What are the decorated gingerbread hearts sold at Oktoberfest called?

The decorated gingerbread hearts sold at Oktoberfest are called Lebkuchenherzen.

The German name combines Lebkuchen, a spiced honey-sweetened cake or cookie, with Herzen, meaning “hearts.” These firm heart-shaped treats are usually coated or decorated with icing and sold as edible souvenirs at Oktoberfest and other German fairs.

Unlike soft Lebkuchen varieties associated with Christmas, the type used for hearts is harder so it can hold its shape and support writing. Sellers commonly add affectionate, humorous, sarcastic or even risqué messages in icing. Visitors may wear the hearts around their necks before taking them home, making them both confectionery and festival keepsake.

Lebkuchen itself has deep roots in German baking. It is associated with Franconia, where monks are traditionally credited with developing it in the 13th century. Nuremberg became especially famous for the product, and Nuremberger Lebkuchen has protected-origin status. The heart-shaped Oktoberfest version should not be confused with Stollen, Spekulatius or Printen, which are separate German baked goods with different forms and regional traditions.