#JoinGermanTradition ! Stories To Explore By!

by Gary Bembridge · March 18, 2015

Harz Region, Germany by Oli Henze: https://www.flickr.com/photos/gruenewiese/

We love stories. They are something that have thrilled us ever since we were able to communicate with each other. It adds colour, interest, context (and sometimes mystery and adventure!) to the world around us. They get passed down from generation to generation, and become a part of the communities they originate in. So the German Tourism Board have embraced this and made their focus for 2015 “Traditions and Customs”, providing a smorgasbord of events, activities and suggested trips for visitors to explore their country based on the stories, habits and events that define every corner of this diverse region.

What is a tradition? Dictionary.com defines it as “the handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs, information, etc., from generation to generation, especially by word of mouth or by practice: a story that has come down to us by popular tradition”. The German Tourism Board is encouraging everyone to visit and experience theirs.

During the course of this year I am going to be visiting Germany to discover more about its traditions and stories, including exploring the Harz region in June which is one of the lesser known areas of the country although it is home to three unique UNESCO World Heritage sites: Rammelsberg Mine, Goslar Old Town and the Upper Harz Water Management System, Quedlinburg Old Town and Lutherstadt Eisleben.

Last night I attended an event celebrating some of German’s traditions in London at the (very trendy) Herman Ze German restaurant on Charlotte Street. While enjoying traditional food like bratwurst and schnitzel, each of the Tourist Board team shared some of their personal favourite traditions including stories about the renowned Oktober fest, Frankfurt Green Sauce (Grüne Soße) and the origins of the curry sauce served with most German sausages. I look forward to experiencing some more of the culinary traditions of Germany on my visit there.

Inspired? Please visit and follow the German Travel Facebook Page and the #JoinGermanTradition Social Board for more traditions, tips and inspiration!

Further reading and listening of my content on Germany: