Erntedankfest Fahrland

Fahrland — Potsdam's Rural North

Fahrland is one of the northern districts of the state capital Potsdam, incorporated in 2003 after a long period of independence. With just under 4,800 inhabitants, the village has retained its rural, village-like character: a developed village center with a church and village green, surrounded by fields, farms, and horse paddocks. Its location on Lake Fahrland makes it a popular destination for Potsdam and Berlin residents. In late summer and autumn, however, Fahrland traditionally belongs to the residents themselves — the Harvest Festival is the annual village self-affirmation.

Harvest Festival Tradition with All Associations

The Harvest Festival in Fahrland is organized by the local council in cooperation with the primary school, the volunteer fire brigade, the hunting club, and the village's agricultural businesses. Unlike in a big city, real agricultural reality is present here: farm operations, horses, grain fields right on the doorstep. The festival gives farmers an opportunity to present their work — a harvest festival in the classic sense as a festival of thanks for the agricultural year, not just a folkloric spectacle.

Program — Hunting Parade, Fire Brigade, Animal Show

The detailed hourly program will be communicated by the Fahrland local council in the weeks before the festival on the city's website and on notice boards. Known from previous years: a hunting parade by the local hunting cooperative with their dogs through the village, a demonstration by the volunteer fire brigade with modern firefighting equipment, an animal and demonstration program for young visitors (sheep, ponies, poultry), catering by the associations, and a Harvest Festival competition: the ten most beautiful farm and house decorations will be awarded prizes — a tradition that motivates many residents to decorate early and transforms the village streets into a colorful display of farm decorations in September.

Getting There and Staying

Fahrland can be reached by train (S 7 to Potsdam Hauptbahnhof, then bus 614) or by car (B 273) — about 40 minutes from Berlin, 15 minutes from Potsdam city center. Those coming with family can combine the day with a walk by Lake Fahrland or a hike in the Krampnitz Forest. The Harvest Festival is one of the few opportunities to experience rural Potsdam — a nice addition to the typical Sanssouci day trip program.