Gönninger Tulpenblüte — 1st Tulip Sunday 2026

A Spring Festival with Historical Depth

When the tulips bloom in April, the Reutlingen district of Gönningen transforms into a picture-book village in tulip colours. Over 45,000 tulip bulbs are in full bloom in the gardens, along the streets, in the squares, and even in some cemeteries. The Gönninger Tulpenblüte is more than a flower festival — it is an identity-forming connection between a historical economic history and present-day village culture. The organiser is Gönninger Tulpenblüte e.V., which has revived the tradition since 2005.

The Seed Merchants of Gönningen — A Special Württemberg Story

In the 19th century, Gönningen was one of the most important centres of the German seed trade. The Gönningen merchants travelled throughout Europe with sacks full of flower and vegetable seeds, from Scandinavia to Spain — and brought back unusual tulip varieties from their travels. A friendly competition arose: who plants the most beautiful tulips in their own village? In the cemeteries, in the front gardens, on the house walls — over the decades, this developed into a genuine tulip culture that was almost forgotten during the GDR era. Today, it is being revived.

1st Tulip Sunday 2026 — Programme

On Sunday, April 19, 2026, the 1st Tulip Sunday will take place:

• 10:00 a.m. — Tulip service in the Protestant church of Gönningen
• 11:15 a.m. — Official opening of the Tulip Blossom
• 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. — Spring and Artists' Market in the historic village centre

The market attracts craftspeople, artists, jewellers, florists, and regional producers from the Swabian Jura to Gönningen. Cafés and restaurants in the village will open with tulip menus and spring specials.

2nd Tulip Sunday — A Week Later

Those who miss April 19th have a second chance: The 2nd Tulip Sunday will take place on April 26, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Fetzer experimental field with catering — a tulip walk through the fields of one of the region's largest bulb gardens.

Seed Trade Museum

Anyone who wants to learn more about the history of the Gönningen seed merchants can visit the Seed Trade Museum in the village. Opening hours: Mon–Wed and Fri 8 a.m.–11:30 a.m., Thu 2 p.m.–6 p.m. Guided tours (groups up to 10 people): €35.

Reutlingen and Gönningen

Gönningen has been a district of Reutlingen since 1971, the third-largest city in Baden-Württemberg. While Reutlingen itself is a modern university city with over 100,000 inhabitants, Gönningen has retained its village character — historic village centre, traditional half-timbered houses, located at the foot of the Swabian Jura. The district is one of the most beautiful starting points for hikes in the central Swabian Jura (Roßberg, Hörnle, Erpfinger Höhle).