Germany Food and Tour Which You Need To Enjoy!

Published on Aug 19, 2023 Modified: Aug 28, 2023 by Lucy This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

Everything you need to know about Germany including background, food culture, history of Germany, and popular recipes to make.

It’s no secret that Germany is known for its sausage. From bratwurst to frankfurters, you’re sure to find some sort of sausage available for sale on the streets of Germany, often served with classic sides like authentic German potato salad and cold beer. It’s the perfect combination. One of the best ways to experience Germany may be through a German bratwurst.

Place a warm savory bratwurst in a crusty roll and top it with mustard and you’ve got a delicious, simple meal that is easy to enjoy on the go and a classic German food.

If you are going through an effort to prepare authentic German sausages at home, you may want to add more to your meal than bread and condiments. That’s where these side dishes come in.

WHAT IS OBATZDA

Obatzda is a creamy and addictive German beer cheese dip from Bavaria. It’s made from Camembert cheese (a soft-ripened cheese similar to Brie), cream cheese, butter, onions, chives, spices and beer. The beer is optional, but I think it really brings the flavors together. You could also use non-alcoholic beer if you are worried about the alcohol or gluten-free beer if you can’t do gluten. Leave the beer out altogether and use milk or water to thin out the dip. Obatzda is commonly served alongside pretzels and I would like to hereby encourage you to make some authentic German pretzels from scratch. It’s also great when spreading onto fresh bread or for dipping crudites like bell pepper slices, cucumber slices or radishes.

Recipe Origins 

In America, when we think of potato salad it’s common to think about diced potatoes drowning in mayonnaise, mixed with hard boiled eggs, and sitting out next to the hamburgers at the barbecue cookout. 

But that, of course, is not the origin of potato salad. Centuries ago, a different kind of Potato Salad became popular amongst German immigrants in America.

This potato salad was served warm, and was served with cut up onions, bacon, fresh herbs, and a vinegar-based dressing. Because of its prevalence amongst the German immigrant community in America, it was called German Potato Salad or Hot Potato Salad. 

This particular German Potato Salad recipe originated in the Southern portion of Germany, Swabia. There are other potato salad recipes across Germany, with some even being mayonnaise-based in the northern regions! 

German Beef Rouladen and Gravy

This classic German dinner is made of steak stuffed with pickles, bacon, mustard, and onions and then served in a delightful gravy. Make this classic German comfort food to really experience German cuisine.

Germany Tours Things To Do

Käsespätzle is an Austrian and German dish that combines spätzle and cheese sauce. The more delicious cousin of mac and cheese, this Cheese Spaetzle is topped with onions and is delicious as either a side or a main dish. 

Cologne Cathedral

Completed in 1880, the Cologne Cathedral was designated a UNESCO heritage site in 1996. Famous for its gothic architecture, it took seven centuries and successive builders to finish. The cathedral is the second tallest building in Cologne at 475 feet.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit the Cathedral is on your river cruise! Typically, your ship will dock right in the heart of Cologne and almost always, a walking tour will be included where you’ll be taken right to the cathedral. In the Spring or Fall, when it’s not too hot, you can brave the 509 stone steps of the spiral staircase to an observation area where you’ll have a beautiful panoramic view of the city.

Rhine River

Over 766 miles long, the Rhine river is one of the longest and most important rivers in all of Europe. It starts in the Swiss Alps and goes through 6 countries: Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France, and the Netherlands before terminating into the North Sea in Rotterdam.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit the Rhine river is in the summer and on an all-inclusive river cruise. You’ll be able to take full advantage of the sun deck, comfortably castle watching, and being served on. A river cruise also allows you to see all the little towns along the Rhine that you would not normally be able to see. If you don’t care for sunbathing, Spring is a great time as Fall and Winter will be too cold to enjoy any outdoor activities.

Neuschwanstein Castle

With over 1 million visitors a year, the fairy-tale-like Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most visited castles in Germany. In fact, this castle is so “fairy-tale like”, it served as the inspiration for the Walt Disney Sleeping Beauty Castle!

You Should Know

King Ludwig II of Bavaria started the build on this castle but he never actually got to see it completed. Neuschwanstein Castle was featured in the 1968 movie Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Repairs and work are continuously done throughout the year to preserve the castle.

Marienplatz – Mary’s Square

The central square of Munich, Marienplatz, or Mary’s Square, was founded by Henry the Lion. It wasn’t until the Olympics in 1972 that Marienplatz became a really popular tourist attraction. The square got its name from the Marian pillars that tower over the plaza. Most of the historic sites and interest points are still there today, making Marienplatz a very popular destination.

You Should Know

No visit to Munich would be complete without visiting Marienplatz. Make sure you get to see the iconic Fish Fountain, both the Old Town Hall and New Town Hall, and the Glockenspiel, which is the world-famous show in the tower of the New Town Hall.

Berlin Wall Memorial

The Berlin Wall was a dark spot in Germany’s history, but in October 1990, Germany reunified and on August 13, 1998, a monument was established, dedicated to the victims and in memory of the divided city. The monument stretches about 1 mile on the old wall and is free to all who want to visit.

You Should Know

There are 3 total sites to visit: lookout tower, outdoor exhibit, and of course a visitor center where you’ll find educational materials as well as a bookstore. If you’re coming with a tour group, you won’t have to worry about a thing as it’ll all be planned out for you. Speak to one of our travel consultants for details.

Bamberg

The small, quaint German town of Bamberg has a population of about 73,000 people and is so precious that it was designated a UNESCO site in 1993. You’ll fall in love with this little city immediately. It’s romantic, quiet, and has a strong German beer tradition.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Bamberg is when you’re on a river cruise sailing down the Main or Danube river. It’s the best – and easiest – way to get to Bamberg. Most itineraries will have a stop for a day trip here and believe us, you’ll want to experience it.

Kehlsteinhaus – Eagle’s Nest

Located in Obersalzburg, the Kehlsteinhaus, or Eagle’s Nest as the allies called it, is one the most popular attractions in the area. Commonly known as “Hitler’s Tea House”, this location was a symbol of power to the fallen regime. The Eagle’s Nest attracts over 1.5 million visitors per year.

You Should Know

Kehlsteinhaus does not translate to Eagle’s Nest in English. The name Eagle’s Nest is rumored to have started by a visiting journalist who referred to it as such and has stuck since. It’s said that Hitler barely even visited this location. To reach the top, you have to go up a brass elevator located in the heart of the mountain.

The Autobahn

Automotive enthusiast or not, no trip to Germany is complete without visiting the Autobahn. The first segment was completed in 1932 between Cologne and Bonn. Today it stretches more than 8000 miles. If visiting on a guided tour from one of our partners, chances are your motorcoach will drive along the legendary autobahn and you can check it off your bucket list!