Palmberghocketse Poltringen 2026

Ammerbuch — Swabian municipality in northern Tübingen

The municipality of Ammerbuch (around 11,600 inhabitants, Tübingen district) was formed in 1971 from the merger of six previously independent municipalities: Altingen, Breitenholz, Entringen, Pfäffingen, Poltringen, and Reusten. It lies on the southeastern edge of the Schönbuch Nature Park between Tübingen and Herrenberg, characterized by scattered orchards, forests, and small streams. The old districts each maintain their own customs and club structures — Poltringen is one of them.

The Palmberghütte as a club's home

The Palmberghütte is the club hut of the Heimat- und Wanderverein Ammerbuch e.V., located on the Palmberg ridge above Poltringen. The hut is a meeting point for hikes, small club celebrations, and the annual May festival, the Palmberghocketse. "Hocketse" is Swabian for a cozy gathering for eating and drinking — the word root refers to the Swabian verb "hocka" (to sit). Hocketse festivals are a typical element of Swabian folk culture, often held at club huts in nature.

May celebration on May 1st, 2026

The Palmberghocketse in 2026 runs on Friday, May 1st, 2026, from 10:30 AM. May 1st is Labor Day (public holiday) and traditionally also May Day in southern Germany with Hocketsen, hikes, and the first club festivals of the warmer season. Typically, the weather is already T-shirt weather in the Schönbuch foothills — making it an attractive date for a combined hike and Hocketse outing.

What is offered

The culinary program of the Palmberghocketse is classically Swabian and abundant:

• Suckling pig from the grill — the main attraction, freshly prepared throughout the day
• Sausages: Bratwurst, Rote Wurst (Swabian specialty), Weißwurst
• Coffee & Cake: homemade cakes by club members (cheesecake, crumble cake, apple crumble, Black Forest gateau)
• Drinks: May punch, draft beer, apple spritzer, coffee

The families of the Heimat- und Wanderverein take care of catering and service together — not a commercial caterer, but club members.

Hiking options around the Palmberg

The Palmberg is part of the Schönbuch foothills and a popular hiking destination. From the Poltringen sports field (parking lot), it's an 8-minute walk to the hut — ideal for families who don't want to walk far. Those who want a longer tour can combine it with the Palmberg Höhenweg — an easy circular trail of about 1.5 hours with views of Tübingen, the Ammer Valley, and the Schönbuch heights. Hiking complements the Hocketse — those who have completed the walk have earned the suckling pig.