19 Things Germany Is Famous For: Beer, Foods, + More!
Germany is a country known all around the world.
Whether it be for the amazing German beer, lightning-fast German cars, or the beautiful fairytale castles like Neuschwanstein Castle there are many ways to answer the question: What is Germany famous for?
There are a number of reasons for its fame, and the fame is without a doubt justified. Few countries rival the awe that Germany has to offer. We asked Josh from A Backpacker’s World to provide insight into some of the things that it is known for.
Here are the top things that Germany is famous for:
What is Germany Famous For?
1. German Beer
The first thing on this list is German beer!
Germany produces many beers that are sent around the world. In fact, there are over 5,000 brands of beer in Germany.
Germans are known for enjoying a drink or two, and drinking beer is a large part of German culture.
This can be seen through festivals like Oktoberfest, which is known worldwide as one of the top bucket list events to attend and one of the best places to party in Europe.
Best German Beers to Try!
Some of the top German beers to try (and some of my favorites!) are Hofbräu, Paulaner, Erdinger, Hacker-Schorr, and Schneider-Weiss.
My personal favorite is the Hobräu Hefeweizen, and you can try it at the popular Hofbräuhaus in Munich!
2. Beautiful Fairytale Castles
If you think of beautiful, Disney-like castles, most of these are inspired by castles in Germany!
Germany is renowned for its stunning and historic castles, most of which date back to the Middle Ages.
Neuschwanstein Castle, located in the Bavarian Alps, was the inspiration for the castle in Sleeping Beauty.
Although Neuschwanstein Castle is easily the most popular, other palaces like Heidelberg Palace, Hohenzollern Castle, and Burg Eltz in the Rhine Valley are famous ones Germany is known for as well!
3. UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Germany is well-known for being home to more than 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Countless small towns and larger cities across the country are dotted with these incredible gems.
Some of the more well-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Germany are the Cologne Cathedral, the Aachen Cathedral, the Rhine Gorge, and even a section of the city of Berlin.
4. Famous German Cities- Like Berlin
Germany is home to endless incredible cities and towns, many of which are known for their historical and cultural significance.
Cities like Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne, and Hamburg are known for their rich history, stunning architecture, and unique cultural scene.
On the other hand, harming small towns and villages like Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Lübeck, and Quedlinburg are also famous for their well-preserved architecture, picturesque landscapes as mentioned above, and unique cultures.
5. Famous German Landmarks
It’s likely that you also know Germany based on its popular landmarks- ones that you can undoubtedly picture in your head with no trouble at all. German landmarks show off the country’s rich history and reflect the German heritage.
Here are some of the most famous landmarks:
Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate still stands in center city Berlin, marking the divide that once existed between East and West Berlin. The landmark was erected as a symbol of unity after the Cold War ended with the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Cologne Cathedral
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Cologne Cathedral is noticeable on sight with its twin spires that reach into the sky. The cathedral is an excellent testament to the famous Gothic architecture of Germany.
Neuschwanstein Castle
As mentioned above, the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein Castle is easily the most famous German landmark. It is splashed across calendars and computer backgrounds worldwide, and many recognize it as soon as they see it.
Built (yet never finished) by the “Mad King,” Ludwig II of Bavaria, Neuschwanstein is one of the top tourist attractions in Germany.
The Black Forest
Famous for beautiful forests and large mountain peaks, as well as lakes like the Schluchsee, the Black Forest is teeming with German significance. It is associated with the Brothers Grimm, spa towns like Baden-Baden, and fantastic skiing.
6. Cars (& the Autobahn)
Many of the world’s largest car brands are German. Germany’s cars are known for their precision engineering, advanced technology, and attention to detail.
Popular German Car Brands
Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Porsche, and Volkswagen, to name a few, are all created and founded in Deutschland.
These car brands are loved all around the world and are definitely a reason why Germany is famous.
The Autobahn
The German Autobahn is a high-speed highway known for sections that have no speed limits.
In total, The Autobahn covers about 13,000 kilometers, making it one of the world’s most extensive and oldest highway systems.
7. German Christmas Markets
The country is famous for its traditional Christmas markets, which are held annually across the country.
The markets are an integral part of the Christmas celebration in Germany and attract visitors from all over the world. In fact, Most Christmas markets in other countries are inspired by those in Germany.
