35+ Things People Can Only See In Germany
All of us know that when it comes to automobiles and sausages, Germany has no room for error. Aside from that, the distinctive traditions and fascinating experiences of German culture draw tens of millions of visitors each year from all over the world. If you’re planning a trip to Germany, here are some of the most unique and exciting things to do and see.
Pumpkin Boat Racing
That is not a watercraft that has been sculpted and painted to seem like a pumpkin; rather, the competitor is paddling an actual pumpkin. Who would have thought that enormous pumpkins might be used to create boats as well? We already know that pumpkins, with the right amount of magic, can be transformed into carriages. Pumpkin Boat Racing is an annual event that takes place in Lohmar, Germany, during the fall season. Competitors are sized for their pumpkin boats based on their weight and mass. They are even awarded additional points if the competitors bring their own enormous pumpkin boats to race in.
Sausages In Vending Machines
When it comes to sausages, Germans aren’t afraid to go all out. Despite the fact that most German sausages are produced from ground beef or veal, they are so popular that they can be purchased from vending machines at any time and from any place.
Sausages In Vending Machines
It is a well-known truth that German bratwursts are considered to be the best in the entire world; this is the reason why it comes as such a nice and delightful surprise to see one being sold in a vending machine.
Lederhosen For Dogs
To lighten the day, here is a good boy sporting lederhosen! Leather breeches, or lederhosen, are traditional clothing in southern Germany. Today, there are many wonderful styles that have developed through the decades, many of which are associated with Oktoberfest and other festivals, but leather breeches aren’t just for special events.
Lederhosen For Dogs
They have recently gained widespread popularity all around the world. In the beginning, working-class men were the ones to wear lederhosen because of its functionality and versatility. Because it was crafted from leather, maintaining it didn’t take much effort at all.
Stay Away From Crocodiles
No, people in the town of Friedberg, Hesse don’t give their children up to crocodiles, but they did let them swim with them. That’s right, a zoo in Friedberg had crocodiles and alligators that the visitors were able to feed, touch, and swim with.
Stay Away From Crocodiles
Then the nature conservatives came to their senses and put a stop to these swimming sessions, which is why you will now see these caution signs that translate to “don’t feed your child to a crocodile.”
The World’s Narrowest Street
Spreuerhofstrasse is believed to be the world’s narrowest street and you have to push through if you dare to go down the path. The street extends up to 65 feet in length, and the width is about a foot. This street was the result of 18th century Europe’s way of building buildings cramped next to each other.
The World’s Narrowest Street
You can witness Spreuerhofstraße in Reutlingen, Germany. If you’re ever in Reutlingen, walk through the oldest, narrowest street and admire the historic buildings, houses, and, of course, the streets.
Currywurst
Back again with another one of the delicious German sausages, but this time it’s covered in curry ketchup! Currywurst is a popular local German dish, which is made by first steaming pork sausages and then frying them.
Currywurst
The sausages are topped with special spicy curry ketchup or tomato paste and then have some sprinkles of curry powder over it. Generally served with French fries, it’s one of the must-try dishes in Germany.
No Illegal Parking Whatsoever
The truck in the photo did not decide to slide down the down building. This is clearly a brilliant work of visual art. This truck installation can be seen in the German city Karlsruhe, depicting an ordinary object in another light.
No Illegal Parking Whatsoever
However, the fact that it is an artwork didn’t stop a traffic police officer from giving a €30 ticket for illegal parking. We sure hope that the artist is proud of this because if it weren’t that believable, the officer would not have wasted the ticket.
No Pillow Fighting
According to German law, pillows are considered to be a passive weapons. Passive weapons are weapons or shields used to protect oneself from harm from another weapon. For example, pillows can act as shields from bullets.
No Pillow Fighting
So, before getting into pillow fights with your German friends, remember that there can be assault charges since pillows are considered a weapon. Nevertheless, pillow fights are great; we’re just going to have to be careful not to whack any Germans.
Need For Speed
If you ever want to zoom down a road with incredible speed, you can do it in Germany without getting stopped by any cops. Traffic signs like these, known as Autobahns in Germany, imply that there are no restrictions such as speed limits on the road.
