Discover Germany

Germany is renowned for its culinary traditions, which offer a variety of hearty and flavorful dishes that reflect the country’s diversity. From savory meats to rich desserts, there is something to satisfy every palate. Here is a sampling of some of Germany’s most delightful dishes:

• Sauerbraten
  Often considered Germany’s national dish, sauerbraten is a pot roast of beef marinated in a mixture of vinegar, water and seasonings for several days. This slow-cooked dish is typically served with potatoes and cabbage, offering a pleasant balance of tangy and savory flavors.
• Black Forest Ham
  Like a true Champagne from France’s Champagne region, only traditionally prepared ham from the Black Forest can call itself Schwarzwälder Schinken, or Black Forest Ham. Made from the best cut—the hind leg—the pork is pickled by hand-rubbing it in either salt or brine before smoking it.
• Bratwurst
  A staple at any German festival, bratwurst is a type of sausage made from pork, beef, or veal. Grilled to perfection and often served with mustard and sauerkraut, this dish is beloved for its juicy and flavorful taste.
• Kartoffelsalat
  German potato salad varies by region, but it generally includes boiled potatoes mixed with ingredients like bacon, onions, and a tangy vinegar-based dressing. This side dish is a favorite accompaniment to many German meals.
• Black Forest Cake
  This iconic German dessert features layers of chocolate sponge cake, whipped cream and cherries, all infused with a hint of cherry schnapps. Topped with chocolate shavings and more cherries, it is a decadent treat that is hard to resist.
• Apfelstrudel
  Another classic dessert, apfelstrudel (apple strudel) is a pastry filled with spiced apples, raisins, and breadcrumbs. Often served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of vanilla ice cream, it is a comforting way to end a meal.

Germany's Christmas markets are a magical experience, and the markets in the Bavarian region are among the most enchanting. These markets, known for their festive atmosphere, traditional crafts and delightful treats, are a must-see during the holiday season.

Visitors to these markets—often located in the old town or city centers—can stroll through beautifully decorated stalls selling handmade ornaments, nutcrackers, and woolen scarves. The aroma of roasted chestnuts, bratwurst, pretzels and glühwein (mulled wine) fills the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Many markets feature live music, carolers and even ice-skating rinks, adding to the celebratory spirit.

Some of the most notable Christmas markets in Germany include:

• Dresden Striezelmarkt
  Dating to 1434, this annual event is recognized as the world’s oldest Christmas market. The Ferris wheel offers stunning views of the glittering market lights and historic Altmarkt Square.
• Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt
  Located in the heart of Nuremberg, this market is one of the oldest and most famous in Germany. It is highly regarded for its Nürnberger lebkuchen, or spiced gingerbread.
• Passau Christkindlmarkt
  Situated in Passau’s enchanting Old Town, this market is a hub of merry activities, traditional Bavarian treats and high-quality crafts, including wooden ornaments, ceramic houses and jewelry.
• Cologne Christmas Market
  Cologne’s first Christmas market opened in 1820—later than many other German cities—but today, it hosts several popular markets. The most iconic one centers around the magnificent Cologne Cathedral.
• Breisach Weinachtsmarkt
  Visitors can sip steaming aromatic glühwein, keeping warm as they browse market stalls for gifts and handicrafts. The towering, snow-covered spruce trees of the nearby Black Forest resemble a winter wonderland.

These markets typically open at the end of November and run until New Year’s Eve, providing ample time to soak in the holiday cheer. Whether you're looking for unique gifts, delicious food or simply a joyful atmosphere, Bavarian Christmas markets have something for everyone.

Half-timbered houses are a hallmark of German charm, with more than 2.5 million of these picturesque structures still seen in many parts of Germany today—some dating back to the 13th century. The term “half-timbered” refers to buildings that have been constructed in such a way as to leave the structural frames exposed. The wood used to make the frames is cut in half so that a single log can be repurposed into two or more posts, with the cut side traditionally positioned to face the exterior of the building. The walls are then filled in with plaster or other materials such as brick.

The first verified mention of the term “half-timbered” did not appear until the 1820s, making its way into Joseph Gwilt’s Encyclopedia of Architecture in 1842. This building method became popular in Europe during the Middle Ages and was Germany’s premier construction technique between the 12th and 19th centuries due to the area’s preponderance of forestland. It was often employed only on the upper floors of a building to provide both more structural support and protection from any ill-intentioned marauders.

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, half-timbered houses are also environmentally friendly. By using heavy pieces of timber rather than wood that has been cut into “sticks” of lumber, less material waste is produced and the need to dry sawn wood is eliminated. The pieces are made to fit together efficiently at the construction site—and the resulting structures provide better natural insulation as well.

In the United States, colonists used this building method upon their arrival, but harsh winters quickly rendered half-timbered construction an impractical choice. The wood expanded and contracted dramatically, and the filling between the timbers proved inefficient at keeping out cold drafts.

The early 20th century, particularly the 1920s, saw a resurgence in European medieval styles’ popularity among American suburbanites. Dubbed “Tudor Revival,” this style was thought to be a signifier of sophistication and success. The timbering applied to exterior wall surfaces was purely ornamental, and stucco and pitched roofs were added to create a charming “storybook” feel.