The markets are known for their warm atmosphere, charming wooden stalls, and the smell of mulled wine, gingerbread, and other traditional treats.
8. Famous Musicians & Composers
Germany is known for being the home of some of the most famous musical composers in the world.
Classical music icons like Beethoven, Bach, Wagner, and Mozart all come from Germany. These composers and many more German musicians have had a lasting impact on the world of music, and their compositions are still widely performed and studied today.
Even if you’re not familiar with the names of these two gentlemen, it is likely that you’d recognize their symphonies if you heard them.
9. Delicious German Food
Germany is also well-known for its delicious culinary traditions, featuring a wide variety of dishes.
German cuisine is known for its use of fresh, local ingredients and its emphasis on hearty, comforting fare.
Bread
First and foremost, you should know that bread is a staple in Germany, and some of the tastiest breads come from this great country.
Famous for thousands of types of bread, you’ll find rye bread, Brötchen, and other dark breads such as pumpernickel are fresh-baked in German bakeries daily!
German Sausages (Bratwurst!)
Can you tell I love bratwurst? Brats are just one of the sausages Germany is known for across the world. Others include knockwurst, currywurst, and regular wurst.
That being said, there are over 1,000 varieties of sausage here, including the ever-popular frankfurter sausages (hot dogs).
Sauerkraut
Fermented cabbage-aka sauerkraut- pairs beautifully with brats and wursts, so you can bet it is a popular piece of German food. You’ll find this iconic side dish all over the country!
German Baked Goods
The baked goods here are second-to-none! I could devour a thousand raspberry crumb strudels. Other popular treats you should know about are Black Forest Cake, German pretzels (usually very large!), apfelkuchen (apple cake), and Linzer cookies!
10. German Football, Formula One Racing, and Other Sporting Successes
Everyone has heard of the incredible German football (soccer) teams! Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are known worldwide for being some of the best teams in Europe, and the Bundesliga is a highly competitive Fußball (football) league.
The German National Team is also highly successful having won 4 World Cups, most recently in 2014. Outside of football, the Germans have also been very successful in other sports. Michael Schumacher, one of the most successful Formula One racing drivers in history, is a great example.
11. Other Famous Germans
Albert Einstein
Germany is famously connected to Albert Einstein, who is considered one of the most important scientists in history, as well as one of the most well-known.
He was a German-born physicist who developed the theory of relativity and made groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of the universe.
Albert Einstein received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921 for his contributions to theoretical physics, and his infamous formula, E=mc², is known around the world.
Karl Marx
Marx was famous for being a philosopher, and an advocate for communism. He inspired political systems in many different countries and his contributions make him one of the most notable figures from Germany.
Werner Heisenberg
Werner Heisenberg was a revolutionary figure in physics who was best known for his formulation of the uncertainty principle in quantum physics. Heisenberg’s work earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1932.
His contributions were crucial in the development of atomic theory, making him a pivotal figure in both science and the history of modern Germany.
12. Popular German Festivals
These magnificent festivals have long been famous and commemorate the German spirit, heritage, and culture. Some of these are known worldwide, and bring millions of international travelers through German borders.
Oktoberfest
The best beer festival in the world (in my opinion!). Each year, millions of people flock here to celebrate Oktoberfest.
Running from late September to the first weekend in October, it features massive beer tents run by Munich breweries, traditional foods like pretzels and sausages, folk music, parades, and carnival rides. Attendees often wear traditional Bavarian attire, such as lederhosen and dirndls.
Carnival (Fasching)
Just before Lent, on November 11th, the festive season of Carnival explodes to life all over the country. This German festival includes parades, masquerade balls, and other celebrations.
Most of the Carnival festivities are found in the Rhineland, particularly in cities like Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Mainz, with locals celebrating until Ash Wednesday.
13. The Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall is a significant symbol in the country’s history. It was a physical barrier that separated East and West Germany for 28 years.
The Berlin Wall was built in 1961 and became an international symbol of the Cold War and the division of Europe. Its fall in 1989 marked a turning point in history and the beginning of the country’s reunification.
Although much of it has fallen, there are still pieces of the Berlin Wall that stand. People come from all over to see the famous pieces of architecture still standing at the Topography of Terror Museum and the Berlin Wall Memorial.
