GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — One of the most anticipated meals in southern Germany is the “Weisswurstfruehstueck,” or white sausage breakfast. Eating Weisswurst, or white sausage, is one of the many traditions a person can partake in when coming to Bavaria. But why do Germans eat it, and what is the right…
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — Some wedding traditions in Germany and the U.S. are pretty similar, others are way different, funny or weird from the other perspective. Most of the traditions are German-wide, but there are also some regional traditions. Porcelain breaking parties, bride kidnapping or ten-foot long cakes — don’t…
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — When it comes to celebrations in Germany, colorfully decorated trees are not just for the Christmas season. Roughly four weeks before Easter, which falls on April 4, 2021, handcrafted eggs dangle from the branches of birch trees — symbolizing new life and fertility. Towns of all…
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — Growing everything from the famous white asparagus to the eponymous Hallertau hops, Bavaria continues to be the most important agricultural state and the largest producer of food in Germany. But farming in Bavaria is more than sustenance, it’s tradition. For centuries, townspeople have flocked to…
VILSECK, Germany — While COVID-19 is a frustrating obstacle that keeps community members from exploring many wonderous things that Germany has to offer, there are still some hidden gems in the local area that can be explored safely. One of these gems is the Teufelstein Loop, also known as the…
By Johanna Lohwasser, USAG Bavaria Public Affairs Editor’s Note: While 2020’s COVID-19 environment changes a few of these traditions, such as St. Nikolaus not making in-person visits and canceled Christmas markets, the spirit of these customs continues on. Germany’s original Christmas gift-bearer St. Nicholas — Sankt Nikolaus in German…
AMBERG, Germany — Located only 30 minutes from Vilseck is the beautiful city of Amberg. It is full of rich history and locations ripe for exploration. City tours are usually conducted by the Tourist-Information Center, but they are currently not available due to COVID-19. Instead, visit many of the…
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — Halloween is gaining popularity in Germany, with many local nationals celebrating it in the same fashion as those living in the United States. But before Halloween, Germans long celebrated a similar holiday in April, called Hexennacht. Halloween was introduced to Germany in the 1990s, according to…
By Christa Rolls, USAG Bavaria Environmental Division GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — If you have been in a local car shop, you’ve likely seen products that tout a hissing, ferret-like animal on the front cover, warning of their presence. Martens, or Marder in German, notoriously damage vehicle electrical systems…
By U.S. Army Customs Agency-Europe WIESBADEN, Germany — People new to Europe should note that many items available in Europe may seem like good Christmas presents, but violate U.S. customs rules. Some products are banned from the United States and others may only be carried in baggage, but…