The Czechs are the clear leaders, while the Austrians consume slightly more liters per capita than the Germans. In the spirit of the 181st Oktoberfest, heading into its final weekend in Munich, we thought you’d enjoy learning some interesting facts about Germans and their penchant for beer. This year’s Oktoberfest runs from September 16 to October 3, according to munich’s website. It normally takes 16 days, with the last day being the first Sunday in October. However, if those 16 days fall before October 3, it will take 17 or 18 days.
Bookworms will no doubt enjoy browsing through the thousands of titles up for grabs at the Frankfurt Book Fair. The book fair is held for five days on the grounds of Messe Frankfurt in Frankfurt and dates back to the 15th century. It was then that Johannes Gutenberg first invented the mobile type a few kilometers from Frankfurt. Christmas is probably very important to you and your family, whether you are religious or not. Familiarize yourself with the German Christmas calendar and try to combine the traditions of both Germany and your home country to please the kids and keep something of your home.
In late summer, one of the cultural highlights you can experience in southern Germany/Austria is something known as the Almabtrieb (or Viehscheid in Allgäu). So, if you want an authentic cultural experience, go hoard some sparring and be sure to mention it in a small informal chat. The beautiful baroque city of Ludwigsburg is one of my favorite hidden gems in Germany.
Medieval enthusiasts even travel throughout the region to jump into the Medieval-Fest. While it’s not technically a festival, every time a group of Germans gather for some sort of celebration, it’s a sure way to have a good time! Like Volksfesten, even the smallest cities will have their own Christkindl markets. Christmas markets are in fashion from late November to Christmas. There’s nothing more welcoming than eating traditional Lebkuchen and drinking warm mulled wine as you walk around and look at beautiful Christmas decorations. Revelers will hold the opening ceremony at the Hofbräuhaus Beer Tent of the 180th Bavarian Oktoberfest Beer Festival in Munich on September 21, 2013.
The festivities start mid to late September and run until October and offer more than 2 weeks of raw entertainment. If you live in Germany, it’s clear how proud the locals are of their automotive industry. No country can match oktoberfest Germany’s reputation for precision engineering and reliability. If you like cars, be sure to visit the Mercedes Benz and Porsche museums in Stuttgart, a city that offers a great holiday destination for any car enthusiast.
Finally, another popular German Easter tradition is eating Easter lamb. This is a traditional dish served on Easter Sunday and is often accompanied by side dishes such as mashed potatoes, green beans and carrots. The exceptions could be McDonald’s and Coca-Cola, which seem to be hugely popular across Germany. While these two brands may be ubiquitous in Germany, it’s worth remembering that they don’t really represent anything of choice.
In addition, the first known journal to be published was the Erbauliche Monaths-Unterredungen, which was founded by the German poet and theologian Johann Rist. There are more museums, exhibition halls and art galleries than any other country, with more people going to exhibitions than to football matches. It is The Coca-Cola Company’s second-oldest brand and the second most popular beverage outside the United States.
There is of course classical music, with composers such as Bach, Beethoven and Brahms. These artists played an important role in the transition from German music to Western classical music, classical and romantic. German art is characterized by a focus on realism and naturalism, as well as the use of light and shadow to create depth. The country has produced some of the most famous painters in history, such as Albrecht Dürer, Lucas Cranach the Elder and Hans Holbein the Younger. Being a historically Christian nation, you can be sure that some of the symbols originated in the Holy Roman Empire.
I once made this trip when I worked aboard river cruises in Europe and I can confirm that it is one of the most magical travel experiences of my life to date. Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany is one of Germany’s most famous landmarks and one of those typical German activities that every tourist has on their bucket list. Having stayed here a few weeks ago (as Claus’ first Canadian guest), I can confirm that this hotel is a lovely experience that is well worth a visit. Yes, this museum is an exciting project dedicated to the almighty Daschund, with literally 4500 items connected to the world’s favorite sausage-shaped dog. I promise to visit this place one day with an insignificant sweater and not leave until I’ve been kicked out.