What is Germany famous for? - Top things Germany is known for (2024)

Germany, located in the heart of Europe with 16 states, is famous for being the largest economy in Europe as well as one of the largest in the world. Its captivating history is told through its old-fashioned architecture, castles, palaces, cathedrals, and natural landscapes.

Germany offers diverse landscapes, including mountains and forests, and is known for its delicious food and beer, making it a top travel destination.

Take a look at some of the things Germany is known for:

Beer

When you think of a German, it’s often an image of someone holding a large beer mug that comes to mind! Germans are known as the second-largest beer consumers in Europe, right after the Czech Republic. In 2012, they consumed 2.25 gallons of beer, this was the lowest level since the Berlin Wall fell in 1990.

Back in 1777, Frederick the Great of Prussia, who strongly liked beer, took an unusual step by prohibiting coffee and actively encouraging his subjects to choose beer over coffee. In a different historical episode, in 1844, King Ludwig I of Bavaria tried to impose a tax on beer. This decision didn’t go down well with the people, leading to widespread protests and street demonstrations. The unrest only subsided when the King decided to reduce the price of beer.

Here are some of the most famous German beers:

• Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier. This wheat beer from Weihenstephan Brewery is known for its refreshing taste, with hints of banana and clove flavors. It’s one of the oldest breweries in the world, dating back to 1040.
• Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock. Celebrator Doppelbock from Ayinger Brewery is a rich and malty lager with a smooth, slightly sweet finish. It’s often enjoyed during the colder months and has won numerous awards for its quality.
• Bitburger Pilsner. Bitburger Brewery’s Pilsner is a classic German pale lager known for its crisp, clean taste and balanced bitterness. It’s a popular choice for beer enthusiasts.
• Erdinger Weissbier. Erdinger Weissbier is a traditional Bavarian wheat beer with a fruity and spicy aroma. It’s brewed using traditional methods and has a smooth, creamy texture that makes it highly drinkable.
• Köstritzer Schwarzbier. This black lager from Köstritzer Brewery is known for its dark color and roasted malt flavors. Despite its appearance, it has a light body and a crisp, clean finish.

Football

The Germany National Football Team is known as one of the strongest in the world, having won four World Cups in the past (in 1954, 1974, 1990, and 2014). Football is a significant part of Germany’s identity, much like its famous beer.

Some of today’s most famous football players come from Germany, including Miroslav Klose, Toni Kroos, Manuel Neuer, and Mesut Özil, who play for top clubs.

When there’s a match involving the German National Team or clubs like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League, you’ll find cafés, restaurants, and even town squares setting up big screens to show the game. People of all ages, from grandmas to kids, gather together to watch the game, enjoy some beer, and savor the famous German sausages. It’s a real community event!

Bread & Sausages

Germans have a rich tradition of baking bread, and the flavors and cooking methods vary from one region to another. There are many bread types, including loaves and rolls, with options ranging from dark to white, sweet to plain, and even different kinds of seeds for added flavor.

Another staple of German cuisine is sausages, known as “Wurst” in Germany. These sausages are typically made from pork, beef, or veal and are seasoned differently depending on the region. They are usually enjoyed alongside a refreshing mug of beer, making them a popular choice for a hearty meal.

Here are some of the popular breads and sausages in Germany:

• Pretzels (Bread): The pretzel, or “Brezel” in German, is an iconic type of bread known for its distinctive twisted knot shape. It’s often enjoyed as a snack or with beer in beer gardens and is a popular street food item.
• Bratwurst (Sausage): Bratwurst is perhaps the most famous type of German sausage. It’s a pork sausage seasoned with various herbs and spices, then grilled or fried. There are many regional variations of bratwurst, each with its unique flavor profile.

Castles & Palaces

Medieval castles and palaces built by European nobility are significant in Germany’s architectural history. Germany has 25,000 castles scattered throughout the country. Castles were primarily constructed for defense during battles, while palaces were luxurious residences for the era’s wealthy nobles. Visiting at least one castle and palace in Germany is an essential part of the cultural experience.