Need For Speed
The Autobahn is an expansive motorway network all over the country, and it’s quite well maintained. It’s safe and controlled – heavier vehicles have certain restrictions, but not regular cars. Driving down Autobahns with windows rolled down is an experience you can never forget.
Fake Bus Stops
If you keep waiting at this bus stop, you won’t be able to get to where you want to go anytime soon. These bus stops are ingeniously placed near nursing homes so that, when patients with Alzheimer’s leave the facility unnoticed and unattended, they will see the bus sign and wait there.
Fake Bus Stops
That’s where the nurses will find them again and bring them back—a brilliant, quick, and friendly way of taking care of the residents in the nursing homes.
The Most Beautiful Milk Shop
This is the most beautiful milk shop that holds the 1997 Guinness World Record. The whole shop is a feast for the eyes, covered with ancient tiles and intricate architecture. They have milk, cheese, crème, chocolates, and also milk products like soap, handwash, milk face bars, etc.
The Most Beautiful Milk Shop
Pfunds has always been famous for dairy, and this shop in Dresden, Germany, is the embodiment of that. In fact, the Pfunds Molkerei is visited by tourists from all over the world.
German Traffic Signs
Vorsicht or caution traffic signs are very important, and Germany makes sure every road is covered with it from every angle – better safe than sorry! It’s very important to know about a country’s road safety rules and traffic signs when visiting the country.
German Traffic Signs
There are many German traffic signs, and it is for their own safety and everybody else’s convenience that visitors need to learn them. This pedestrian street crossing is extremely funny, but at least it’s safe.
Upside Down House
There’s a Kopf UberHaus, or upside-down house, in Putbus Rugen Island that is a masterpiece of playful architecture. Not only the outside, but even the inside is upside down, with the wine cellar being on the top. The house is completely furnished with upside-down furniture, lights, and décor.
Upside Down House
The house draws many visitors; people take interesting pictures to post on Instagram and Snapchat. The Kopf UberHaus is ingeniously balanced on its roof and looks like the wind knocked it over.
The Goseck Circle
This is a 49th-century circular structure that is believed to be a cult site for rituals. Archeologists have found human and animal bones along with traces of fires that must have been for sacrifices here.
The Goseck Circle
The Neolithic structure with its 75 meters ditch and two rings is believed to be one of the oldest solar observatories with sunrise, sunset and summer solstices being the astronomical alignments visible on the remnants. The structure has been remodeled with oak palisades and is open to the public.
Oldest Rose Bush
Apparently, rose bushes can live for quite a long time. Here, a bush has grown a lot, blocking an entire window in St. Mary’s Cathedral in Hildesheim. The bush was apparently planted in the year 800, not long after the construction of the cathedral itself.
Oldest Rose Bush
The most miraculous thing is that it was burned during WWII but started to grow again. The bush still blooms beautiful pale pink roses during the summer and provides the world with its beauty and resilience.
Finger Wrestling
Fingerhakeln literally translates to Finger-Pulling. It is a popular sport in Bavaria, Germany, where men compete with each other by pulling fingers in opposite directions. This organized sports activity has its own rules to be followed; competitors or finger wrestlers have individual tactics and finger exercises too.
Finger Wrestling
The sport allegedly used to be held in earlier times to settle arguments and disputes but grew into a fun and wild sport with its own championship tournaments.
Musical Drain Pipes
Of all the beautiful works of art and architecture that you can see in Germany, Kunsthofpassage singing drain pipes in Dresden, Germany, is truly one of the remarkable fusions of art and music.
Musical Drain Pipes
The pipes are constructed in such a way that, when it rains, they create the most beautiful symphonies. It is one of the artworks that are a part of the “Courtyard of Elements,” the strangest attraction in Dresden’s student district.
A Sad Depressed Loaf
Meet Joerg Teichgraeber, an iconic character in Germany and a depressing loaf of bread. Bernd Das Brot, or Bernd The Bread is possibly one of the most depressed characters in many children’s shows ever made. Everything about this character is depressing and miserable, from his looks to his catchphrases.
