Reason #18 Why I Love Germany: Parks in Germany

The 18th reason why I love Germany are all the parks in Germany and the fact that the parks in Germany actually get a lot of use.  I find this different than in Canada where some parks get a lot of use but many don't.  My theory is that in Canada, many people have back yards where they can put swing sets, or sit outside on their patio, so Canadians enjoy the outdoors, but they just in their own backyards.

In Germany it's quite different.  Many Germans do not have a back yard as real estate in Germany is very expensive and perhaps this lack of outdoor space drives them to the parks in Germany.  Regardless of whether this theory is right, I enjoy seeing families and friends having a picnic at a park in Germany and seeing playgrounds filled with energetic children.  Parks in Germany are also frequently around historic sites.  In Stuttgart the Schlossplatz is a popular park in Germany where you get a front row view of the Neusschschloss.  The parks in Germany are another reason why I love Germany.  If you love Germany, check out Expat in Germany.

Parks in Germany photo above is of the Schlossplatz in Stuttgart.  Courtesy of author.

Reason #15 Why I Love Germany: The Rose Garden at the New Castle in Stuttgart

The #15 reason why I love Germany is the rose garden on the side of the New Castle (Neue Schloss) in Stuttgart.  The New Castle in Stuttgart is stunning and the front of the castle rightly so gets all the attention with the Schlossplatz directly in front.  What could be better than lounging in front of a castle?  While this is one of my favorite things to do, I also love the more serene rose gardens on the side of the New Castle in Stuttgart.  Don't get me wrong, it's still busy, but its less busy and just seems more peaceful to me.  It must be all the roses that have the effect of making the space feel so tranquil and calm, even though it is just steps away from the bustling Konig Strasse.  Fortunately for me, it's right on my home from German school, and after a particularly frustrating day of trying to understand German grammar it never fails to calm me down after just spending a couple of minutes there.  Yes, the Rose Garden at the New Castle in Stuttgart is the 15th reason why I love Germany.   If you love Germany, check out Expat in Germany.

Reason #14 Why I Love Germany: Vineyards in Germany

Vineyards in Germany overlooking the charming city of Stuttgart

The 14th reason I love Germany are all the vineyards in Germany.  I am fortunate to live in Stuttgart, a charming city in a valley lined with vineyards, with over 250 different wines coming from the region, many of them very reasonably priced.  

Soon the vineyards in Germany will be a busy place - grape picking time!

An additional bonus of vineyards in Germany, is that many of them have walking paths through them so you can not only enjoy the great views offered by the vineyards, but also check on the status of the grapes, to see when next season's wine will be ready.  The Stuttgarter Weindorf is a wine festival held every August which wine lovers anticipate all year long. You can see why vineyards in Germany are another reason why I love Germany!  Prost!

Reason #12 Why I Love Germany: Alpine Flowers

These beautiful alpine flowers were everywhere we went.

The #12 reason why I love Germany are the alpine flowers.  We went hiking in Germany this past weekend and even though we are well into September the alpine flowers were still blooming.  I love the long growing season here for alpine flowers, well all flowers actually.  But the alpine flowers can speak for themselves much better than I ever could:

A bright yellow alpine flower with dainty petals

I love the contrast of white alpine flowers against the green grass

Alpine flowers that have just finished blooming

More of these beautiful alpine flowers

I think you can see why the alpine flowers are another reason why I love Germany.

Reason #11: Why I Love Germany: Cow Bells

A cow proudly showing off her cow bell.

The #11 reason why I love Germany is that in southern Germany and northern Austria, you frequently hear the cling-clang of cow bells, also known as "Almgocke" in German.  There are a lot of cows in southern Germany and it can actually be quite noisy, but I love the sound of the cow bells, especially when hiking.  To a large extent, cows have free range of the hills so you can even hear the cow bells even when you are quite high up.  I find the sound rather encouraging as I hike higher and higher and grow wearier and wearier.



Another cow, another cow bell

 Cow bells serve the purpose of keeping track of any cows that are drifting too far away or those that have managed to get lost.  The cow bells make it much easier to find the cows.  Being from Canada, I must admit this concept is lost on me.  In Canada, especially where I grew up,  there are also a lot of cows in much bigger pastures than in Germany and the cows in Canada don't wear cow bells. 

While I love the sounds of cow bells, cows get up rather early, so I would not recommend camping near cows or sleeping with a window open near cows. 

If you do, you will most definitely not need an alarm clock as the cow bells will provide a nice 5:00 am ish wake up call.  As long as I'm not sleeping near cows, cow bells are another reason why I love Germany.  If you love Germany, check out Expat in Germany

Reason #8 Why I Love Germany: Flowers in Germany

Flowers in Germany are everywhere - yet another reason why I love Germany!

