Germany is a fascinating country located in the heart of Europe, rich in history, culture, and unique traditions. It has something for every kind of traveler: beautiful castles, lively cities, delicious food, and quirky little surprises.
Whether you’re planning your first trip to Germany or are just curious to know more about this amazing country, here are 10 fun facts about Germany that might surprise you from holiday traditions to sweet treats and unexpected museums.
1. Germany Started the Christmas Tree Tradition
Did you know the tradition of decorating Christmas trees began in Germany?
In the 16th century, German families started bringing evergreen trees into their homes during Christmas time. They would decorate the trees with candles, sweets, apples, and handmade ornaments. Over time, this beautiful tradition spread to other parts of the world.
Germany is also home to some of the oldest and most magical Christmas markets in Europe. If you visit during the festive season, you’ll find small wooden stalls selling warm drinks, handmade gifts, and delicious food. It’s a dream come true for anyone who loves the holiday spirit.
2. The World’s Narrowest Street Is in Germany
Tucked away in the city of Reutlingen is Spreuerhofstraße, the narrowest street in the world. At its narrowest point, it’s only 31 centimeters (12 inches) wide! That’s not much more than the width of a standard ruler.
This unusual street was created after a fire in 1726, when the city wanted to make sure flames wouldn’t spread easily between buildings. It’s now one of the city’s most fun attractions.
3. Gummy Bears Were Born in Germany
If you enjoy chewing on gummy bears, thank Germany for the treat!
The very first gummy bear was made in 1922 by Hans Riegel, the founder of the famous German candy company Haribo. He was inspired by the trained dancing bears he saw at festivals as a child and decided to make bear-shaped candy.
Today, gummy bears are loved all around the world and it all started in Germany.
4. No Speed Limits on Some German Roads
Germany’s highways, known as the Autobahn, are famous for one exciting reason – some parts have no official speed limit. Drivers can go as fast as they want!
However, even though there’s no set limit, most drivers keep their speed around 130 km/h for safety. And of course, driving rules still apply, so staying alert and careful is a must.
If you’re a fan of cars or driving, this might just be one of the most thrilling things about Germany.
5. Germany Was First to Use Daylight Saving Time
Germany was the first country to officially introduce Daylight Saving Time. This happened in 1916, during World War I.
The goal was to save energy by making better use of natural daylight. By moving the clocks forward an hour in summer, people could use less fuel for lights and heating in the evening.
Today, many countries follow this practice, but it all began in Germany.
6. Over 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Germany is rich in history and boasts stunning architecture. That’s why it has more than 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from castles like Neuschwanstein to ancient Roman ruins and historic towns.
Each site tells a story from a different time in history, and many of them are open to the public. Exploring these places helps you understand Germany’s deep cultural roots and its importance in Europe.
7. German Words Can Be Long
German is known for its long words. One of the longest words in the German language, once used officially, was:
Rindfleischetikettierungsüberwachungsaufgabenübertragungsgesetz
Yes, that’s 63 letters long! It was the name of a law about beef labeling. Though it’s no longer in use, it shows how precise and detailed the German language can be.
If you're learning German, don’t worry, not all words are that long!
8. Germany Leads in Recycling
Germany takes recycling very seriously. It has one of the most efficient waste disposal systems in the world.
People separate their trash into different colored bins for paper, plastic, food waste, and more. There’s even a system where you get money back for returning bottles, which encourages people to recycle more.
This clean and organized approach has inspired many other countries to follow Germany’s example.
9. Angela Merkel: A Respected Global Leader
Germany made history in 2005 when Angela Merkel became its first female chancellor. She was one of the world’s most respected leaders and served until 2021.
Under her leadership, Germany became even stronger economically and socially. She guided the country through major events, including the global financial crisis and key moments in European politics.
Many people admired her calm and thoughtful leadership style.
10. There’s a Museum About Human Emotions
One of the most unique places in Germany is the Balloon Museum, which has a special exhibition called EmotionAir.
It’s a museum where you don’t just look at art, you feel it. Through lights, sound, and movement, visitors experience a wide range of human emotions. The interactive displays are designed to connect with your senses and leave a lasting memory.
It’s a great example of how Germany blends creativity with innovation.
Bonus: Germany Has Even More Surprises
We’ve just scratched the surface. Germany also offers:
- Over 1,500 types of sausages
- More than 1,200 breweries
- Tuition-free public universities
- Europe’s largest railway station in Berlin
- The Black Forest, famous for its dark woods and fairy tales
Whether you love food, history, or outdoor adventures, there’s something in Germany for everyone.
Stay Connected While Exploring Germany
If you’re planning to visit Germany, make sure to stay connected without the hassle of high roaming charges.
With a WorldSIM international eSIM or SIM card, you can enjoy affordable data, make calls, and use maps or translation apps as you explore. Whether you're walking through a Christmas market, visiting a museum, or just navigating the Autobahn, having mobile data is a must.
WorldSIM offers global coverage, easy setup, and no long-term contracts. So, wherever your travel takes you in Germany or beyond you’ll always be connected.
Ready to explore Germany?
Book your trip, pack your bags, and don’t forget to buy your WorldSIM card before you go.