14. Cultural and Political History
It can’t go unacknowledged that Germany played a part in both World Wars and was also involved in the Cold War. Thankfully, the country is now at peace and is part of the European Union.
Despite the negative associations, the wars are a part of the German Democratic Republic’s history and shouldn’t be forgotten. Historical sites from the wars, such as Dachau Concentration Camp, have been preserved. While difficult to visit, the Germans acknowledge the importance of remembering history.
On a more positive note, the country does have a great cultural history, and has produced many influential figures in the fields of art, science, and politics.
15. Strong Economy
Germany is known for having one of the strongest economies in the world. With a highly skilled workforce and diverse industrial base (automotive, engineering, and chemical industries, for example), it is considered a major export nation.
On top of this, the German Government is also excellent at keeping unemployment low and having good fiscal management in general. All of this adds up to give Germany an extremely stable and strong economy.
16. German Accent and German Language
Germany is known for the German language, which is the official language spoken by over 100 million people worldwide.
It is one of the most widely spoken languages in the European Union and is an important language for business and international communication. It’s even spoken as far away as South America, where it is the 4th most spoken language.
This leads us to the well known and very endearing German accent, which is distinct and easily recognisable.
17. Picturesque Landscapes
The land of Germany itself is extraordinary, rife with picturesque landscapes and diverse geography.
Examples of the natural beauty of Germany range from the towering peaks of the Bavarian and Austrian Alps to the rolling hills of the German countryside and the rugged coastline of the northern shore.
This diversity of its national parks, landscapes, natural beauty, and famous landmarks makes it a favorite destination for nature lovers, photographers, and people looking for a place to relax and enjoy the great outdoors.
18. Innovations in Science and Technology
Another thing it’s famous for is its innovations in science and technology.
Germany has a well-established and diverse technology industry, in fields such as renewable energy, space technology, medicine, and electronics.
It was also the birthplace of some of the most influential scientists, engineers, and inventors in history. Popular inventions like the Gutenberg printing press, the zeppelin, and X-ray technology were all German inventions!
19. Famous German Authors
Not to be outdone in the humanities, Germany is well-known for curating some incredibly popular authors, many of these being of philosophical mind.
Some of the most popular German authors over the years have been Johann Wolfgang Van Goethe, Thomas Mann, and Hermann Hesse.
Famous things to Buy in Germany
I’ll bet you didn’t know these things were all from Germany!
🧸 🍭 Haribo Gummies: Yes! These come from Germany!
🍻 Beer and Glassware: The variety is unmatched.
🕰 Cuckoo Clocks: These come from the Black Forest region.
⌚ Watches: German watches are considered some of the best in the world!
🍫 Chocolate: Did you know that Lindt, Ritter Sport, and Milka are all German?
🏺 Ceramics: Yes! Meissen is a German brand of ceramics considered one of the best worldwide.
What Is Germany Known For? FAQ
What is Germany famous for producing?
It is famous for producing cars such as Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and BMW, and also exports large amounts of machinery, electronics, and chemicals.
What are 5 interesting facts about Germany?
✔️ There are over 5000 brands of beer.
✔️ The castle in Sleeping Beauty was inspired by a castle in Germany.
✔️ The German National Football team has won 4 World Cups.
✔️ There are over 1,000 varieties of sausage.
✔️ Albert Einstein was born in Germany.
What Is Unique About Germany?
There are so many unique things about Germany. From its 5,000 beer brands and 1,000 varieties of sausage, Germans are very spoiled for choice.
Germany also has a very unique landscape which makes the country beautiful. And, who could forget the culture, which is famous for folk music and festivals like Oktoberfest?
What Food is Germany Famous For?
Germany is famous for the mouth-watering chocolate dessert dubbed the Black Forest Cake. In addition, you’ll find plenty of schnitzel, wurst, pretzels, and Frankfurter sausages in Germany. German people are also known for enjoying and drinking lots of beer.
Famous Things about Germany? Conclusion
And that’s a wrap! There are countless reasons why Germany is famous, and it would be impossible to list them all. Hopefully, these 19 reasons, ranging from their cars and beer to the landscape and cities, have given you an insight into what an amazing country this is! If you get the opportunity to visit Germany, definitely take it!
