Outdoors

South Africans are born for the outdoors. And yet in Germany, where skies shift mood in minutes, embracing every kind of weather—sunshine, drizzle, wind—is the only way to live truly. Wrap yourself in layers that laugh in the face of rain, wind, and frost. With the right gear, there’s no such thing as bad weather—just the pure joy of being outside, no matter the sky. 🌦️

The best outdoor activity is, of course, enjoying a braai with friends. However, it’s important to be mindful of the rules. If you don’t have a spot for a braai, you can always head to a public grill area, which also comes with its own set of guidelines.

Grilling in public

When you do not have braai facilities at home or want to have more space while meeting your friends for a braai, you can use the grills/fireplaces at a public Grillplatz/grill area.These are usually in bigger parks or around lakes. Grilling in the forest is generally prohibited with some exceptions. Personally, I would refrain from grilling in the forest even if there is a Grillplatz. The trees and other plants can be very dry in summer and there is always a fire hazard. My first public grill was at the

Braai Season

Summer is finally here and it is time to invite friends to kuier around the braai. But before you light your charcoal, check out the rules and regulations that might apply to you. The following rules are relevant if you live in a rental property: Am I allowed to grill on the Balcony? As a tenant you are generally allowed to grill on the balcony, terrace or in the garden.There is no law prohibiting it. However, landlords can explicitly allow, restrict or prohibit grilling in your rental agreement.They can also

Cooling off in Summer

Summer offers the perfect opportunity to cool off by swimming in public spaces. Whether you prefer pristine lakes, outdoor pools, or riverbanks, there are plenty of options to enjoy a refreshing dip. As temperatures rise, these popular spots become vibrant gathering places where people of all ages come together to relax, swim, and soak up the sun.

Swimming in Germany

Swimming options Private swimming pools are not so popular in Germany, but there are good public swimming options available. Public swimming pools / Öffentliche Schimmbäder / Freibad Freiseitparks like Europapark Baggersee (Man-made lakes) Lakes The ocean / Nordsee or Ostsee Rules for swimming in Lakes Never dive/jump into a lake without knowing the depth of the water first. Many lakes are quite shallow, especially near the shore. Bring a sun umbrella or some form of shelter, and

Spending time in nature

There’s something soul-nourishing about escaping into nature — whether it’s a lazy afternoon picnic under the trees, a peaceful hike through the forest, or a bike ride along Germany’s winding countryside paths. These outdoor moments invite us to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect.
But as you enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors, it’s also wise to stay informed about local health considerations, like ticks.
Be sure to check out our guide to tick-borne diseases in Germany for practical tips on prevention and staying safe while you roam.

Tick-Borne Diseases in Germany

Tick-Borne Diseases in Germany Ah, Germany in the warmer months — forests deep and green, meadows humming with life, and a welcome sun drawing us outdoors. But lurking in the undergrowth and grassy paths is a small but serious threat: the tick. These little bloodsuckers aren’t just an itchy nuisance. In Germany, they can carry diseases that pack a real punch. If you’re spending time in nature — hiking, gardening, picnicking, or simply enjoying your backyard —

Beer Gardens: Made for the Outdoors

There’s nothing quite like sipping a cold beer under the open sky, surrounded by leafy trees, laughter, and long wooden tables buzzing with life. German beer gardens were designed to bring people outside — shaded by chestnuts, cooled by summer breezes, and lit by golden late-afternoon sun. It’s a space where nature and tradition meet, where phones stay in pockets, and conversation flows as easily as the beer. Whether you’re people-watching in the city or gazing at Alpine peaks from a mountaintop terrace, the outdoor setting is half the magic of the Biergarten.

When in Germany… Visit a Beer Garden!

A South African’s guide to soaking up summer the Bavarian way

Sport

Rugby

Rugby – where to watch or play Rugby is a growing sport in Germany, and there are clubs and teams across the country where you can practice and play. You can join a local rugby club to learn and play the sport, meet new people, and have fun. Rugby is a great way to stay active and be part of a team. 📅 Upcoming Springbok Fixtures in 2026 Date Match Venue Tournament Kick-off Sat, 4

Cricket

Cricket in Germany: A Blossoming Sport in the Heart of Europe Cricket, traditionally associated with countries like England, India, South Africa and Australia, is making waves in a rather unexpected locale: Germany. While soccer reigns supreme as the nation’s favourite sport, cricket is steadily carving out a niche for itself, attracting enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds and significantly growing in popularity over the past decade. 📅 Protea Fixtures ICC Global Events ICC Cricket World Cup (ODI)

Cycling

Discover Germany on Two Wheels: Where Cycling Meets Culture and Scenic Adventure** Cycling in Germany is an integral part of the country’s culture, transportation system, and lifestyle. With a well-developed infrastructure, scenic routes, and a strong cycling tradition, Germany is one of the most bike-friendly countries in Europe The following was shared by DeWet Herselman The entire cycling scene in Germany took some getting used to when I arrived here. In South Africa, its sort

Participating in Sports in Germany

Sports in Germany South Africans are generally a sport-crazy bunch. Not just watching it, but also actively taking part. Participating in sports here in Germany has its challenges, mostly due to the weather. But, as the German saying goes – there isn’t something like bad weather, only bad clothing and many South Africans in Germany live by this motto and go out for a run or a cycle in what would be considered “stay home

Yearly Festivals and Events in Germany

Yearly Festivals and Events in Germany We compiled a list of annual traditional festivals and events in Germany that we believe will provide you with an exciting array of activities and events to attend throughout the year. If you have any ideas or recommendations regarding events or festivals that we should add to our list, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us through the contact form. We value your input and suggestions in making our list as comprehensive and accurate as possible. We compiled a list of

Weather in Germany

Weather in Germany Germany has four distinct seasons — and each one comes with its own rhythm,rules, and vocabulary. From steady rain and freezing fog to summer stormsand winter frost, the weather plays a quiet but constant role in everyday lifelife. Understanding the weather also means understanding the language the Germans use to describe it. German Climate Germany’s climate is temperate and marine, with cold, cloudy winters and warm summers and in the south occasional warm föhn wind. The greater part of Germany lies in the cool/temperate climatic zone in

Germany month by month

Germany month by month We created a page for each month so you can find out what food is in season, what public holidays and festivals you can look forward to and information about the weather. If you want to read more about the weather conditions, check out our Weather in Germany page Related content Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email