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A season of color and celebration
As the vibrant hues of summer give way to the rich, warm tones of autumn, Germany transforms into a picturesque landscape filled with cultural festivities and natural beauty. Fall in Germany is a time of celebration, reflection, and enjoyment of the great outdoors with colorful red, yellow and purplish forests.
Germany’s indian summer
Altweibersommer, often referred to as the German equivalent of “Indian Summer,” is a delightful meteorological phenomenon that occurs in early autumn, typically between late September and October. This period is characterized by a stretch of warm, sunny days that provide a final taste of summer before the onset of the cooler fall and winter months.
The term “Altweibersommer” (literally old wives’ summer) has an interesting etymology. It is derived from the old German word “weiben,” which means “to weave” and refers to the fine, silvery threads of spider webs that are often seen floating in the air during this time, resembling the gray hair of elderly women. These threads are produced by young spiders, known as Baldachinspinnen, which use them to travel through the air.
Equinox: Beginning of fall
The autumn equinox this year occurs Sep. 22, at 2:43 p.m. local time and marks the official start of fall, when day and night are approximately equal in length. It’s a time when the country begins to embrace the cooler weather and the changing colors of the leaves.
Many people take advantage of the pleasant weather to go hiking, cycling or simply enjoying a leisurely walk through the painted forest of the Pfälzerwald. With Kaiserslautern being right in the heart of it, it’s time to don your hiking boots, but it is also a popular time for festivals and outdoor markets.
One seasonal highlight is the Deutsches Weinlesefest in Neustadt/Weinstrasse from Sep. 27–Oct. 14. Visitors can not only experience great wine and a carnival atmosphere, but the German Wine Queen is elected and crowned, topped off by a parade on Sunday, Oct. 13. In addition, a relaxing train ride from Kaiserslautern through the Neustadter Valley will lead you straight through the picturesque red and yellow forest.
Chestnuts, Thanksgiving, Farmers’ Market
Another not quite so well-known festival is the Keschdefeschd (Palatinate for Chestnut Festival) in Annweiler near Trifels Castle from Oct. 5 through 6. Local vendors will offer dishes and products from and with chestnuts, such as sweet and savory variations, chestnut cream, chestnut liqueur, chestnut honey, chestnut flatbread, chestnut mustard and chestnut bread. You can also walk up the hill to visit Trifels Castle, where English King Richard the Lion Heart was held captive in the late 12th century.
In addition to the world-famous Oktoberfest in Munich until Oct. 6, many regions celebrate Erntedankfest, or Harvest Thanksgiving Festival. These celebrations can include church services, parades, and fairs, where communities come together to give thanks for the harvest and enjoy local produce.
The annual Farmers’ Market in Schneckenhausen (near Otterberg) with over 70 stalls will present a wide range of regional produce, jewelry and decorative items, honey and wines. It has become a highlight in the region’s calendar of events and the market takes place Sep. 29 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Take a walk on the wild side
Wildpark Betzenberg is located in the eastern part of Kaiserslautern, behind Kleber Kaserne and across from Gasthaus Quack. It offers you the opportunity to see typical animals, home to the Pfälzerwald, and even some ancient species, such as wild horses.
The 25-hectare large premises are inhabited with aurochs and ancient horses called tarpans. Does, fawns and bucks graze in grassy enclosures. Wild boar and piglets splash in the mud, while goats and their kids play chase. Wisents, an endangered species, are cautiously kept in separate corrals and the fluffy calves may curiously walk up to the fence for a treat of juicy grass offered by a visitor. The animals are kept in spacious enclosures with sheds for weather protection, with the intent of providing the most natural habitat as possible.
A stroll in autumn, in particular during “golden October” — as Germans say — when the leaves of the up to 120-year-old oaks and beeches turn golden brown, red and yellow, is especially spectacular. In addition, fir trees offer a natural “roof” for the animals grazing and curiously observing visitors.
A Sunday walk is always worthwhile and even double the fun with binoculars and camera. Admission is free and parking is available nearby. Visitors are advised that due to uneven inclines and natural, unpaved forest paths, mobility for handicapped individuals is limited and appropriate footwear is recommended, dogs are allowed if leashed at all times.
Pumpkin jungle, Moon fest, Samhain
A further astonishing exhibition worth a visit is the annual pumpkin display at Gartenschau Kaiserslautern that started Sep. 1 and will run through Oct. 31. This year the exhibit is all about the jungle. A chameleon, a parrot, Baloo and Mowgli, or an orangutan are once again decorated with tens of thousands of pumpkins and bring a jungle flair to the park. You might even discover a mighty pumpkin elephant! Different pumpkins are used to give the figures their color and the palette ranges from white to classic orange decorative pumpkins to blue pumpkins.
Just close by, the Japanese Garten will host a Tsukimi, or Moon Fest, Sep. 20 and 21 from 7 a.m.–10 p.m. The ponds and waterfall will be illuminated, and the garden will offer a diverse evening program.
Last, but not least, the Celtic Village in Steinbach on Donnersberg will again host its annual Samhain Festival Oct. 31. In the evening the village will open its gates for bonfires, handcraft exhibitions, and food and beverages. You can also join on a walk with torches to the spooky Celtic Garden with sculptures and tales of mystic times.
Whether you’re enjoying a local festival, exploring the scenic landscapes, or simply savoring seasonal foods like pumpkin soup, apple strudel or Federweisser, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during this magical time of year.
