Daylight Savings Time in Germany: History, Timing, and Impact
Daylight Saving Time (DST) is a practice where clocks are moved forward by one hour during the warmer months to extend evening daylight and moved back again as winter approaches
October in Germany often brings mild, sunny weather, known as a Goldener Oktober (Golden October). As the leaves change to vibrant shades of yellow, red, orange, and brown, it’s the perfect season to capture stunning nature photography.
For wine enthusiasts, a drive along the German Wine Route offers a picturesque journey through the country’s oldest scenic wine road. Discover more about this iconic route on the Tripsavvy website.
Take a relaxing boat ride on one of Germany’s majestic rivers, such as the Rhine or the Neckar. The breathtaking views of autumn-kissed vineyards make for an unforgettable experience.
October is also a great time to enjoy hiking through Germany’s beautiful landscapes. Just ensure you’re equipped with suitable clothing and footwear for the crisp weather.
If the weather turns chilly, why not try indoor sports? Whether it’s indoor soccer, squash, badminton (das Federballspiel), volleyball, handball, or even ice skating, there are plenty of ways to stay active and have fun indoors.
Enjoy all that autumn in Germany has to offer!
Time Zone
Central European Time (CET) – During summer, Germany is on the same time as South Africa. But on Sunday, 26 October, the clocks are turned back one hour as we return to standard time.
Season
Autumn.
The days are noticeably shorter, mornings grow misty, and forests blaze with rich shades of gold, amber, and crimson. Temperatures dip, yet remain pleasant enough for brisk walks, harvest festivals, and cozy afternoons in cafés.
Weather
October in Germany ushers in cooler weather, with daytime temperatures usually ranging from 10°C to 16°C, and evenings turning noticeably chilly. Rainfall increases, and misty mornings become common, while forests glow in brilliant autumn colours. The mix of crisp air, golden light, and shifting skies makes it a picturesque but cooler month, hinting at the winter to come.
Fun Activities
- Forest Walks
- Wine Harvest Festivals (Weinfeste)
- Pumpkin Festivals
- Indoor Cinema
- Cycling along the Rhine or Elbe
- Castle Day Trips
- Cosy Cafe Hopping
- Opera, Theatre, Ballet
- Stargazing Nights
Public Holidays and Observations
No Events
Festivals and events
No Events
Festivals and events
The most famous festival in Germany is the Oktoberfest in Munich. Another great beer fest to visit is the Cannstatter Volksfest in Stuttgart. Autumn is also a time for wine festivals. If you love Pumpkins, head out to Ludwigsburg for the biggest Pumpkin festival in the world. Farmers throughout the region will soon begin their harvest, a time marked by the traditional “Erntedankfest,” or harvest festival.
Savoy cabbage (der Wirsing) is a versatile and delicious vegetable that can add depth and flavour to a wide variety of dishes. Its crinkly green leaves are milder and more delicate than white cabbage, and it’s packed with vitamins C and K, as well as fibre.
In Germany, you’ll often come across Rahm-Wirsing – savoy cabbage braised in cream – served as a hearty side dish to roasts or schnitzel. Wirsing also finds its way into soups, stews, casseroles, and even stuffed cabbage rolls.
Here are some recipe ideas if you’d like to experiment:
👉 Savoy cabbage recipes – BBC Good Food
During the autumn season, the markets and farms are vibrant with an abundant variety of squashes and pumpkins waiting to be discovered and savoured. Don’t miss out on the chance to explore the many shapes and sizes of these delicious vegetables. Among the popular varieties you’ll find are butternut, acorn, spaghetti, kabocha, and sugar pumpkins, each offering its own unique taste and culinary possibilities.
More information about the varieties of squashes and pumpkins.
Try a hearty pumpkin soup with pumpkin seed oil or Stuffed Hokkaido Pumpkin.
There are many hidden gems in the world of seasonal vegetables, and the Black Salsify, also known as scorzonera, is definitely one of them. Although not as well-known as some other vegetables, like broccoli or carrots, Black Salsify offers a unique flavour and texture that is sure to impress those who are willing to try it.
In fact, it is so special that in Germany, it is known as “die Schwarzwurzel“.
If you’re looking to expand your culinary horizons and try something new, Black Salsify is definitely worth considering.
For Oktoberfest, Munich’s breweries craft a special Festbier to mark the occasion. Traditionally, this was a Märzen bier, but since 1970, it has been replaced by a lighter, more refreshing lager that’s perfect for the festivities.
The difference between Festbier and Märzen. More information about Marzën bier
Are you feeling cold? Do you want to warm up and feel cosy? Well, there’s nothing better than some delicious and hearty food to make you feel warm both inside and out. You should definitely try deer goulash (das Hirschgulasch), which is a savoury and rich stew made with tender pieces of deer meat and served with red cabbage.
A beloved autumn dessert, this flaky pastry is filled with spiced apples, raisins, and a touch of cinnamon. Best enjoyed warm, it pairs perfectly with vanilla sauce, whipped cream, or a scoop of ice cream. With apples at their peak in October, Apfelstrudel is a sweet taste of the season.
Fruit and veggies in season
Vocabulary
| English | Deutsch |
|---|---|
| Autumn | der Herbst |
| Autumn leaves | die Herbstblätter |
| Savoy Cabbage | der Wirsing |
| Black Salsify | die Schwarzwurzel |
| Pumpkin | der Kürbis |
| Pumpkin seed oil | das Kürbiskernöl |
| Apples | die Äpfel |
| Turnips | die Steckrüben |
| Quinces | die Quitten |
| Elderberries | die Holunderbeeren |
| Wintertime changeover | die Winterzeitumstellung |
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