Below are a few of the country’s most famous palaces and castles:

1. Sanssouci Palace: Located in Potsdam, this Rococo-style palace served as the summer residence of King Friedrich the Great of Prussia. Its extensive gardens, adorned with vineyards and fountains, give it a fairytale-like appearance.
2. Schwerin Palace: Situated on its private island in Lake Schwerin, this opulent palace now serves as a parliament for the Mecklenburg region and a tourist attraction. Legend has it that the building is haunted by a mischievous ghost named Petermännchen.
3. Neuschwanstein Castle: A Romanesque Revival castle constructed in 1869, Neuschwanstein Castle draws over 1.3 million tourists annually, making it Germany’s most visited castle. Built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, it offers breathtaking views of the Bavarian countryside and serves as the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.
4. Cochem Castle: This thousand-year-old castle, resembling Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from Harry Potter, stands in the small town of Cochem with approximately 5,000 residents.

Cathedrals & Monuments

Germany has many cathedrals and monuments dating back to ancient times. Some of its most renowned cathedrals were constructed in the 12th century, while modern monuments built in the 21st century also rank among the country’s top tourist attractions.

Cologne Cathedral

The Cologne Cathedral is an iconic symbol of Germany. This Gothic masterpiece began construction in the 13th century, a monumental project that spanned nearly 600 years. Despite enduring 14 bombings during World War II, the cathedral survived. It is home to the world’s largest swinging church bell and attracts a staggering 6 million visitors annually. Before the Washington Monument and the Eiffel Tower, the Cologne Cathedral held the title of the world’s tallest building.

Brandenburg Gate

One of Berlin’s most famous landmarks is a neoclassical structure modeled after the Acropolis in Athens. Originally built as a city gate in the 18th century, it was commissioned by a Prussian king as a symbol of peace. Over time, it became part of the Berlin Wall, symbolizing division for many years.

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

The memorial opened in 2005, stands in the heart of Berlin to honor the six million victims of the Holocaust. It comprises 2,711 unmarked grey concrete slabs, or “stelae,” situated just south of the Brandenburg Gate. Despite facing criticism for its concept and symbolism, the memorial remains a special attraction.

Aachen Cathedral (Aachener Dom)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aachen Cathedral is one of the oldest cathedrals in Europe. It was constructed by Charlemagne in the 8th century and served as his imperial residence.

Festivals & Carnivals

Carnivals and festivals in Germany bring cities to life with vibrant and cheerful celebrations. These traditions have deep roots in Catholicism but have evolved into street parades where people don costumes and masks. Germany hosts a wide range of carnivals and festivals that celebrate various aspects of life and happiness, making them a source of joy and entertainment for all.

Cologne Carnival

The Cologne Carnivals are annual street celebrations held in Cologne, Germany, starting precisely at 11 minutes past 11 on November 11th. These festivities include parades, balls, and stage performances. Participants don various costumes and masks while celebrating in the streets by singing, dancing, and, naturally, enjoying beer. The parades feature various themes, and attendees dress up in costumes and masks that match the chosen theme for the year.

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest in Germany is the world’s largest and one of the oldest beer and funfair festivals. It has been celebrated since the early 19th century and is a big deal in German history. The festival is all about beer, lively parades of restaurant owners on carriages from the city to the festival grounds, and people dressed in costumes. Around 72% of Oktoberfest participants come from Bavaria, while the rest come from other places.

Oktoberfest is a 16-day extravaganza held in Munich, Bavaria, from late September to mid-October. It’s not just a big deal for Germans; it attracts tourists from all over the world. This festival is a vital part of Bavarian culture, bringing together around 6 million people to celebrate traditions, enjoy lots of beer, and savor delicious German food.

