Bavaria is not just popular because of its traditional food or beer, but also because of the Lederhosen. It’s a must have for every Bavarian and every curious explorer who wants to dive in this pool of traditions, beerfests and beyond.

And behind the Lederhosen stands a big history. Sorry to all hardcore Bavarians! Your pair of trousers doesn’t have a Bavarian origin… rather it was the French who used their own interpretation of the trousers for their aristocratic society and gave it the name ‘Culotte’. The trousers were made of velvet and silk. In the end of the 18 century the farmers found a use in the Culottes and modified them, to fit their hard working conditions. Therefore they made the Culottes from leather and thus the Lederhosen was born. Today Bavarians use deer leather and often you can see a lot ornaments in different Colours on them. The Colour stands for the origin of its possessor. 

So go out to some traditional and old shops here in Munich (Schwabing offers a good variety) and make yourself and others a pleasure. One last info – never wash them, instead rub your oily and dirty hands on it after finishing your ‘Hendl’. It’s not a joke! People say, the leather will turn smoother and classier. But please never try to boast of with this fact in front of a girl you met on Oktoberfest!

For all women, your time in Munich will be even brighter and more exciting once you find the right Dirndl. It’s super sexy and sophisticated. First the word Dirndl didn’t describe the traditional dress; it came from the word ‘Dirne’ meaning young girl. The traditional dress was worn by maids and usually kept very innocent. So not much skin and buttoned all the way up. This traditional dress has its origin in Bavaria and Austria. The story of the pure Dirndl as a dress started in the cities and was worn by the urban civilization. In 1870/1880 it turned into a simple summer dress. Gertrud Pesendorfer brought the Dirndl through its Renaissance and established its sexy and female look. She broke the chains of the church and restrictive ideas cutting women in their liberty and nature. She removed the long sleeves, revealing the shoulders and put more attention on the waist. Especially after the 1^stWorld War when economy was at the ground the Dirndl became a cheap alternative to expensive materials. 

Every dirndl comes with a bow. The position gives an idea about a woman’s state. Left means, keep distance; she’s off the market. Middle means she is a virgin. And if the bow is in the back, she’s either a widow or a waitress. On the right, then go ahead and put yourself together, have a last zip of your Mass and hope you can enjoy the Wiesn with her.

Germany’s deepest and cleanest lake, Königssee has an emerald green color and truly one of nature’s fine masterpieces. The lake is nestled below Mount Watzmann and inside the Berchtesgaden National Park. For centuries this area has been used for outdoor recreation as Bavarian royalty and local rulers spent time hunting and relaxing at the lake.

Take a ride on the electric boat and experience the silence and tranquility of the lake as soon as you board. During the crossing to St. Bartholomew you’ll be able to hear the world-famous Königsee echo from a steep rock face. The boatman will pause the boat to play his trumpet, as echoes bounce back from the mountain walls. In St. Bartholomew there will be a lovely church with deep red onion domes, take some time to walk around and enjoy the atmosphere of traditional Bavaria.

The history of Plätzchen originated from German’s medieval monasteries, who were able to afford the expensive oriental spices like cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and cardamom. In fact, a lot of sweets in Germany have these necessary ingredients in their recipes. There are all kinds of baked goods for the celebration of Christmas and I hope you all tried at least a few!

Here’s a list of some assortments of Plätzchen

Lebkuchen (Gingerbread) – These delights can always be found in Bavaria and in festivals. The Lebkuchen comes in a variety of forms and often with a sugar icing or chocolate glaze.

Zimtsterne (Cinnamon Stars) – A favorite of mine!These stars are made from egg whites and almonds, with a heavy hand of cinnamon and of course the sweet glaze on top. It’s the crisp, spicy cookie perfect for a little pick me up during the holiday.

Pfeffernüsse (Pepper Nuts) – Don’t be confused by the name, not all recipes for these cookies contain nuts! Traditionally, Pfeffernüsse is spiced with ground cloves, cinnamon and allspice then baked with honey.

Vanillekipferln (Vanilla Crescents) – Another favorite!These delicate crescent-shaped biscuits melt in your mouth and usually made from ground almonds or hazelnuts, and dusted with vanilla sugar on top.

Berliner Brot (Berlin bread) – Similar to a brownie these nutty treats blend the flavors of hazelnut, almond, cinnamon and sugar.

Frankfurt is a diverse city with unique flavors not typically found in other parts of Germany. While exploring the city it’s worth tasting out the city’s favorite dishes and drinks as locals have their own take on traditional tastes.

Order the local’s favorite sauce, the Frankfurter Grüne Soße. It’s a lighter meal and made from a blend of seven chopped herbs, such as parsley, chives, watercress, borage, tarragon, lemon balm, basil, spinach, and dill. Additional ingredients include mayonnaise, yoghurt, sour cream or quark cheese. The sauce is then poured over boiled eggs and potatoes or sometimes served with beef and fish dishes.

The Italian Family Bolongaro introduced the sauce in Frankfurt in the 1700’s. Germans modified their recipe for “Salsa Verde” by adding sour cream and egg yolks thus creating what the Grüne Soße is now. It grew in popularity and today the European Union even regulates the authenticity of all dishes labeled “Grüne Soße” by checking which herbs were used and matching the percentages to official recipes; 70% of the herbs used in the sauce come from Frankfurt or its surrounding region.

