Travel in the Schengen Area
Travel within the Schengen Area “The Schengen Area is a zone comprised of 29 European states which have officially abolished passports and other types of border control at their mutual
Most people in Germany take their summer holidays in either July, August or September.
For most Germans, Spain is the number one summer holiday destination, with Mallorca being the most popular island to visit. Greece and Italy are also highly sought-after locations, with their beautiful beaches and rich history. Another great summer holiday destination is Malta, where they speak English and offer a unique blend of European and North African cultures.
If you’re looking to stay closer to home, there are plenty of amazing travel destinations within Germany to choose from. The Ostsee, Nordsee, Sylt, and Lake Constance are just a few of the top-rated destinations that offer beautiful scenery, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Time Zone
During July, Germany is on Central European Summer Time (CEST), which means the country is currently the same time as South Africa. This one-hour shift began on the last Sunday in March and will remain in effect until the last Sunday in October, when Germany switches back to standard time (CET) and becomes one hour behind South Africa again.
Season
Summer.
July is in the height of summer, bringing long, sun-filled days, warm temperatures, and a lively, outdoor atmosphere. It’s a time for swimming in lakes, enjoying Braais and beer gardens, and making the most of the school holidays. Towns and cities come alive with festivals, open-air concerts, and the scent of strawberries and sunscreen.
Weather
Sunshine is abundant, and the weather is generally pleasant, though occasional thunderstorms can roll in during the late afternoon. Average temperatures range between 18°C and 27°C, with some regions—especially in the south—experiencing peaks above 30°C. It’s the perfect time for outdoor activities, swimming, and enjoying the relaxed summer atmosphere across the country.
Travel Inspiration
The weather is perfect for outdoor activities and al fresco dining. The Germans calls a braai grilling, and they like to grill sausages, vegetables, and even cheese. There are some rules around braaing at your home and also for doing it in a public space.
Tourist accommodation types
Types of Tourist accommodation in Germany Germany, known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s
Outdoors
In summer, public swimming facilities (Freibad) will be open to visitors. Other options are to swim at a beach, a Baggersee or a lake.
You can find a list of all the lakes (der See/Seen) in Germany on this website.
Other outdoor activities that are very popular during summer are hiking and biking. There are many websites and apps available with easy-to-follow routes.
Most fruit trees will be heavy with fruit by now. In Germany, there are rules about when you are allowed to pick fruit from trees that do not belong to you. The general rule is that if the trees belong to a fruit farmer you are not allowed to pick the fruit, if the trees do not belong to a fruit farmer, then you can pick fruit for your own use.
For each Bundesland, there might be different rules. Here is a short article about it (in German).
Websites with more information on where you can go pick fruit, also from farmers, are Mundraub and https://www.streuobstwiesen-boerse.de/,
The weather is perfect for outdoor activities and al fresco dining. The Germans calls a braai grilling, and they like to grill sausages, vegetables, and even cheese. There are some rules around braaing at your home and also for doing it in a public space.
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
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
Fun Activities
- Visit a Biergarten
- Swim in a See
- Attend a Stadtfest or Sommerfest
- Go Strawberry or Berry Picking
- Catch an Open-Air Concert or Movie
- Take a Scenic Bike Ride
- Enjoy a Grillabend - or just Braai
- Join a Wine Hike (Weinwanderung)
- Explore a Schloss or Castle Garden
- Cool Off in a Freibad
Public Holidays and Observations
| Date | Holiday | Information | States | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 July | International Friendship Day | A day to celebrate the value of friendship across cultures and borders. | All | Observation |
| 27 July | World Nature Conservation Day | A day to raise awareness about protecting natural resources and wildlife. | All | Observation |
Festivals and events
- Kiliani Volksfest
- Zelt Musik Festival Freiburg
- Kaltenberger Ritterturnier
- Kinderzeche in Dinkelsbühl (traditional dancing, parades)
- Das Ulmer Nabada
- Klassik Open Air Nuremberg ( free classical concerts and fireworks)
- Ulmer Volkfest
- Sommerwerft Frankfurt (theatre and arts festival)
- Bardentreffen Music Festival Nuremberg
- Internationales Donau Fest
- Reihn in Flammen Bingen Rüdesheim
- Melt Festival (Indie Rock) near Wittenberg
- Wine Festival in Freiburg
World Children’s Day (Weltkindertag)
Weltkindertag, celebrated on September 20th, is dedicated to honouring children’s rights and well-being in Germany. Schools, kindergartens, and communities often organise special events, games, and activities to give children a joyful day. In some federal states, such as Thuringia and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, it’s even a public holiday. The day also carries
World Children’s Day (Weltkindertag)
Weltkindertag, celebrated on September 20th, is dedicated to honouring children’s rights and well-being in Germany. Schools, kindergartens, and communities often organise special events, games, and activities to give children a joyful day. In some federal states, such as Thuringia and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, it’s even a public holiday. The day also carries
