Teltower Rübchenfest

A Turnip Makes History

The Teltower Rübchen are a regional specialty that has been cultivated in the Teltow region since the 18th century. In 1798, Goethe enthused in a letter to his daughter-in-law Christiane about the "dear little turnips from Teltow." Today, they are a protected regional brand – small, white storage roots with a delicate mustard aroma, experiencing a renaissance in modern cuisine.

27 Years of Rübchenfest

The Rübchenfest has celebrated this tradition since 1999. In 2026, it will mark its 27th edition. The organizer is the Förderverein für das Teltower Rübchen e.V. (Association for the Promotion of the Teltower Rübchen), which is responsible for the cultivation, marketing, and cultural preservation of this specialty. The festival takes place on the meadow at Röthepfuhl in the Ruhlsdorf district of Teltow – a tranquil spot that becomes a stage for Rübchen culture for one day each year.

Program

A colorful market with regional vendors stretches across the festival grounds: freshly harvested Teltower Rübchen, Rübchen jam, Rübchen soup, Rübchen liqueur, farmer's cheese, and Brandenburg sausages. The stage program features folk music, folk, and traditional costume performances. The highlight is the election and appearance of the Rübchenadel – a ceremonial role that picks up on Goethe's honorary role as an "ambassador" for the Rübchen.

Children's Area

For children, there is face painting, a bouncy castle, a trampoline, and craft activities centered around the turnip. Educational activities explain how Rübchen grow and are prepared in the kitchen.

Brandenburg Identity

The Rübchenfest is more than a harvest festival – it is a piece of regional identity. In the state of Brandenburg, in a district bordering Berlin (Potsdam-Mittelmark), it shows how an almost forgotten variety can become a symbol of a region. Around 5,000 visitors come annually – a significant number for Teltow and a respectable figure for a regional specialty festival.

Shuttle and Day Trip

A shuttle bus runs from Teltow S-Bahn station to the festival grounds. Admission is free. Visitors from Berlin can reach the station in 35 minutes via the S25 line and combine the festival with a walk through Teltow's old town.