Lichterfest 2013 – Didn’t take photos, so here’s one from the newspaper (Stuttgarter Nachrichten)

Recently we did some wedding photography at Killesberg Park in Stuttgart. The park is gorgeous with a huge variety of flowers, different landscapes and a little steam train that takes visitors on a tour of the area.

Each year, at Killesberg Park, there is a huge celebration called Lichterfest, or light fest where people go to enjoy summer with the sounds of music, a range of attractions and a light show at the end with fireworks.

This year was the 63rd Lichterfest in Stuttgart but we didn’t go there. I know, right? So what is this post about? Well, apparently when it all began, Lichterfest was free to the public. Nowadays, you have to be willing to fork out 17€ per person (13€ for students) if you want entrance to the grounds. Plenty of people were willing to pay this exorbitant fee, but as a group of 7, we didn’t see the fun in paying over 100€ just for the entry fee.

Another alternative, as we did, is to head for the hills. Stuttgart is surrounded by hills and vineyards, and on a hill opposite Killesberg you have a great view of the show. There are less people there, though you still have to try to get there earlier if you want a parking spot. Snuggled up between the vineyards, we watched as the Killesberg tower lit up and then saw the fireworks astound. They were nothing compared to Sydney fireworks, but beautiful nonetheless.

The only thing you have to account for is the lag. You’ll see the fireworks before you hear them, and the music may not be in sync. But, tuning in to the local radio station, I think that it was worth it to save money and not be trampled by drunken/high teens.