Wild and Wise in the Bavarian Forest: Dragons, Greens, and a Fresh Feast Await at the State Garden Show
Flowing Water, Accompanying Vibrant Greenery, and a Dragon Exhibit at the Annual Horticultural Exhibition in the State - Showcased elements at the Nation's Garden Exhibition: an abundance of water, vibrant greenery, and a majestic dragon figure.
Get ready to dive into an enchanting forest adventure! The 2025 State Garden Show in the heart of the Bavarian Forest is just around the corner, with an enticing lineup that promises something magical for every visitor. let's journey through the sights, tastes, and stories that await at this year's show.
A countdown of less than a week is on the clock before the grand opening. Thorsten Glauber, Bavaria's Minister of Environment, recently paid a visit to check on the preparations. Excitedly, he described the event as a fantastic opportunity to showcase the best of Bavaria and the region. More than €11.3 million in funding have been invested in Furth im Wald, ensuring a top-notch experience for every visitor.
The 38th State Garden Show will stretch on for 137 sun-soaked days, from May 22nd to October 5th. It's rumored that Markus Söder, Bavaria's Minister-President and CSU supporter, will grace the opening ceremony with his presence.
The town of Furth im Wald has busied itself decorating the showgrounds around the theme "Much to Experience, Magically." Their vision for the show is to offer visitors an amalgamation of gardening and landscape design, flowers, crafts, art, and of course, regional gastronomy. With the planting of over 2,600 shrubs, 240 trees, and a mind-blowing 147,000 flowering plants and bulbs, the gardens promise to be a breathtaking sight.
What's more, the State Garden Show is no idle bystander in the fight against climate change and drought. Countless events and installations will address these pressing issues, encouraging both education and action for a greener future.
So, what sets this year's State Garden Show apart from the others? The answer lies in one historic figure: the dragon of the famous play, "Further Drachenstich." As you meander through the show, you'll stroll past flourishing flowerbeds designed like dragon scales, admire the dragon's cave, and marvel at a dragon's bridge bustling with crimson accents—the dragon's blood, if you will. For those interested, guided tours of the robotic dragon high up in the festival sky are a must-see.
The "Drachenstich," with its approximately 500-year history and title as the oldest folk play in Germany, is also part of the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. The mayor of Furth im Wald, Sandro Bauer, considers the State Garden Show a significant enhancement to the municipality, providing an opportunity to address urban planning shortcomings.
Unthinkable just a few short years ago, Bauer was initially skeptical about the city's ability to handle an event of this scale. Today, his pride in hosting the show is palpable, and even neighboring countries like the Czech Republic have a part in the show, with bilingual info boards scattered throughout the event.
If you're ready to plan your visit, mark the occasion in your calendar, as the State Garden Show is not only an event but also a journey into the heart of the Bavarian Forest. The final State Garden Show in this cycle will take place in Bad Windsheim in 2027, with the jubilee edition planned for Nuremberg in 2030. Grab your map, pack your bags, and prepare to be swept away on a magical adventure!
Don't miss these captivating features at the 2025 State Garden Show:
- Climate-friendly Gardens: Discover vibrant gardens showcasing plants suited to changing climates and sustainable gardening techniques.
- Regional Gastronomy: Satisfy your taste buds with an array of Bavarian Forest specialties using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.
- The Dragon's Thread: Immerse yourself in the legacy of the historic play "Further Drachenstich," from dragon-themed landscape features to guided tours of the 14-meter-long robotic dragon soaring overhead.
- Urban Planning Journey: Experience the metamorphosis of the town of Furth im Wald, as urban planning initiatives breathe new life into its landscape.
Experience the fusion of renewed urban lifestyle and conservation at the 2025 State Garden Show. Discover eco-friendly home-and-garden solutions that cater to modern lifestyles, all within the context of sustainable regional development. Additionally, delve into the local culture and gardening traditions, as you indulge in delectable Bavarian Forest gastronomy, making your visit a memorable and authentic home-and-garden experience.