A Sad Depressed Loaf
Some of his depressing catchphrases include “My life is hell” and “I would like to be left alone.” He has friends who like to invent things. To see such a depressing character in a children’s show is truly weird.
Only the Strongest Survive In Oktoberfest
No, this is not the competition of the world’s strongest women; this woman is actually on her way with her keg to Oktoberfest!
Only The Strongest Survive In Oktoberfest
Honoring an old-time tradition of the great Bavarian culture, Oktoberfest is held annually for 16-18 days starting from late September to the first Sunday of October in Munich, Germany. Locally known as d’Wiesn, it is one of the biggest festivals in the world, attracting millions of people every year.
Shopping With Style
The people of Germany have a strong sense of fashion. Sometimes, they like to take it to the market as well, especially people from Freiburg city. Generally, if we are out to grab some groceries, we really don’t care much about the grocery bag.
Shopping With Style
However, if you go out in the streets of Freiburg, you will see people carrying baskets. These baskets are made out of wicker or canvas, and they supposedly look way better than your everyday grocery basket. They are eco-friendly as well.
Raw Minced Meat at Parties
Hachfleischverordnung, which translates to minced raw meat, can be found shaped like a hedgehog at random German parties. The hedgehog is not that subtle either.
Raw Minced Meat At Parties
It will definitely seem like a centerpiece at any dinner table. It’s a traditional way of hosting parties where people enjoy the meat spread over pieces of bread, cheese, or any other food. The meat is always fresh and stored at a certain temperature—another one of the delicacies that show Germans’ love for meat.
51 Words for the Same Thing
Have you ever felt speechless or out of words when trying to describe any particular object? Perhaps, a bread crust? Well, Germans don’t have that problem when it comes to describing bread, particularly the bread heel, butt, or crust.
51 Words For The Same Thing
Around the world, there are many names for this piece of bread slice, but Germans have 51 names for it. Germans are known for their famous bread, and it is an important part of their everyday diet. This might be the reason behind all these names.
Fanta Cake Monstrosity
Fanta requires no introduction, and who knows, you might even have a history of drinking it like an addict in your childhood. However, have you ever imagined that you would read cake and Fanta in the same sentence?
Fanta Cake Monstrosity
Well, you just did! Germans eat them together in the form of a cake. Germans call it “Fantakuchen,” which translates to “Fanta cake,” where the core ingredient is – you guessed it – Fanta. Fantakuchen is a popular dessert item all over German.
Proper Blindfolds
If you want to take sleeping in the dark to the next level, you’ll need to get these blinds from Germany. Unlike fabric blinds, which block the light partially, these guarantee darkness as if you were wearing an eye cover. So, if you work night shifts, or just want to sleep through the morning, then these blinds are perfect for you.
Proper Blindfolds
You can find these blinds mostly in the urban areas of Germany. If you’re far from the urban areas, check your nearest large hardware store to get these.
No Shop Sundays
If you’re in Germany and want to go shopping, skip Sundays. In Germany, it’s the law that, on Sundays, the shops will remain closed. There are exceptions, though. While general shops and grocery shops will be closed, you can still visit bakeries or stop by a gas station shop.
No Shop Sundays
On Sundays, these shops will have specific opening times. There’s another exception, and it’s called Shopping Sundays. Usually, before Christmas or other holidays, big general shops will have fixed opening hours for shopping.
Naming Policy
Some of us feel embarrassed about our names and genuinely mule over what our parents were even thinking when they came up with them. The German government, however, has got their kids’ back. Apparently, they can reject names that seem too weird or embarrassing for the baby and save them a lifetime of embarrassment.
Naming Policy
Sometimes, though, the names they reject, like Woodstock, seem ordinary and make you wonder why they allow names like Silke.
Cone Stuffed Goodness
Imagine getting chocolates and toys from your school on your very first day there! In German, it actually happens. It is a very popular tradition in German that has been going on since the 19th century. It’s called “Schultute.” Kids are given big-sized cones filled with candies, toys, and other exciting presents.
Cone Stuffed Goodness
Some kids have a fear of school, and they don’t want to come to school. This present is given to help them to get over their fear and to motivate them to attend school regularly.
