I love travelling and one of my favourite parts of travelling is to become as “local” as possible while still doing all the sightseeing to be done. Unfortunately sightseeing usually means you are likely going to be spending most of your time with other tourists and not the locals. Fortunately there are some fun activities you can participate in to experience German life as the Germans do while you are a tourist in Germany.

Germans love to be outside as much as possible, it’s a key attribute of German life, so why not visit one of the many nature parks found in Germany?  Nature parks are typically large areas with walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic benches.  They make for a perfect escape from a long drive to stretch your legs, let the kids burn off some energy, and the perfect picnic spot to  get an inside glimpse into German life, since the majority of people visiting the nature parks are Germans.  When in Germany I’m frequently taken to nature parks by my German friends and thoroughly enjoy them. 

Germans love their coffee and cakes just as the English love their afternoon tea, so why not participate in a daily aspect of German life by going to one of the many cafes found in Germany?  The selection of cakes will not disappoint and the cafes are frequently in beautiful historic buildings.  Sometimes they are even in the nature parks with outdoor seating.  Note that going to a cafe in Germany does not feel the same as going for coffee.  It is an event and one that feels so much more luxurious than just going for coffee.  I go to a cafe for a cappuccino almost every day I am in Germany.  Trying new cafes is one of my favourite low key things to do in Germany and is truly an enjoyable experience as a tourist in Germany.  Cafes are also another perfect spot for getting an inside glimpse into daily German life. 

To test the limits of your cultural inhibitions visit a sauna in Germany. The sauna is an experience enjoyed by many Germans, especially in the winter. It is typically an event that is relished over several hours with friends. Sound good so far? The catch is that you must be naked and the saunas are mixed (both men and women). Clothing is not optional and is not allowed. Coming from North America, the thought of walking around naked in mixed company is rather unnerving to me. After being teased by my German friends for my shyness, I finally got the courage to try the sauna on my third visit to Germany. Fortunately the sauna in our hotel wasn’t very busy. Once I got over my initial discomfort, I have to say that it was an overall enjoyable experience and quite relaxing. Although had it been crowded (i.e. lots of naked bodies squished together in the sauna, I don’t think I would have felt so comfortable). Nevertheless, going to the sauna will give you a glimpse into German life, perhaps more than you ever wanted to see, as a tourist in Germany. Note, people who are pregnant, have high blood pressure, heart disease, etc. should not use saunas.  Check with your doctor first if you are not in good health before going to a sauna.

Eating and drinking beer are key elements of German life. I would highly recommend trying the local food which varies from region to region. Some of my favourite regional food is, Schwabian from the south of Germany which consists of large portions of noodles and pork schnitzel. Of course no trip to Germany is complete without trying spätzle, a type of German noodle from the state of Baden Württemberg. German beers also vary from region to region and are very good, so head to the nearest biergarten (beer garden) to try a local brew and people watch. Mulled wine in the winter months is also popular. You will no longer feel like a tourist in Germany but feel like you are participating in day to day German life.

Germany is famous for its festivals, most of which are regional. Oktoberfest comes to mind for many people. But contrary to popular belief Oktoberfest is not celebrated throughout all of Germany, but primarily in Munich with smaller festivals in the surrounding area. Carnival is another popular festival occurring in February of each year in the central part of Germany in Cologne, Dusseldorf, Mainz and the Black Forest. Festivals are attended by tourists in Germany, but also by many Germans who celebrate the regional festivals as part of German life and may even don costumes for the occasion. Check to see if any festivals are occurring during your visit to Germany.

Germany is a fascinating country, rich in history and full of tradition. By taking part in some of these popular activities which form German life, you will feel less like a tourist in Germany, and experience more of Germany, making your vacation in Germany that much more enjoyable.