Gönningen Tulip Bloom — 2nd Tulip Sunday

Tulip Tradition Since the 17th Century

Gönningen, now a district of Reutlingen at the foot of the Swabian Jura, boasts a remarkable tradition: Gönningen families have been trading seeds since the 17th century — initially vegetable seeds, later primarily tulip bulbs. "Gönninger Sämereien" (Gönningen seeds) were sold throughout Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries, with itinerant Gönningen seed-peddler families traveling through Germany and France with their sacks. The Fetzer Saatgut company, one of Germany's most important tulip bulb suppliers, based in Gönningen, continues this tradition today.

Fetzer's Trial Field as a Spring Showcase

Every year, around 50,000 tulip bulbs of various varieties are planted on Fetzer's demonstration field ("Probefeld") — serving as a show and test site. In April, the tulips bloom, transforming the field into a nearly one-hectare canvas of red, yellow, white, purple, pink, black-purple, and multi-colored hues. It resembles a Dutch tulip field — but located on the edge of the Swabian Jura in Baden-Württemberg.

1st and 2nd Tulip Sunday

The Gönningen Tulip Bloom traditionally has two main event days: the 1st Tulip Sunday (2026: April 19) and the 2nd Tulip Sunday (2026: April 26). The 1st Tulip Sunday is the major main event with a tulip church service at 10:00 a.m., an official opening at 11:15 a.m., and an all-day spring and artisan market from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the town center.

2nd Tulip Sunday (April 26, 2026)

The 2nd Tulip Sunday, a week later, is the more relaxed complement — Fetzer's trial field is open from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with catering ("at Fetzer's trial field with catering"). The tulips are often still in full bloom, and the crowds are smaller than on the 1st Tulip Sunday. It's an ideal opportunity to photograph the field in peace, have a picnic with the family, and enjoy the spring experience without large crowds.

Accompanying Openings — Museum and Church

On the 2nd Tulip Sunday, the Seed Trade Museum (detailing the history of the Gönningen seed trade) and the Protestant church in Gönningen are also open. The walk from the field to the town center and back reveals the rural setting of the district.

Premiere Reading on April 24

In the lead-up to the 2nd Tulip Sunday, a premiere reading will take place on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.: Petra Durst-Benning will read from her novel "Heimatsommer." Admission is €29 per person, including wine and Swabian tapas — a special literary and culinary opening event.

Gönningen and the Albtrauf

Gönningen is located in the district of Reutlingen at the foot of the Swabian Jura. Today a district of Reutlingen, the village has retained its rural character with scattered orchards, farmhouses, and a historic town center. The Albtrauf — the striking escarpment of the Swabian Jura — is just a few kilometers away and forms the scenic backdrop for the tulip bloom.