Germany has a long history full of rich traditions, many of which continue to this day.  Learning about these traditions can help make living in Germany more enjoyable and broaden your appreciation of your new home. There are of course many regional traditions but here are a number of well-known ones that apply to all of Germany that you may or may not already know about:

 

Volksfeste (people’s festivals)

• Volksfeste are an integral part of German life where friends and family come together at a cleared-out prepared festival ground to eat, drink, dance, listen to live music, and otherwise celebrate during certain parts of the year

• The most well-known Volksfeste are Oktoberfest in Munich, the Stuttgart Frühlingsfest, and the Munich Starkbierfest

 

Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas markets)

• With Christmas cheer comes German Christmas markets and here one can find all kinds of goods including wooden homemade crafts, nutcrackers, candles, jewelry, Glühwein (mulled spiced wine), sweets, and traditional German food

• Christmas markets can be found all over Germany but the most well-known are in Nuremberg, Berlin, Munich, and Stuttgart

 

Fasching (Carnival)

• Dating back to pre-Roman times, Fasching, or Karneval, was originally celebrated to offset the hard times of the day with drinking and dancing

• As yet to be recognized as an official holiday, Fasching takes place each year in February to precede the fasting season of Lent, during which many abstain from eating for religious reasons

• Nowadays the celebration involves the wearing of masks and costumes, parading and dancing in the streets, and in general enjoying life and partying with friends

• There are a number of Carnival celebrations around Germany but probably the biggest one takes place in Cologne

 

Hiking

• Whether you are simply looking to stay fit, enjoy nature, or spend time with friends, hiking is an integral part of German culture, from the region of the Siebengebirge in the west to the Alps in the south

• Hiking is also potentially a great way to meet new people, as you never know who you might run into on the trail!

• Beautiful hiking spots include the Altmühl Valley Panorama Trail in Bavaria, the Baltic Sea Coast Hiking Trail, the Castle Trail in the Bergstrasse region, and the Edersee Forest Walk. From Munich there are trains taking you to the mountains where a lot of hiking paths can be found.