Festivals are back in Germany! Everyone is understandably happy about this, after 2 years of cancellations. We don’t see fish much on menus in southern Germany, although we can buy good, quality, expensive fish at our local butcher’s market. What fun when the Hamburg Fish Festival came to Stuttgart for 2 weeks in July.
Contrary to the title, this festival is not in Hamburg. There is a group from Hamburg that travels around Germany and Switzerland all summer with their colorful drinks and food carts. They bring fresh fish in from the North Sea daily for the festival. What a special treat for these landlocked areas. For two weeks they set up quite a party at a shady square in Stuttgart Mitte.
Food and drink carts , elaborately decorated, line this main square in Stuttgart. Fairy lights decorate the umbrellas and trees. There is a full-sized boat, which also serves as a drinks cart, in the middle of the square. All in all, the area transforms into a maritime party. Everyone is eager to sit outside and enjoy the weather and treasures from the sea. Entrance is free, and there is plenty of seating provided. Families pack the square day and night. Even when it gets crowded, no one minds squeezing in at the community picnic tables.
This festival is all about food and drink. Salmon, fried fish, sandwiches, wine, fruity Aperol drinks, ice cream, cotton candy, and crepes. Also North German beers, especially from the famous Jever brewery. The crowds gather especially for fish sandwiches, cold beer, great music, and a fun time.
The Hamburg Fish Festival is known as one of the best annual festivals in Stuttgart. Everything ran smoothly for a fun experience for all ages. We certainly enjoyed it. We saw lots of people we know and met more. Drinks were flowing, and everyone was fast friends. Three things Germany does right is automobiles, beer, and festivals. The Hamburg Fish Festival is an especially great experience.
Prost!
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