Fête de la Choucroute de Krautergersheim
The great sauerkraut festival in the world capital of sauerkraut
About Fête de la Choucroute
Krautergersheim: Cradle and Capital of Sauerkraut
Krautergersheim, a small village in the Alsatian plain about twenty kilometers southwest of Strasbourg, proudly bears the title of "Capital of Sauerkraut". And for good reason: the municipality and its surroundings produce a considerable portion of French sauerkraut. The very name of the village, "Kraut" meaning "cabbage" in Alsatian, testifies to an ancestral link with this market gardening culture. The vast cabbage fields surrounding the village create a characteristic landscape, particularly spectacular in autumn when the cabbage heads reach full maturity.
Half a Century of Festive Tradition
It was in 1974 that the farmers of Krautergersheim had the idea to create a festival to celebrate the cabbage harvest. Since this first edition, the Fête de la Choucroute has continued to grow, becoming one of the most important gastronomic events in Alsace. In 2025, the festival celebrated its 50th anniversary with an exceptional edition. The event is organized by ALAK (Association Loisirs et Animations de Krautergersheim), whose twenty or so members meet throughout the year to prepare the festivities.
Under the Marquee: Orchestra, Dance, and Sauerkraut
The heart of the festival beats under an immense marquee set up on the Place des Fêtes. An Alsatian orchestra livens up the meals and dances, playing waltzes, polkas, and traditional tunes that get guests dancing between courses. Tables share generous sauerkraut platters — with their assortments of sausages, bacon, pork knuckle, and potatoes — accompanied by Alsatian wines and local beers. The atmosphere is festive, warm, and friendly.
The Grand Parade: Floats and Traditions
Sunday afternoon is dedicated to the grand parade, the highlight of the event. A procession of decorated floats winds through the village streets, accompanied by folk groups in traditional costumes, brass bands, and music societies. Cabbage-cutting demonstrations in the old-fashioned way allow visitors to discover the know-how of the sauerkraut makers and the process of transforming cabbage into sauerkraut through lactic fermentation.
An Emblematic Alsatian Product
Alsace sauerkraut has benefited from a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) since 2018, testifying to the quality and authenticity of this local product. The Fête de la Choucroute de Krautergersheim contributes to the promotion of this culinary heritage by introducing visitors to the different stages of production, from cabbage harvesting to fermentation, as well as the many ways to enjoy sauerkraut.
Fête de la Choucroute — edition 2026
51st edition of the Krautergersheim Sauerkraut Festival, the Alsatian capital of sauerkraut cabbage. Three festive days spread over two weekends — Saturday, September 26th and Sunday, September 27th, then Saturday, October 3rd, 2026 — with dancing meals under a heated marquee, Alsatian orchestras, a grand folk parade on Sunday at 3:30 PM, and cabbage cutting demonstrations.
51st Sauerkraut Festival — 2026 edition
The 51st edition of the Sauerkraut Festival takes place in Krautergersheim over three days: Saturday, September 26th and Sunday, September 27th, then Saturday, October 3rd, 2026. Organized by ALAK, it is held under a large heated and floored marquee set up on the Place des Fêtes, which can accommodate over 1,800 people regardless of the weather.
On Saturday evenings, from 7 PM, the festival is in full swing with a grand dancing evening animated by an Alsatian orchestra and the serving of garnished sauerkraut or pâté en croûte. On Sunday, after a mass dedicated to the harvests, the village comes alive: craft market with local exhibitors, demonstrations of traditional cabbage cutting, seasonal market, and musical entertainment. Lunch and dinner are served under the marquee to the sound of the orchestra, and the grand folk and musical parade marches at 3:30 PM, full of colors and cabbages, carrying the symbols of the Alsace region.
Access to the village and the Sunday market is free; only entry to the marquee (with meal) is paid.
Programme Fête de la Choucroute 2026
Saturday, September 26th, 2026
- 7 PM — Grand dancing evening under a heated marquee, with Alsatian orchestra and garnished sauerkraut or pâté en croûte
Sunday, September 27th, 2026
- Morning — Mass dedicated to harvests, then opening of the craft market and seasonal market in the village (free access)
- Demonstrations of traditional cabbage cutting and musical entertainment throughout the day
- Noon — Garnished sauerkraut or pâté en croûte meal under the marquee, orchestra atmosphere
- 3:30 PM — Grand folk and musical parade: flower-decorated floats, folk groups in costumes, and symbols of Alsace
- Evening — Meal and dance under the marquee
Saturday, October 3rd, 2026
- 7 PM — Second grand dancing evening under a marquee, Alsatian orchestra and garnished sauerkraut or pâté en croûte
Highlights Fête de la Choucroute 2026
- Dancing meals under a heated marquee (over 1,800 seats) with an Alsatian orchestra
- Traditional garnished sauerkraut or pâté en croûte
- Grand folk parade of floats on Sunday at 3:30 PM
- Demonstrations of traditional cabbage cutting
- Craft market and seasonal market in the village (free access)
- Folk groups in traditional costumes
Prices Fête de la Choucroute 2026
Practical information — Fête de la Choucroute
Access
Krautergersheim is located about 20 km southwest of Strasbourg.
- By car: From Strasbourg, take the direction of Obernai via the D422 or the A35 exit Innenheim. Free parking is signposted in the village.
- By bus: Bus lines from Strasbourg and Obernai.
Location
Place des Fêtes of Krautergersheim, under a marquee.
Hours
Saturday evening: dancing dinner from 7 p.m. Sunday: lunch from 11:30 a.m., parade in the afternoon at 2:30 p.m.
Prices
Saturday evening: approximately €35. Sunday lunch: approximately €25 adult, €10 child. Reservation recommended.
Catering
Traditional sauerkraut served under the marquee with an Alsatian orchestra.
Contact
- ALAK: Association Loisirs et Animations de Krautergersheim
- Website: capitale-de-la-choucroute.fr
- Facebook: Fête de la Choucroute Krautergersheim
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Where does it take place — Fête de la Choucroute
Place des Fêtes de Krautergersheim
Place des Fêtes, 67880 Krautergersheim