Here are some interesting facts about Oktoberfest:

• Oktoberfest actually begins in September, not October.
• In Germany, you can start drinking beer at age 16, but you need to wait until you’re 18 to enjoy hard liquor.
• There’s no entrance fee to Oktoberfest, but the least expensive beer will cost you about 7 Euros.
• If you’re thirsty for water or soda, be prepared to pay between 4 and 6 Euros.
• Public transportation is the easiest way to reach Oktoberfest.
• Authentic traditional outfits like lederhosen and dirndls can cost around 100-150 Euros.
• Staying in hostels in Nuremberg, just an hour away by train, is a budget-friendly alternative to pricier accommodations near the festival.
• The beer at Oktoberfest is stronger than regular beer, which can lead to quicker intoxication.
• The lost and found office at Oktoberfest collects some interesting and unusual items left behind by festival-goers.

Some of the most famous tents at Oktoberfest include:

1. Hofbräu-Festzelt: This tent is known for its lively atmosphere and traditional Bavarian music. It’s operated by the Hofbräuhaus Brewery, one of Munich’s oldest beer halls.
2. Schottenhamel Festhalle: This tent is famous for hosting the official opening ceremony of Oktoberfest, where the first beer barrel is tapped.
3. Hacker Festzelt: Known for its friendly atmosphere and excellent food, Hacker Festzelt offers a traditional Oktoberfest experience with live music and plenty of beer.
4. Augustiner Festhalle: Augustiner is Munich’s oldest brewery and its tent at Oktoberfest is known for serving some of the best beer at the festival. It has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
5. Paulaner Festzelt: This tent is known for its large beer garden and traditional Bavarian cuisine. It’s a popular choice for families and groups looking for a relaxed Oktoberfest experience.

Famous Germans

Germany has been home to many influential people who’ve made a big impact worldwide. From writers to scientists and thinkers, these individuals have changed the way we see literature, music, science, and philosophy.

Here are some famous Germans who’ve made a real difference:

• Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: A writer, poet, and philosopher known for works such as “Faust” and “The Sorrows of Young Werther.”
• Ludwig van Beethoven: One of the greatest composers in history, known for his symphonies, piano sonatas, and other works that have had a profound influence on classical music.
• Albert Einstein: A theoretical physicist known for developing the theory of relativity, which revolutionized our understanding of space, time, and gravity. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921.
• Werner Heisenberg: A physicist who made significant contributions to quantum mechanics, including the development of the uncertainty principle. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1932.
• Johannes Gutenberg: Inventor of the movable-type printing press, which contributed to the spread of knowledge and the dissemination of information during the Renaissance.
• Karl Marx: A philosopher, economist, and political theorist, known for his influential works on socialism and communism, including “The Communist Manifesto” and “Das Kapital.”

Cars

Even if you’re not a car expert, you’ve probably heard of famous German car companies like Audi, Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Germany is known for these manufacturers, and they have car museums and factory tours for car fans. The country’s well-kept roads make driving a joy, and that’s why Germans have a strong love for their cars.

Here are some German-owned car brands:

• Volkswagen Group
• BMW Group
• Opel
• Mercedes-Benz
• Porsche

Held annually at Nuremberg Main Market Square, the Nuremberg Christmas Market, known as Christkindlesmarkt in German, is one of Germany’s oldest traditional Christmas markets. It’s believed to have been organized nearly every year since the early 17th century.

At the market, you’ll discover various foods and drinks, including gingerbread, grilled sausages, blueberry Glühwein (mulled wine), tea, coffee, and beer. You can also browse and purchase unique handmade Christmas decorations and dolls representing German Saints.

Nuremberg Christmas Market

Held annually at Nuremberg Main Market Square, the Nuremberg Christmas Market, known as Christkindlesmarkt in German, is one of Germany’s oldest traditional Christmas markets. It’s believed to have been organized nearly every year since the early 17th century.

At the market, you’ll discover various foods and drinks, including gingerbread, grilled sausages, blueberry Glühwein (mulled wine), tea, coffee, and beer. You can also browse and purchase unique handmade Christmas decorations and dolls representing German Saints.

Free Education

In contrast to many other countries where education can be quite expensive, in Germany, education is free, even for international students. This includes primary and secondary education and higher education at public colleges and universities. Many renowned leaders, artists, and scientists from Germany and around the world have graduated from these institutions.