Visiting Stuttgart - Cannstatter Volksfest

Cannstatter Volksfest is Stuttgart's answer to Oktoberfest. If you can't afford the real deal (turns out transport to and accommodation in Munich gets pretty expensive during Oktoberfest), this is an incredible alternative.

Getting there

Trains run from Mannheim to Stuttgart fairly regularly, and it's only about a 45 minute journey. If you book tickets in advance, it's less than 40 Euros for the return trip. Once you get to the main station in Stuttgart, you'll then need to take the U-Bahn or S-Bahn to Bad Cannstatt, which is where the festival itself is. This only takes about 15 minutes and costs a few Euros. Even if you stay until the festival closes, the trains are still running so you can get back to Mannheim without having to stay overnight!

Food and Drink

You'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to food and drink. There are food stands spread all over the festival ground: crepes, pretzels, gingerbread, corn on the cob, churros, chips, langos, hot dogs. You name it, they've got it. You can also get full traditional German meals in the tents if you want something a bit more substantial.

Obviously, the tents are a great place to drink. Get yourself a litre of beer, dance on the tables to live music etc. etc. However, if you need a breather or want something a bit more relaxed, there are also quite a few mini beer gardens and bars scattered around too. These are still fun, but great if you want to just sit and chat for a bit.

Fair warning though, prices are obviously quite high. You'll be paying at least 5 Euros for a glass of wine, but the litre beers are only 10 Euros so they're pretty good value for money! Food isn't cheap either, but it's all really good quality so definitely worth it.

Entertainment

Cannstatter Volksfest has more than its fair share of rides too. There were two ferris wheels, rollercoasters, bumper cars, giant swing rides, haunted houses, a log flume... All of which become even more fun once you've got a few beers in you! Again, they're quite expensive, so I'd recommend having a wander around and deciding which, if any, you'd like to go on before you start splashing your cash.

There's also quite a lot of live music at various points, which is particularly fun in the tents so worth checking out!

Dress Code

I would definitely recommend investing in the traditional clothing for the festival! Dirndls, lederhosen, the whole deal. You can get some cheap, decent quality outfits on Amazon and it makes the whole experience so much more fun.

If you don't fancy dressing up, or don't organise an outfit in time, don't worry too much. There were quite a few people there just in ordinary clothes too!

Enjoy!