Travel has a magical way of unveiling unexpected wonders, taking us on journeys we never could have conceptualized. It’s in these spontaneous moments, these delightful deviations from the planned itinerary, that the true essence of exploration often lies. My recent adventure to Germany was a profound testament to this very notion. Before embarking on this incredible European escapade, I had certain expectations, a list of sights I yearned to behold and experiences I hoped to embrace. Yet, what truly resonated were the unforeseen discoveries, the delightful surprises, and the profound experiences that Germany so generously offered – things I genuinely didn’t realize I needed until I was fully immersed in the heart of this vibrant country. Join me as I recount these unforgettable moments that transformed a simple trip into a treasure trove of cherished memories and unexpected revelations.
TL;DR Don’t have time to read the full article? Here are my top finds:
🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
📍Tours and Activities
Unforgettable German Experiences: Discoveries I Never Knew I Needed
The beauty of travel often lies in its inherent unpredictability. While meticulously planning can provide a sense of comfort, it’s the unplanned detours and spontaneous adventures that truly etch themselves into our memories. Germany, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, proved to be an ideal backdrop for these kinds of transformative moments. Our journey began with a few days of independent exploration before joining our Viking River Cruise, allowing us the freedom to stumble upon some truly extraordinary experiences. These weren’t just activities; they were profound encounters that redefined my understanding of travel and personal discovery in Germany.
Conquering the Autobahn: An Unrestricted Driving Adventure
Driving on the legendary German Autobahn with no speed limits has always been a secret aspiration of mine. Decades ago, during my first visit to Germany, I was unfortunately too young to get behind the wheel. Perhaps it was my parents’ sensible decision to shield a twenty-something from the exhilarating, yet potentially daunting, challenge of unrestricted speed, but the desire lingered. This time, however, the opportunity arose, and it was everything I had imagined and more.
Our rental car, a sleek Jaguar, elevated the experience from exciting to absolutely thrilling. The power beneath my fingertips, combined with the smooth, meticulously maintained German roads, created an intoxicating sense of freedom. I managed to push the speedometer past 190 km/hr (approximately 118 mph), feeling the incredible rush of acceleration. While I didn’t quite hit my ambitious target of 200+ km/hr due to unexpected construction zones and traffic backups, the brief moments of open road were exhilarating. The Autobahn isn’t just about speed; it’s a testament to German engineering and driving discipline, where drivers respect each other’s pace. This initial taste has only fueled my ambition, setting a new goal for my next visit to Germany: to truly unleash the power on a completely open stretch and achieve that 200+ km/hr milestone.
Indulging in Cheese Spaetzle: A Culinary Revelation
My appreciation for spaetzle, the delightful German egg noodle, began years ago through visits to our local German restaurant in Spokane. I always enjoyed its comforting texture, but nothing could have prepared me for the revelation that awaited me in Germany: Käsespätzle, or cheese spaetzle, especially when topped generously with crispy fried onions. This dish wasn’t just good; it was a revelation, a warm, savory hug in a bowl that instantly became a top culinary highlight of the trip.
Each spoonful was a perfect blend of tender, chewy spaetzle, rich, melted cheese, and the delightful crunch and robust flavor of perfectly browned onions. It was the kind of hearty, soul-satisfying comfort food that perfectly embodies German cuisine – simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. I made it my mission to sample this delightful dish whenever the opportunity arose, savoring every single bite. The discovery of Käsespätzle with fried onions wasn’t just about finding a new favorite food; it was about experiencing an authentic taste of Germany that was far beyond anything I had anticipated. HELLO, YUM! It solidified my belief that some of the best travel moments are found on a plate.
An Accidental Swiss Detour: Getting Lost and Finding a New Country
One of the most delightfully chaotic and utterly memorable moments of our German exploration involved a spontaneous, albeit unintended, border crossing. Relying heavily on our phone’s GPS for navigation, we blissfully followed its directions, trusting its digital guidance. After all, we were in a foreign country, navigating unfamiliar roads and street signs in a language we didn’t speak. So, when the GPS led us down a particular route, we simply went with the flow, assuming it knew best. The surprise, then, was palpable when we suddenly looked up to see signs clearly indicating we were at the border of Switzerland!
What started as a simple drive through the German countryside unexpectedly morphed into an international adventure. Without hesitation, we crossed the border, finding ourselves in an entirely new country for a brief but exciting moment. We celebrated this unexpected detour with coffee and tea at a gas station just across the Swiss frontier, soaking in the novelty of our impromptu international excursion. It was a completely random, unplanned experience, but it was precisely these kinds of spontaneous moments that made our independent travel in Germany so enriching. For John, it marked the addition of a brand-new country to his travel list, a testament to the fact that sometimes, getting a little lost can lead to the most incredible discoveries.
Bringing Home a Piece of Germany: The Enchantment of a Cuckoo Clock
Acquiring a cuckoo clock was definitely not on my personal travel wish list; it wasn’t even a fleeting thought. Imagine my surprise, then, when during a casual visit to a cuckoo clock store in the heart of Germany, my husband John, with an almost childlike glee, declared his intention to buy one! I confess, my initial reaction was a bewildered “What?!” But witnessing his sheer excitement, his eyes sparkling like a giddy school kid picking out a new toy, melted any reservations I might have had. Who was I to dampen such genuine enthusiasm?
