Stay Curious: Experience Germany From Your Living Room

Discover the best food trucks in Berlin with our handy guide
Discover the best food trucks in Berlin with our handy guide | © mauritius images GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo
Linda Konde

Commissioning Editor

As staying in becomes the new normal, Culture Trip invites you to indulge in a spot of cloud tourism. Experience the sights and sounds of a place – without even leaving your home. Next up on our virtual tour is Germany.

In these unprecedented times, many of us are unable to explore the world as we would like to. And since you’re not going anywhere, why not make yourself comfortable and uncover all that Germany has to offer from the comfort of your own home.

Watch a movie filmed in Germany

Germany has served as a backdrop for many movies like Good Bye Lenin! (2003), The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) and Inglourious Basterds. Released in 2009, the critically acclaimed Inglourious Basterds was directed by Quentin Tarantino and stars Brad Pitt, Christopher Waltz and Michael Fassbender. It tells the story of how a group of Jewish-American soldiers planned to assassinate Nazi leaders during World War II in Nazi-occupied France. The movie, however, was mostly filmed in Babelsberg Studios outside of Berlin – the same location used to film Nosferatu (1922), The Cabinet of Dr Caligari (1920), Metropolis (1927) and The Blue Angel (1930).

Enjoy a virtual tour at a history museum

The Neues Museum is a must for all history and art enthusiasts, as it houses iconic artefacts like the bust of Nefertiti. The building itself has seen its share of changes. Built in the 18th century, it closed down at the beginning of the Second World War in 1939 and was heavily damaged during the Berlin bombings between 1940-45. It was later rebuilt under the supervision of architect David Chipperfield and only opened its doors to the public in 2009. A range of different exhibitions are available to the public, including the Pharaoh Erased From History and the popular Less Is More – Nefertiti’s Beauty-Secret, which can be explored virtually.

The Neues Museum (New Museum) on Berlin’s Museum Island was renovated by David Chipperfield Architects in collaboration with Julian Harra

Have a culinary experience by eating bratwurst

Bratwurst is very much a part of German culture. Commonly made from pork, the sausage is a favoured fast-food dish in Germany. A staple since the 13th century, it was once a dish that was heavily consumed during the harsh winters when no food would go to waste, and locals would make the sausage using scraps of meat. And while its precise origins are unknown, the state of Thuringia and the region of Franconia both claim to be the birthplace of bratwurst.

Enjoy your quarantine days by consuming what is considered comfort food and have it with sauerkraut (fermented cabbage), potato salad or fried potato pancakes. But if you’re really serious about bratwurst, you’ll have it the German way: grilled until it’s golden brown, served in a bread roll and topped with mustard.

German Thuringian sausage or bratwurst is often served with spiced red cabbage

Learn a traditional folk dance

One of the best ways to connect with a culture is through dance and music, and some of Germany’s traditional dances such as Schuhplattler date back to the 11th century. A traditional folk dance, it’s most popular in the state of Bavaria in southeastern Germany and Tyrol, a state in western Austria.

Put on your dancing shoes to learn how to perfect the moves of Schuhplattler. But make sure you have enough room, since you will stomp, clap and strike the soles of your shoes while touching your thighs and knees with your hands held flat.

‘Schuhplattler’ is a Bavarian folk dance that involves striking the soles of your shoes

Have a shot of Jägermeister

Most people have tried this German digestif at some point in their lives. Known for its distinct taste, Jägermeister is one of the most popular drinks in Germany after beer. Made from 56 herbs – including liquorice, citrus peel, ginger and saffron – the recipe of Jaegermeister still remains the same after 86 years.

The drink is best served cold, so make sure you keep both the bottle and, preferably its signature green glass, in the fridge until you’re ready to have a go. Just remember, it’s made up of 35 percent alcohol, so you might feel a slight burn as you have your shot.

Jägermeister is a popular German digestif
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KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

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Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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