State Garden Show

State Garden Show 2026

“Only the State Garden Show made us known,” said the breakfast fairy. That’s true – even if the Ellwanger Mountains may have already been on some hiking or cycling lists before. The name only appeared on highway signs at most; I was not aware of anything more.

So now the State Garden Show with a new course of the renatured Jagst. No large flower beds, as other shows offer. Possibly due to the hot summer, there were many activity stations for children and adults. There was also a meadow with a wet corner for water buffaloes, who preferred to make themselves comfortable in the shade of the bushes, and another meadow with two cows that also needed their peace. Then there were the fields that had been completely eaten down by geese and co. Perhaps this explained why there wasn’t a single duck to be seen in the Jagst. No idea how they were scared away.

In between, there were always stations for physical well-being. There was also music at some spots for coffee and cake. This State Garden Show is somewhat different from many others – but definitely worth seeing.

Then, of course, the city of Ellwangen beckoned, particularly theold town. Streets were adorned with flower balls and butterflies. I have never experienced such a multitude of ice cream parlors in any other city. Of course – with the weather, all the tables and chairs in front were occupied. The many fountains with water also provided some cooling.

In the tourist information, I was shown the “Cold Market,” the basilica with the ecumenical door, and the figures in the fountain. Unfortunately, tours do not take place every day – or only by “reservation.” So, we explored Ellwangen's old town just the two of us. We hadn’t seen so much activity in a city center for a long time. Every restaurant had outdoor seating and was almost always full. But the other shops also had quite a bit of foot traffic. A tent was additionally set up in the marketplace for bad weather. Also, there were plenty of sunshades over the beer benches. A beer after four from here was just right.

Quickly made presentable in the hotel ROTER OCHSEN and went for dinner on their terrace. It was so full that we had to wait a bit. In such nice weather, I would have been reluctant to stay in one of the “rooms.” We were lucky – it’s often easier to get a table for two. The food was so excellent that I could have taken some home. The kitchen definitely deserved a tip – the staff was friendly and helpful, and they must have covered quite a few kilometers by the time their shift was over. Just a little walk down the alley, and a beautiful day found a lovely conclusion.

See you soon!