Of all the cancellations we’ve endured thus far, the absence of the Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt is a particularly bitter pill to swallow. But the world’s biggest wine fest, a highlight on many a KMC resident’s annual agenda, would be a highly transmissible virus’s delight.
Editor’s Note: While many outdoor events are beginning again, please be sure to follow all proper COVID-19 protocols of your host nation and assigned installation. Dates and times are subject to change.
Brats, wieners, wurst. Whatever you call them, sausages are a German staple, especially at any festival or market. If you’re new in town, you might find yourself staring at the options and thinking, “Why is that sausage white? Sausage isn’t white. And why is that one almost black?
With the fleeting European summer well upon us, who’s to complain? The days are warm, and the skies stay bright until late into the evening. Restaurants are open, bars are back in business, and it’s even been possible to catch a stray concert here and there.
Heidelberg has charm, Cologne a cathedral, Frankfurt its skyscrapers and Stuttgart is the home of some fancy automobiles. So what’s the often-overlooked city of Bonn got to offer? Fans of art, architecture and culture are in for a pleasant surprise here!
If you’ve been in Germany for a while, you’ve no doubt discovered the German love affair with celebrating life deliciously. From the wine festivals which crop up in the summer to rowdy Oktoberfests, there’s usually a seasonal party somewhere.
For wine drinkers, one of the joys of the German lifestyle is the chance to sample some of the world’s best whites. But not every occasion calls for a Riesling, the country’s undisputed king of grapes.
Germany is a wonderfully vibrant and green country. Not just with its rolling hills and mountains, but in the eco-friendly sense as well. As one of the leading nations in strict environmental policies, Germany has become a standard bearer in the fight against climate change and global warming.
For the moment at least, we’ve traded in our flights for bike rides and border-hopping weekends for staying home. As we’re constantly implored to keep our social distance, the time is right for taking a closer look at towns that are close to us and exploring them once life gets back to normal.
Salzburg’s musical roots were planted long before Julie Andrews twirled with outstretched arms on a bright green hilltop. Home to one of music’s most creative geniuses and one of the largest classical festivals in Europe, this lively city is mere minutes from the German border.
5 … 4 … 3 … 2 … 1 … Happy New Year!
New York City’s Time Square isn’t the only big party to celebrate 2019. The Europeans are no strangers to celebrating the end of another year and a fresh start.
Amsterdam
German New Year’s Eve is also referred to as Sylvester Night. Named after a fourth-century pope, the Feast of Saint Sylvester falls on December 31st. Saint Sylvester left a memorable mark in history after allegedly healing from leprosy and baptizing the Roman Emperor, Constantine the Great.
Head out to Landstuhl village’s annual Christmas market, the Sankt Andreas Markt. The festivities kick off Saturday, Nov. 30 at 2 p.m. After a long evening of Glühwein drinking and merrymaking, the wooden stalls re-open Sunday at 11 a.m.
You couldn’t ask for a better place to enjoy the most wonderful time of year. To make the most of the magical Christmas markets across Europe, consider these helpful hints from seasoned festivalgoers.