Woof Museum
The dachshund is a German-bred dog. They are also known as “Sausage dogs” because of their long bodies, and they are absolutely adorable. If you are a dog person, then you have to love dachshunds.
Woof Museum
In addition, you’ll be glad to know that Bavaria has the first and unique Dachshund museum that features 4500 dachshund-related items, including various sculptures. There are many other interesting things to see in the museum. This is heaven for dog lovers.
Celestial Cave
The Saalfield Fairy Cave is all about the amazing display of colorful stalactites and stalagmites. It holds the record of being the most colorful cave in the world declared by the Guinness Book of Records.
Celestial Cave
This place looks so vibrant and beautiful – kids might even be convinced that this may be a place where fairies live, as the name suggests. The Saalfield Fairy cave is a unique museum that is very interactive too. You can learn about mineral formation, experiment with them, and more.
Hanging Train
You are familiar with regular trains and subways. However, you don’t get to see every day trains hanging over your head, do you? This concept might be even totally new for you, but Germans have been using it for quite a long time.
Hanging Train
For a long time, we are talking about more than 117 years. These trains are called “Wuppertaler Schwebebahn” in German, which translates as Suspension Train in Wuppertal. This train is only limited to Wuppertal city and covers 13.3 km of train track.
Apple Juice With A Sparkling Twist
A glass of apple juice is very refreshing, and it has a lot of health benefits. People love apple juice all over the world. Germans love it too, especially when it is mixed with sparkling water. Most people around the globe, except for Germans, are likely to call this drink “Apple juice mixed with water.”
Apple Juice With A Sparkling Twist
Germans call it ‘Apfelschorle.’ This is a very popular drink all over German. This might sound very weird, but ‘Apfelschorle’ tastes surprisingly well – way better than you would expect!
Peculiar Hotel
The idea of hotels is either very basic rooms or luxurious suites where you can stay. However, have you ever thought about paying for a room with tiled walls and floors, or sleeping in a coffin? Apparently, Propeller Island City Lodge Berlin is willing to fulfill all of your peculiar desires.
Peculiar Hotel
It is known as the weirdest hotel in the world. There are 30 rooms with different experiences. The reason behind this hotel is so weird is that the owner wanted it to be unique, and he believes that weird is unique.
Creepy Mythical Beasts
Better look out for wolpertingers if you ever roam around in the Bavarian forest! A wolpertinger is a mythical creature from German folklore. It is believed to be a hybrid of different animals formed by a rare coupling between a roebuck and a hare.
Creepy Mythical Beasts
A wolpertinger supposedly has the body of a hare and horns of a deer. According to the legend, if you want to catch sight of a wolpertinger, you need to be an attractive single woman accompanied by the “right” man during the full moon.
Gnome Museum
A gnome is known to be a mythological character in the form of a small bearded ugly person that is supposed to protect the treasures hidden in the earth. A terracotta company from Gräfenroda took the idea of this character and introduced a new product in 1884, which is a small decorative garden gnome.
Gnome Museum
It became quite popular to decorate the garden of the wealthy. The same company introduced a gnome museum later on where you can get to know the history of gnomes and buy a few for your garden.
Sweet Beautiful Pumpkins
Pumpkin might be a very regular vegetable to you, but it is much more significant to Germans. Germans arrange Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival every year, which is known as the biggest pumpkin festival in the world.
Sweet Beautiful Pumpkins
On this occasion, you get to see the pumpkin-themed decorations, pumpkin artworks, and delicious dishes, including pumpkin soup and pastries that you can enjoy. You can also do many exciting things like paddling a hollow pumpkin or carving a Halloween pumpkin!
Frankenstein Runs A Restaurant
Burg Frankenstein, which is known as the Frankenstein Castle, is a famous medieval castle in Darmstadt, Germany. It is famously known for being inspired by the home of the unconventional scientist Johann Conrad Dipped who heavily inspired the doctor of the well-known horror, Frankenstein.
Frankenstein Runs A Restaurant
The castle sits on a hilltop surrounded by forests and enchanting magic. The castle even has its own restaurant, throws Halloween parties, and welcomes visitors from all over the world.