In Germany you’ll find many passionate beer drinkers, but in Frankfurt locals often enjoy their version of cider called Äppelwoi or apple wine (also reffered as “Ebelwei”, “Schoppe” or “Stöffche”). This drink has become Frankfurt’s most popular beverage for over 250 years. It is usually served in a grey jug with a blue design as a symbol of Frankfurt’s apple wine culture.

When comparing to ciders from the UK or US, Äppelwoi is more tart and sour. The first glass might not be what you expect but it’s refreshing once you’re used to it. The Sachsenhausen district of Frankfurt hosts many traditional restaurants and bars, which serve the drink in a typical Schoppen glass.

A delicious German sweet dumpling and enjoyed either savory or sweet. It is a fried dumpling, steamed in a small amount of water or milk, butter and oil, sometimes with seasoning too.

According to local legend this delicate yeast dumplings once saved a small German town from destruction. The dramatic story dates back to the early 1600’s during the 30 years war when food was scarce and created time of hardship. In the little town called Freckenfeld, in the Palatine area of Germany, a very hungry Swedish army arrived threatening to murder and plunder the town. However, if the hungry soldiers could be feed with a satisfactory hot meal they would leave the town. The town baker worked with a few ingredients only using flour, water, eggs and water. He made 1286 dumplings and saved the town by satisfying the army with his version of dumpfnudel with wine sauce. Now you can visit the Freckenfeld the town’s yearly festival to remember traditions and celebrate the little dumpling balls!

In Bavaria the Dampnudeln is known as a sweet dessert and usually served with a vanilla sauce; it’s especially delicious if the Dampnudeln is camalized.

Have you tried this delicious traditional dish made of potatoes? It pairs perfectly with Glühwein or Feuerzangenbowle at the Christkindlmarkt and also available at the Medieval Markt. This savory dish is mainly served with sauerkraut. However, since the Schupfnudeln have a neutral taste it’s easy to combine them with most other flavors even with cinnamon and sugar (although in my opinion it’s best with a meat like duck). Traditionally the dish is made by hand and it’s quick and simple to prepare. To make the recipes include mashed potatoes, egg, and flour. Then the dough is rolled into shape and cooked in either salt water, deep fried, or fried in a pan. Schupfnudeln can be served as a main dish or as a side. The Swabians were the originators of this dish as they also had an impact on many other food traditions in Germany like Spaetzle for instance. Try this tasty dish the next time at the Christkindlmarkt and Guten Appetit!

Feuerzangenbowle or “Flaming Fire Tongs Punch” could become your favorite remediation of the potent Glühwein, and I’d especially recommend having a cup at the Medieval Markt on Wittelsbacherplatz. This drink is special and unique, it’s tempting to have more than one too but sip with caution the Feuerzangenbowle is stronger than most with a generous amount of rum! There is a special designed cup for drinking the Feurzangenbowle, with a special spot for a rum-soaked sugarloaf, which is set on fire to caramelize and melt into the Glühwein. Sharing a Feuerzangenbowle with friends will have everyone feeling cozy during the chilly evening giving a feeling of “Gemütlichkeit” when spreading Christmas cheer.

Enjoy and prost!

There are many tales about the origins of the Christmas tree. However, the Tannenbaum as we know it has its roots in Germany and has of course grown all across the world.

The concept of having living plants inside homes began with the northern European Vikings, to the Romans and Ancient Egyptians, just as people today decorate their homes during the festive season. Ancient people hung evergreens such as pine, spruce, and fir trees over their doors and windows during the winter. This was a reminder of summer when the plants would return and in some cases it was believed that evergreens would keep witches, ghosts, illness, and evil spirits away.

On his walk home one night, German theologian Martin Luther (1483-1546) admired how the Sterne twinkled and sparkled through the forest trees. He envisioned the Sterne as Lichter from Heaven guiding him home through the dark forest, like how the Star of Bethlehem led the Three Wise Men to the stable of the feeling inspired, he took a small Tannenbaum home and dekorierte it with Kerzen recapturing the scene for his family. Soon the concept spread throughout the community and Martin Luther is believed to be the inspiration behind Kerzen decorating the Tannenbaum as a way to remember the story of Weihnachten.

Later on, Germans introduced the Weihnachtsbaum to my home country in America. In the 18^thcentury German settlers in Pennsylvania and Ohio put up the first American Weihnachtsbaum. After some time this trend grew in the States with variations on the traditional German custom. 

In 1846, the popular royals, Queen Victoria and her German husband, Prince Albert were sketched in a picture with their children standing around a Weihnachtsbaum. With the power of the Royals celebrity the Weihnachtsbaum had a transatlantic spread and people from all over desired to have such a Weihnachtsbaum. This tradition remains and with no surprise, the man behind the Christmas choice was none other than her German husband who longed for having a reminder of his home during the Weihnachtssaison.

There’s even more history behind the traditional Weihnachtsschmuck, and we will go deeper into that another time. Hope you can enjoy seeing some of the beautiful Weihnachtsbaum sparkling through the city! 

“O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum, wie grün sind deine Blätter! Du grünst nicht nur zur Sommerzeit, nein auch im Winter, wenn es schneit.”

Der Weihnachtsbaum – Christmas tree (lit: Christmas tree)

Der Tannenbaum – Fir tree

Der Weihnachtsschmuck – Christmas decorations

Die Glaskugel/Baumkugel – Bauble (glass ball/’tree ball’)

Die Kerze – Candle

Die elektrische Kerzen – Electric candles/fairy lights

Die Lichter – Lights

Der Kranz – Wreath

Der Stern – Star

dekorieren – to decorate