10. Grilling (BBQ Is a Big Deal Here)
If there’s sun, someone is grilling.
- Balconies, parks, lakesides, and tiny backyards turn into BBQ zones.
- People bring their own portable grills to the park and it’s totally legal in designated areas.
- Classic grill foods: bratwurst, marinated steaks, veggie skewers, and tons of sauces.
Tip: Some parks (like Berlin’s Tempelhofer Feld) even have public grilling zones.
11. Reading in the Sun (No Kindle Needed)
Germany has one of the highest book readership rates in the world, and it shows in summer.
Parks are full of people reading:
- Crime novels
- Poetry
- Philosophical paperbacks in German so dense you’d need a nap after one page
Want to blend in? Bring a real book, lie on a blanket, and occasionally look contemplative.
12. Exploring Small Towns on Foot
Summer is the perfect time for day trips to lesser-known places:
- Quedlinburg – one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Germany.
- Meersburg – castle views and lake vibes near Lake Constance.
- Bamberg – charming canals and smoky beer.
- Wernigerode, Tübingen, Görlitz — you’ll feel like you walked into a storybook.
Germans love these quiet escapes. A slow stroll, a slice of cake, and a walk by the river is a perfect Saturday plan.
13. Chasing Sunsets (Because They’re Rare and Golden)
The sunsets in Germany during summer are long and soft and full of color.
Locals gather by rivers, on rooftops, or just lean out their windows with a glass of wine. Some parks fill up around 8 or 9 PM with people just watching the sky shift to gold and pink.
And honestly? It’s the simplest pleasure of them all and maybe the best.
German Summer Is Quietly Beautiful
It’s not flashy like Spain. It’s not tropical like Bali. But there’s something very grounding about a German summer. It teaches you to slow down, go outside, eat ice cream, and be present. You don’t need a perfect body, a beach tan, or a jam-packed itinerary. All you need is a bike, a towel, and a little bit of sun. If you ever get the chance to live or travel in Germany during summer, take it all in. And take your time.
Have you spent summer in Germany?
Or are you planning to?
Share your favorite summer moment or question in the comments below 👇