German Sausages
Of course, when it’s Germany, we are going to talk about sausages. Did you know there are over 1500 different kinds of sausages in Germany? The most common are Bratwurst, Leberkase, Frankfurter, Weisswurst, Nürnberger Rostbratwurst, Knackwurst, Teewurst, etc.
German Sausages
Most importantly, they all taste absolutely fantastic. One of the most interesting facts is that different towns of Germany have their own local sausages like Nurnberger Rostbratwurst is from Nuremberg, Germany.
Same Rent for 500 Years
If you’re into history, then do visit the Fuggerei neighborhood. Fuggerei neighborhood is the housing complex where the rent has remained the same for 500 years. This housing complex also happens to be the oldest housing complex.
Same Rent For 500 Years
Not only is it beautiful, but it’s also prospering. The town is built inside walls, and it looks like it came out of a picture book. The city also has a wonderful history of helping those in need.
Still Water Is Called “Silent Water”
You might wonder how a glass of water may be considered silent or even noisy. Well, first of all, Germans are obsessed with mineral water, and they prefer it over any drink. In addition, they also love carbonated mineral water, which is otherwise known as sparkling water.
Still Water Is Called “Silent Water”
Apart from the health benefits, Germans love the bubbles and fizzy sound that carbonated water produces. Non-carbonated water does not produce any sound, so they address it as “Silent Water.”
Don’t Wish “Happy Birthday” In Advance
This is something that you should maintain strictly if you visit Germany. Germans love to celebrate birthdays and welcome birthday wishes. One thing Germans do not welcome or appreciate, however, is early birthday wishes. Receiving birthday wishes before the actual birthday is something that, they believe, will bring bad luck.
Don’t Wish “Happy Birthday” In Advance
It comes from a popular German belief that interprets as “don’t be sure of something before it happens, it is likely not to happen.” If you wish them before their birthday, they will freak out.
Cabbage With History
It might be very hard to figure out what this is, considering the way it is presented. At first glance, it looks like a jar of jam. However, you will be surprised to know that it’s nothing other than German-style cooked red cabbage known as “Rotkohl”.
Cabbage With History
This is basically braised red cabbage made using very simple ingredients. This is a side dish that is served with fish and potatoes. It has a fantastic sweet and sour taste to it. Rotkohl is a traditional dish, and Germans love to eat it.
Water-Based Heating System
Germans use water-based heating systems. They prefer it over electric-based heating systems and use small radiators in their rooms. These are not just ordinary radiators; they are wall-mounted, and they look pretty cool. Their houses have a central water system that is built to circulate water through the radiators of the entire house.
Water-Based Heating System
Water-based radiators are eco-friendly, and the heat feels way more natural than electric heaters. This heating system is a lifesaver, and Germans can’t think about their everyday life without it.
Football Craze
Germans love football, or what we call soccer. They love to play foosball as much as playing real football. If you ever visit bars or recreation spots in Germany, you might see people gathering around a long table and having fun. You are more likely to see them playing foosball.
Football Craze
Foosball isn’t very different from actual football, after. There are players attached to rotating mounting bards, and you need to move them to send the ball into the opponent’s goal post. In this picture, 22 people are playing foosball at the same time at a pub in Germany.
Mineral Water Obsession
We take water for granted, but Germans are very specific when it comes to drinking water. Germans only drink a particular kind of water: mineral water, to be precise. Even though Germans have one of the safest and best-tasting tap waters, they always prefer mineral water.
Mineral Water Obsession
In fact, they prefer mineral water over any other drink. If you ever visit Germany, you will be served mineral water in any restaurant or bar. Most the German people even carry a case of mineral water in the trunk of their cars.
Classified Trash
Germans even take their trash seriously, which is a good thing. If you ever visit Germany, you are likely to get confused while disposing of trash when you see the different colored trash bins. The different colors are meant to indicate different types of trash.
Classified Trash
For example, trash made out of paper belongs in the blue bin. Plastic trash belongs in the yellow bins. If you don’t find a yellow bin, you will have to store your plastic trash in a yellow bag. Germans use an integrated recycling system, and classifying trash makes the process a lot more convenient.