When I moved to Germany a couple of years ago, I knew that I was going to love living here. I had been studying for months in preparation for the move, and I was convinced that living in Europe was going to be a dream. What I didn't realize was that I was going to fall in love with so much more about this place than I had ever thought possible. The castles and the festivals that I expected to enjoy are awesome attractions, but daily life here is even more important to me. There are so many wonderful things that this country has to offer, and I have tried to appreciate them all before my time here is up. From the comfort food to the magical Christmas markets, Germany is the perfect place to visit or make your home. Here are my favorite parts about living in Deutschland:
1. Travel
Germany is the best place to live in terms of European travel because of its central location. With countries surrounding its borders, day trips and extended travel are easy to accommodate. I love being able to travel whenever I want, and crossing new countries off my list is one of my favorite thing to do.
2. Holidays
There are so many holidays in Germany. The people love to celebrate, and their rich history and religious beliefs have given them more than enough opportunities to do so. Christmas markets are a favorite with most Americans who come here. The sparkly lights, campfires, desserts and hand-crafted decorations make the markets the highlight of the winter season.
3. Food
Germany has tons of regional and national dishes so you never run out of new things to try. Schnitzel, spaetzle and wurst are some classic German foods that tourists and citizens enjoy. The produce here is always fresh with seasonal menus available at most restaurants. My favorite seasonal food is spargel (white asparagus). The cafe culture and the hours that you can spend sitting in a biergarten are also great about the food culture in Germany.
4. Villages and Old Towns
Shopping and eating in the altstadt of a big town or the main road of a little village is possibly the best part about Germany. The cobblestone streets and timbered, colorful buildings are enough to make you feel like you are in a fairy tale. There is almost always something going on in the main square, whether it is music, dancing, markets, or a fest, you will never run out of reasons to love hanging out in the center of the city.
5. Castles
Some of the most highly rated sights in Germany are its many castles. With palatial complexes and medieval ruins in abundance, the country has a castle for every taste. The most famous castle, Neuschwanstein (pictured above), attracts millions of visitors each year.
6. History
As a huge lover of European history, living in Germany has been the best opportunity for me to be up close and personal with centuries of history. Museums housing art, science and relics are everywhere, and spending the day at one is an easy way to learn more about the world around you. Even if museums aren't your thing, the history of this country is written in its streets and buildings; so spending time in a village can be an educational experience in itself.
7. Nature
Germany is one of the greenest countries in the world, both in terms of renewable energy and percentage of land used for parks, farms and forests. There are endless outdoor activities available all year round that make living here so much fun. The German people have a major appreciation for the natural world, and I have loved learning about the importance of respecting our planet and enjoying everything it has to offer from their example.
8. Festivals
One of the most well-known aspects of life in Germany is the festivals, particularly Oktoberfest. While it may be the biggest fest, I love the small town ones even more. The entire community gathers together to celebrate all kinds of things with food, games, and music. As a major part of German culture, going to a festival is one of the top experiences you can have in Germany.
As I enter into my last year of living here, I plan to savor all of these things that I love about Germany. If you ever get the chance to visit, I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
