Germany is one of the most popular destinations in Europe, and for good reason. From stunning scenery and beautiful architecture to lively nightlife and delicious food, there’s a lot to do and see. The country is a cultural hotbed, something that will leave you spoilt for choice when devising an itinerary for your trip. So here we’re revealing the top cultural experiences you should include during your homestay in Germany.
Watch a handball match
There are few sports that have the power to grip an entire nation. And whilst the German football teams are pretty good, there’s one national sport you should watch on your upcoming trip. And that’s handball.
Germany holds three World Championship and two European Championship titles in the sport, making them one of the most successful handball teams on the planet. Love for handball reached fever pitch this year as the country played host to the Handball World Cup 2019.
Watching a handball match in Germany is a thrill like no other for a self-confessed sports fan or visitor who simply wants to know more about the sport’s rich tradition.
Hang out in a kneipe
Germany is known and loved for a number of things, one of which is the huge pints of beer they serve. German pub culture is renowned around the world, particularly as popularity for annual autumn festival Oktoberfest grows internationally. So it’d be rude not to hang out in a local kneipe or pub on your trip.
Many German cities and towns have a thriving pub scene with a number of dive bars, drinking holes and traditional pubs. Berlin in particular has a great selection of traditional kneipes.
Hike up an Alp
Lovers of the great outdoors and adventurers will want to head to the Bavarian Alps for a truly exhilarating experience.
Running along the southern border that Germany shares with Austria, these mountains offer some of the most stunning scenery in the country. Its tallest mountain, Zugspitze, is over 9,700 feet, and promises views of four countries in the right weather conditions.
It actually takes two days to climb to the top, but if that’s too extreme there’s a cable car. The peak is also home to the country’s highest beer garden! Alternatively the beautiful gorge in Partnachklamm and the historic Eagle’s Nest in Berchtesgaden are also particular highlights.
Visit a Holocaust memorial
Germany has a fascinating yet troubled history. It’s home to numerous holocaust museums, monuments and memorials. Visiting one of the many memorial sites in Germany provides an opportunity to educate yourself about one of the most significant events of the 20th century and honour its victims.
Cycle in the Black Forest
The Black Forest is Germany’s largest nature park. Located in Baden-Württemberg, southwest Germany, the area is as wondrous as it sounds with never-ending forests, mysterious lakes, beautiful waterfalls, towering mountains and deep valleys. The forest was said to have inspired The Brothers Grimm stories of Rapunzel and Hansel and Gretel.
Cycling is the best way to see all that the Black Forest has to offer as the Independent explains:
“Cycling is big in the Black Forest: where you have mountains, you have long valleys. Bicycle touring is encouraged via an impressive number of signposted biking trails, some of which cross the borders into Switzerland and the French region of Alsace. Bikes are available to rent in many railway stations, as well as at the Mountainbike-Fun-Park in Todtnau.”
Swim in the freshwater lakes
Wild swimming is extremely popular in Germany. Even city folk get in on the action, with a network of 80 lakes in Berlin alone and more than 3,000 in the surrounding region of Brandenburg. Swimming is the perfect pastime if you’re visiting Germany in the hot summer months, so live like a local and take a dip in one of the country’s many freshwater lakes.
Head to the East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery is the largest remaining part of the former Berlin Wall, measuring in at just under a mile long. It’s also the longest open-air gallery in the world. To date, 118 artists from 21 countries have bestowed their colourful and thought-provoking works on the historic relic.
And of course be sure to top off your cultural experience by staying at one of our German homestays.
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