Germany is one of the most developed countries in the world. Its history is full of events, and interesting facts about Germany only fuel the curiosity of those who are about to visit the 'heart' of Europe. Welcome to Germany and "Gute Reise", which means "Have a nice trip" in German!
Fact 1: Run out of petrol on the motorway? You are the offender
If you run out of fuel on the German motorway, prepare for trouble in the form of a police fine. That's because stopping on motorways is only permitted in the event of an emergency, which, by the way, does not include an empty tank. In addition to the fine, the driver's licence can be suspended for up to six months.
Fact 2: Humane fishing
It turns out that you can't just go fishing in Germany. The first thing you have to do is take a course that teaches you how and where to do it properly and how to handle your catch! One of the chapters of the course deals with the humane treatment of the fish you catch and, more precisely, the technology to reduce their suffering once they are on dry land. Unauthorised fishing is a criminal offence and is classified as theft.
Fact 3: The oldest member of the catering industry
Thanks to historical archives and relevant documents, inquisitive Germans have proven that the world's oldest eatery is in Germany, specifically in Regensburg. Not only that, it is still in operation today, attracting tourists who want to sample the national cuisine in a building dating back to 1146.
Fact 4: Knaipa is an iconic place
Kneipa is a small beer hall where regulars gather in a cosy atmosphere with friends with their favourite beers. More of a hobby club, they have a flavour of their own and are famous all over the country, with the owner usually living there. This approach lends a certain charm to an establishment that combines a public space with the comforts of home.
Fact 5: For free education, go to Germany!
Higher education in this country is free of charge, even for international students. Tuition fees at state universities were abolished not long ago, in 2014, and this was a real boon to those who dreamed of receiving a quality, accessible education without having the means.
Fact 6: Respect for pedestrians
Another interesting fact about Germany is its driving culture. Pedestrians can cross the zebra even with their eyes closed, as drivers are not just vigilant about the traffic but also highly respectful of all road users.
Fact 7: The biggest public holiday
Beer lovers will love that every year in mid-September, since 1810, Germany has hosted the largest beer festival in the world. It is the Oktoberfest that all beer lovers know about. This event is a natural magnet for travellers worldwide, with as many as 6,000,000 people! Of course, such an influx of tourists sets a few additional records, namely for the number of beers drunk and grilled chickens eaten.
Fact 8: Sweet tooth will appreciate it
It is an undeniable fact that Germans have a terrible sweet tooth. Statistics show that each German consumes up to 10 kilograms of chocolate annually. The abundance of sweets in every shop will surprise and delights even the most discerning traveller. Not only that, but Cologne even has a chocolate museum that offers master classes in chocolate making and, in some cases, creates new types. For example, this is where pastry chefs try to combine chocolate with craft beer.
Fact 9. The German Romantic Road
And this fact will appeal to travellers who enjoy travelling by car. This category of travellers will enjoy the 'Romantic Road', stretching from Würzburg to Füssen. It winds through picturesque valleys and German villages, past lakes with crystal-clear water and medieval churches. It's 366 kilometres long, and every turn leads to new and exciting views.
You don't have to drive yourself, though; you can also take advantage of the tour guides, as this is one of the most popular tourist destinations.
Fact 10. Culture comes first!
Germany leads the way in the number of cultural events and institutions. According to statistics from 2013, the country has 6,200 museums, 820 theatres, 130 professional orchestras and 8,800 libraries. Germany also has the most significant number of art galleries and exhibitions, so if you're looking for that extra dose of culture, this is the place to come.
There is no way to cover everything that awaits tourists in Germany in one article. This country needs to be visited regularly, and its secrets will only open their veils. And if you are in Cologne, after the Chocolate museum, visit Cologne Zoo and see how amazing it is for children and adults alike.
