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Since it is technically autumn, we have switched over to all things autumnal. Our floral centerpieces have more yellow and orange, our clothes have become longer and warmer, and we are eating more seasonal dishes. So salads and sandwiches have changed to stews and pumpkins, pears, and plums are being stocked in the pantry. Since we are following the local pumpkin a.k.a kürbis trend, Akash and I decided to go on a themed day trip from Cologne.

A child-friendly day trip from Cologne

Erlebnisbauernhof Gertrudenhof in Hurth recently held a pumpkin festival and it had a vegetable-themed inflatable playground, gourmet shop, restaurant, cafe, and delectable pumpkin displays. Erlebnisbauernhof Gertrudenhof is a mouthful name for a farmhouse that specializes in producing and selling local products, and they have a farm-to-table concept. They grow seasonal fruits and vegetables and create gourmet items like flavoured vinaigrette, pestos, juices, sweets, jams, and wines. This sprawling farmhouse has a weekly Farmer’s market, a cafe that specializes in dishes using seasonal ingredients, and lovely grounds. The best part and the one that makes kids most happy is the nice petting zoo. It has a variety of chickens, goats, sheep, pigs, cows, ponies, horses, and some llamas. The llamas are the stars of the tierpark – the petting zoo – and kids simply love it there.

The pumpkin festival

Last Saturday, we visited Erlebnisbauernhof Gertrudenhof as a day trip from Cologne and it was a wonderful experience. We came back tired, with bellies full of pumpkin ice cream and waffles and lots of knowledge about the different types of pumpkins that grow in Germany. There were pumpkins of all shapes, sizes, and colours, and of course, we just had to get some pumpkin seed oil. Nutty and deeply flavourful, it went perfectly with our salad dinner. Check out the wonderful photos of Erlebnisbauernhof Gertrudenhof, of our weekend day trip from Cologne.

Erlebnisbauernhof Gertrudenhof Travel Facts

How to Reach

The best way is to drive there. However one can also reach Erlebnisbauernhof Gertrudenhof by public transport from Cologne.

By Bus – If you are coming from Cologne on the 978 bus, please get off at the “Pastor-Giesen-Straße” stop. From there, walk down the street `In den Höhnen` into Lortzingstrasse. It’s a nice 15 minutes walk and I suggest using the GPS. Note down the 978 bus timings so that you don’t have to wait long at a bus stop that has neither a bench nor shade. Make sure to carry some water with you.

By Tram – Take line 18 from and get off at the “Hürth-Hermülheim” stop. It’s a 1.5 km walk from there. Walk along Horbellerstrasse across Hermülheim to Lortzingstrasse. It’s a fairly long walk and there’s no shade.

Free Parking – This farmhouse offers a free parking lot with 160 parking spaces to its guests. The parking area is located directly in the courtyard. Those wishing to stay longer than 1 hour should use the long-term parking space that is behind the adventure play area.

Opening Hours and Facilities

This farmhouse is divided into two parts.

The Free Zone – The part with the farm shop, the bakery, and the florist have free entrance. The opening hours of the farm shop are Monday – Saturday from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. and on Sunday and public holidays from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. The florist workshop is open from Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. This area also has the Gertrudenhof Kartoffelhütte where you can enjoy delicious potato pancakes and the Gertrudenhof Farmer’s Market Cafe where you can buy delicious farmer’s bread, delicious farmer’s cakes, and freshly baked crepes and waffles.

The Entrance Fee Area – The petting zoo, the adventure play area, and the exhibition center, where we saw the pumpkin display have an entrance fee. Tickets can be bought online at the official website. You can buy a package by the hour.

Rules

At the moment, the Corona test was not necessary since it is an outdoor area. However, masks are mandatory and guests are requested to stick to their time slots to avoid overcrowding. Bringing your own food and drink is not permitted and you can buy snacks, and drinks within the premises.

P.S – This blog post is part of the weekly series called the Cologne Diaries. Check out the series to experience the emotion, and beauty of expat life in Cologne.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVELING-BECAUSE I CARE