Feuerwehr-Pfingst-Hocketse Altingen

Pentecost in Altingen

The Pfingst-Hocketse of the Altingen fire brigade is one of those traditional Swabian village festivals that are firmly in the club's calendar every year. The organizer is the Altingen department of the Ammerbuch Volunteer Fire Brigade — one of six fire departments in the municipality of Ammerbuch, which was formed in 1972. The Pfingst-Hocketse is their club highlight and, at the same time, an important gathering for the Altingen village community.

Three Days of Pentecost 2026

In 2026, Pentecost falls on the weekend of May 22–24. The Pfingst-Hocketse will run on these three days accordingly. Based on experience, it starts on Pentecost Saturday evening with the opening of the festival and the first service shift. Pentecost Sunday features a morning pint and continuous festival operations. Pentecost Monday is traditionally Family Day with a children's program and the festival's conclusion.

Hocketse Character

The Pfingst-Hocketse is a classic Swabian Hocketse: no big stage, no commercial exhibitors, but a long festival tent with benches, service provided by the fire brigade comrades, and relaxed summer evenings under the parasols in front of the fire station. You sit together with acquaintances, drink a beer, eat Schäufele or Bratwurst, and enjoy the Swabian tranquility.

Swabian Specialties and Draft Beer

The fire brigade comrades take turns providing the catering. On the menu: Bratwurst with sauerkraut, Schäufele with potato salad, sausage salad, schnitzel with fries, Maultaschen, Spätzle. Accompanied by draft beer (from Württemberg breweries, often from local breweries), Swabian wine, non-alcoholic options, coffee, and cake on Sunday afternoon.

Family Program on Pentecost Monday

Pentecost Monday is traditionally Family Day. For the children, there is a bouncy castle, face painting, perhaps a fire brigade drill to participate in, a mini fire hose, and craft activities. This is how the youngest residents of Altingen get to know their fire brigade — an important investment in recruiting future members.

Ammerbuch — Six Districts, One Municipality

Ammerbuch was formed in 1972 by merging the previously independent municipalities of Altingen, Breitenholz, Entringen, Pfäffingen, Poltringen, and Reusten. Today, the municipality has a good 11,000 inhabitants and is well connected by public transport to Tübingen and Herrenberg. Altingen is located between Schönbuch and the Ammer Valley — one of the most scenic regions in Württemberg.