World Children’s Day (Weltkindertag)
Weltkindertag, celebrated on September 20th, is dedicated to honouring children’s rights and well-being in Germany. Schools, kindergartens, and communities often organise special events, games, and activities to give children a joyful day. In some federal states, such as Thuringia and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, it’s even a public holiday. The day also carries
World Children’s Day (Weltkindertag)
Weltkindertag, celebrated on September 20th, is dedicated to honouring children’s rights and well-being in Germany. Schools, kindergartens, and communities often organise special events, games, and activities to give children a joyful day. In some federal states, such as Thuringia and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, it’s even a public holiday. The day also carries
Start of Autumn (Herbstanfang – astronomical)
The astronomical start of autumn (Herbstanfang) in Germany usually falls on September 22nd or 23rd, marked by the autumn equinox when day and night are nearly equal in length. Unlike the meteorological date, this change is tied to the Earth’s position relative to the sun. While not a public holiday,
Start of Autumn (Herbstanfang – astronomical)
The astronomical start of autumn (Herbstanfang) in Germany usually falls on September 22nd or 23rd, marked by the autumn equinox when day and night are nearly equal in length. Unlike the meteorological date, this change is tied to the Earth’s position relative to the sun. While not a public holiday,
Start of Autumn (Herbstanfang – astronomical)
The astronomical start of autumn (Herbstanfang) in Germany usually falls on September 22nd or 23rd, marked by the autumn equinox when day and night are nearly equal in length. Unlike the meteorological date, this change is tied to the Earth’s position relative to the sun. While not a public holiday,
Start of Autumn (Herbstanfang – astronomical)
The astronomical start of autumn (Herbstanfang) in Germany usually falls on September 22nd or 23rd, marked by the autumn equinox when day and night are nearly equal in length. Unlike the meteorological date, this change is tied to the Earth’s position relative to the sun. While not a public holiday,
Annual Bring & Braai in Happurg near Nuremberg
Pack your cooler, bring your tjoppies, and come spend a proper summer afternoon with fellow South Africans in Germany 🌞 This much-loved annual Bring & Braai is back! After outgrowing the garden, we’re once again meeting at the beautiful Baggersee Happurg — and honestly, it doesn’t get better than this.
Golden, sun-kissed, and only around for a short summer spell — Mirabelle plums are little jewels of July. Their honeyed sweetness bursts on the tongue, perfect for popping straight into your mouth or transforming into compotes, tarts, or even schnapps. Don’t miss these golden orbs while they’re in season — they’re summer in fruit form.
For the best ice cream experience in Germany, head to one of the many Italian-run Eisdielen—they’re true masters of gelato. A favourite flavour is Stracciatella – Creamy vanilla ice cream with crunchy bits of chocolate. Be sure to try Spaghetti Eis, a whimsical and delicious creation where vanilla ice cream is pressed into spaghetti-like strands, topped with strawberry sauce and white chocolate “Parmesan.” It’s a summer classic that’s as fun to eat as it is tasty—don’t leave Germany without trying it!
Berries like Strawberries (Erdbeeren), Red currant berries (Johannisbeeren), Blueberries (Blaubeeren) and Cherries (Kirschen) are all in season.
Make your own Rote Grütze and serve it with Ice cream, Milchreis or pudding. You can find some more recipes here.
Kick back and soak up the sunshine with a refreshing cocktail in hand. Try an Aperol Spritz, a classic Italian favourite with a splash of orange zest and sparkling soda water, or the Hugo, a fragrant mix of elderflower, mint, and Prosecco. Both are the perfect drinks to elevate your summer relaxation. Also try a Radler, Weinschorle or a Kir Royal
A true taste of the German summer, Zwetschgen — the slender, dusky cousins of regular plums — are the star of many a beloved July dessert. Their tangy-sweet flavour shines brightest in the iconic Zwetschgenkuchen or Zwetschgendatschi, sold in bakeries all over the country. Best enjoyed with a generous swirl of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Can’t find Zwetschgen? Mirabellen make a charming stand-in.
With its ruby-red stalks and sharp, tangy bite, rhubarb is a July favourite in German kitchens. You’ll find it starring in Rhabarberkuchen and Rhabarberkompott, where its tartness meets sugar in a glorious balancing act of flavour. Whether nestled into a buttery crust or simmered into a silky compote, rhubarb brings a nostalgic zing that tastes like Oma’s garden in full bloom.
Vocabulary
| German Barbecue | das Grillfest |
| a state or feeling of warmth, friendliness, and good cheer. | die Gemütlichkeit |
| Man-made quarry filled with water | der Baggersee |
| Lake | der See |
| Ocean | das Meer |
| Beach | Beach |
| Vacation | der Urlaub |
| Trip | die Reise |
| Accommodation | die Unterkunft |
| Streuobstwiesen | Man-made Orchards and a form of fruit growing that is designed for multiple uses. The tall trees that are “scattered” in the landscape carry various fruits such as apples, pears, cherries, plums or walnuts. The meadow can be used as pastureland. |
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