1818 as an agricultural exhibition initiated by King Wilhelm I to help farmers after poor harvests. The first event combined livestock markets with sporting competitions and later evolved into a regular folk festival with beer tents and rides.

The poplar tree line along the riverbank provides shade for walkers who explore the grounds between events or simply stroll along the Neckar. Families often come here in the morning before the tents open to enjoy the calmer setting and watch the setup work.

The grounds are best reached by underground train through Cannstatter Wasen or Bad Cannstatt stations, both within walking distance of the entrance. Outside event times the area remains open and is occasionally used by joggers and cyclists traveling along the riverbank.

The fruit column in the center of the grounds is decorated anew each year with fresh produce from the region and reaches a height of roughly 26 meters (85 feet). Craftsmen assemble the structure in several layers, allowing visitors to admire the careful detail work up close.