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South Africans in Germany

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    Summer in Germany is closely tied to travel season, with most people taking their main holidays between July and September. For many Germans, Spain remains the favourite summer escape, with Mallorca continuing to top the list as the most visited island destination. Greece and Italy are also extremely popular thanks to their sunny coastlines, charming villages, historic landmarks, and relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.

    Another much-loved destination is Malta, where English is widely spoken and visitors can enjoy a fascinating mix of European and North African influences, crystal-clear waters, and rich cultural history.

    For those wanting to stay closer to home, Germany offers no shortage of beautiful summer destinations. The Ostsee, Nordsee, Sylt, and Lake Constance are among the country’s most popular holiday regions, offering everything from sandy beaches and scenic landscapes to cycling routes, lakeside towns, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly activities.

    Time Zone

    CET / CEST
    Same time as South Africa

    Season

    Summer
    Peak outdoor season

    Weather

    22–30°C typical
    Hot afternoons, warm evenings
    Occasional thunderstorms and heatwaves

    Daylight

    Sunrise ~05:20
    Sunset ~21:30
    Up to 16 hours of daylight

    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.

    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

    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

    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

    Braai Season

    Summer has finally arrived in Germany — and with it, that unmistakable itch to light the fire, gather your people, and kuier around the braai.But before you strike the

    Fun Activities

    Annual Observations

    No Events

    Public Holidays

    No Events

    Festivals and events

    Events listed on our Website

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    Wine and Opera Pairing at the Studio

    You are invited to an exclusive wine tasting experience in a friendly and interactive setting amidst art and music. This special evening will feature 5 exceptional South African wines paired with extraordinary opera arias performed live by your host, professional mezzo-soprano, Summer Carne. Includes Taste 5 exquisite wines. Live opera

    A Taste of July in Germany

    July in Germany is a feast of colour, flavour, and long summer evenings. Markets and cafés overflow with seasonal favourites like sweet berries, juicy Mirabellen, fresh rhubarb desserts, creamy ice cream, and refreshing summer drinks enjoyed in beer gardens and at outdoor festivals. It’s the time of year for simple meals, fresh ingredients, and sitting outside late into the evening while making the most of the warm weather and endless daylight.

    Mirabellen

    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.

    Ice Cream

    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

    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.

    Summer Drinks

    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 

    Zwetschgen

    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.

    Rhubarb

    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.

    Fruit and veggies in season

    Vocabulary

    English German
    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 der Strand / der Badestrand
    Vacation der Urlaub
    Trip die Reise
    Accommodation die Unterkunft
    Man-made orchards and a traditional form of fruit growing designed for multiple uses. Tall trees scattered across the landscape carry apples, pears, cherries, plums, or walnuts, while the meadow below can also be used as pastureland. die Streuobstwiesen

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