It turned out that a relative of his had owned a German cuckoo clock during his childhood, and the enchanting timepiece had left an indelible mark, fostering a lifelong desire to possess one of his own. And so, we embarked on the delightful mission of choosing the perfect clock. We are now the proud owners of a magnificent cuckoo clock, adorned with charming figures of a man enjoying a beer and traditional German dancers. It’s a true piece of the Black Forest, representing centuries of craftsmanship and tradition. Thankfully, the store arranged for it to be shipped directly home, saving us the logistical headache of transporting such a delicate and cherished souvenir throughout the rest of our European journey. This unexpected purchase became a beautiful, tangible reminder of our German adventure and John’s rediscovered childhood dream.
Savoring Authentic Black Forest Cake in its Spiritual Home
There are some experiences that are simply made perfect by their location, and enjoying Black Forest Cake while actually IN the Black Forest is undeniably one of them. We found ourselves in the charming town of Triberg, nestled deep in the heart of the legendary Black Forest, when John and I simultaneously realized the delightful irony of the moment. Perhaps it was the lingering effects of jet lag, a slight lack of sleep, or simply being in one of those infectious travel moods, but we found ourselves giggling uncontrollably at the sheer perfection of it all. LOL! Hello, yum indeed!
We settled into a cozy café, surrounded by the enchanting atmosphere of the region that gave birth to this iconic dessert. The server, understanding the authentic experience we sought, offered us a choice: the traditional alcoholic version, infused with kirschwasser (cherry brandy), or a non-alcoholic plain option. Opting for practicality over pure tradition, and mindful that we still had several hours of driving ahead, we chose the non-alcoholic slice. The cake itself was everything we had hoped for and more – rich, moist chocolate sponge, luscious layers of fresh cream, and tart cherries, all perfectly balanced. It was a decadent, unforgettable treat that tasted even sweeter knowing we were enjoying it in its true home, making for a truly authentic German culinary experience.
A Fairy-Tale Ride: Horse and Carriage to Neuschwanstein with Carols
For over two decades, ever since my last visit to Germany, I’ve harbored a quiet dream: to ascend to Neuschwanstein Castle via a horse-drawn carriage. On my previous trip with my parents, my frugal Norwegian father insisted on walking, believing it offered the “full experience” – or perhaps just avoiding the cost! This time, however, I made it clear to John that the carriage ride was a non-negotiable part of our visit to this iconic Bavarian landmark. And what an incredible, whimsical decision it turned out to be!
The journey up and down the snow-dusted hill to Neuschwanstein Castle was nothing short of magical. As we embarked on our descent, surrounded by fellow passengers and the picturesque winter wonderland, a spontaneous burst of Christmas carols erupted from within our carriage. It had snowed earlier, creating a perfectly festive atmosphere, and our fellow travelers decided this called for an impromptu sing-along. We weren’t a choir by any stretch of the imagination, but fueled by the joy of the moment, we enthusiastically belted out classics like “Frosty the Snowman” and “Jingle Bells.” The expressions on the faces of pedestrians we passed were priceless – many did double-takes, trying to comprehend the joyous, off-key chorus emanating from our carriage. This delightful, unplanned moment of shared merriment with strangers, against the backdrop of a snow-covered fairy-tale castle, was truly one of the most heartwarming and memorable experiences of our entire German adventure, fulfilling a long-held dream in the most unexpected way.
Unexpected Inspiration at BMW Welt: Finding Life’s Wisdom
During our Munich city tour with Viking River Cruises, we found ourselves at BMW Welt (BMW World), the innovative exhibition and delivery center. My initial thought was purely practical: a clean restroom stop amidst our busy day. Little did I know, this modern marvel of German engineering would offer far more than just convenience – it would provide unexpected life inspiration. And no, thankfully, this profound realization didn’t occur in the bathroom, but rather on the elegantly designed walls of the showroom.
Interspersed among the gleaming vehicles and futuristic displays were thought-provoking quotes and messages about life, journey, innovation, and resilience. These weren’t mere marketing slogans; they were profound statements that resonated deeply, offering wisdom and perspective. One quote, in particular, captured my attention: “Whatever happens, keep riding. There are no wrong ways, only detours.” This powerful sentiment perfectly encapsulated the spirit of our German adventure – embracing the unexpected, learning from every turn, and understanding that even when things don’t go according to plan, they can lead to equally, if not more, rewarding paths. Finding such profound life lessons in a car showroom was a delightful and truly unexpected bonus, cementing BMW Welt not just as a place of automotive excellence, but also a space for quiet reflection and personal growth.
Our journey through Germany was truly an amazing tapestry woven with moments of exhilaration, culinary delight, spontaneous detours, and profound personal discovery. We arrived with a basic itinerary and departed with a heart full of memories, realizing that the most cherished experiences were often the ones we hadn’t planned. From the adrenaline rush of the Autobahn to the soulful comfort of Käsespätzle, the accidental Swiss detour, the cherished cuckoo clock, the perfect Black Forest Cake, the caroling carriage ride to Neuschwanstein, and the unexpected wisdom found at BMW Welt – each moment contributed to an unforgettable narrative. We’ve only scratched the surface of what this gorgeous country has to offer, and already, we’re eagerly discussing our return, yearning to dive deeper into the rich culture and endless wonders of Germany and beyond. One trip simply wasn’t enough; it was merely a taste, leaving us hungry for more of Europe’s incredible charm.
Explore More European Adventures
To continue your journey through Europe, consider these additional resources and guides:
Melk Abbey, Austria: A Historic Treasure
Munich City Tour: Bavarian Capital Highlights
Salzburg Christmas Market: Festive Delights
Bratislava Walking Tour: Discovering Slovakia’s Capital
Sailing the Wachau Valley, Austria: Scenic River Views
Check out all of our comprehensive Europe Travel Guides for more inspiration and planning tips.