The #8 reason I love Germany is because of all the flowers in Germany.  Germans take pride in their housing, regardless of whether they rent or own, regardless of the size, and regardless of the area they live, cheerful flowers are found everywhere.   In apartment buildings it's very common to see window boxes filled with flowers.  Houses or town houses usually only have a very small yard and it's usually full of cheerful colorful flowers as well.  I really respect how well Germans take care of their homes and the little touches they make to make their home more inviting - such as flowers.  Fresh flowers on the table are also common in Germany and can be bought at a reasonable price at markets.  Sunflowers are in season at the moment and they are everywhere.  Coming from Canada which has a very short growing season, I love having flowers in bloom for much longer than I'm used to.  On a gray cloudy day, nothing cheers you up faster than looking at colorful flowers and fortunately they're found everywhere in Germany, which is another reason why I love Germany.
If you love Germany check out Expat in Germany

Reason #7 Why I Love Germany: Dresden Historical Center

The Frauenkirsche, the most famous landmark in the Dresden Historical Center

The #7 reason I love Germany is the Dresden historical center.  In WWII, approximately 75% of the Dresden Historical Center was bombed, but Germany has done an exceptional job of restoring the Dresden Historical center to its former glory.   Dresden is a popular tourist spot with Germans, but not as much so for international tourists.  Germans love the Dresden Historical Center.  My German fiance insisted that I see the Dresden Historical Center so we drove over 500km just to see it.  It was worth the long trip - a palace, cathedral, church, opera house, place for court festivities, museums,you name it, you can find it in the Dresden Historical Center.  Dresden Historical Center is best seen in person or if that's not possible in photos.  Now can you see why the Dresden Historical Center is another reason I love Germany.  If you love Germany check out Expat in Germany

The Royal Palace in the Dresden Historical Center, another reason I love Germany

The Zwinger - a place where court festivities were held in the Dresden Historical Center. 

The cathedral in the Dresden Historical Center.

#6 Reason I Love Germany: Dogs in Germany

Dogs in Germany are friendly and well behaved

The #6 reason I love Germany are the well behaved dogs in Germany.  I've never seen such well behaved dogs anywhere!  Fortunately, dogs in Germany are well loved and Germans teach their dogs obedience through positive reinforcement.  I have yet to see a German yell at their dog. 

The only dog I've seen misbehaving was an English guy's dog, that kept barking and leaping at other dogs.  A German lady in front of him promptly told him in English that his dog needed more discipline.  When he ignored her, she just sniffed and said "Hmmm...clearly this is dog doesn't have any German education."  The English guy continued to ignore her but my cousin and I burst out laughing.  I don't know how they train dogs in Germany, but I do know that dogs in Germany are well cared for and very obedient dogs.  As an animal lover, this is another reason why I love Germany. If you love Germany, check out Expat in Germany

#5 Reason I Love Germany: Farm Houses in the Black Forest

A charming farm house in a valley in the Black Forest

The #5 reason I love Germany are the farm houses in the Black Forest.  Nestled into valleys in the Black Forest, they look so idyllic and tranquil that it feels like you are stepping back in time.  We did a hike starting in Simonswald, and were lucky to pass several of these charming farm houses in which we tried to get a glimpse into farm life in the Black Forest.

A farm house in the Black Forest just 200 m from a gorgeous waterfall

I'm sure it looked much more idyllic than it really is, as farming is hard work, but that didn't enter into our thoughts as we dreamily envisioned our new life in the Black Forest.  Take a drive through the Black Forest and you will soon see why the farm houses in the Black Forest are another reason that i love Germany.

See also:  Hiking in the Black Forest and the Black Forest, Places to Visit in Germany and A Photo Journey To the Black Forest

#4 Reason I Love Germany

The #4 reason I love Germany is being called "Frau" .... or "Ms" or "Mrs." in English.  Nothing makes you feel like you are in Germany faster than hearing yourself called "Frau ...."  Germans are much more formal than we are in North America, so you hear this a lot - when I'm at German school, dealing with my landlord....  It's hard not to burst out laughing when someone calls me "Frau."  I'm sure at some point this lose its entertainment value, but for now, it's another reason I love Germany.  If you love Germany, check out Expat in Germany.

#3 Reason I Love Germany

#2 Reason I love Germany, the walking paths around the Baeren Schloss

The #3 reason I love Germany is the abundance of walking paths (Germans love their nature).  Most of which lead to a cafe of some sorts, usually serving a nice selection of delicious cakes and coffee.  Going for a walk, stopping for a cappuccino, then finishing our walk is our Sunday ritual.  One of our favourite places are the forested paths around the Baeren Schloss (Bear Castle) near Schloss Solitude (Solitude Castle) in Stuttgart with its BBQ facilities and lakes, making it a popular spot for both families and couples.  Another reason I love Germany. If you love Germany, check out Expat in Germany

#2 Reason I love Germany, the paths around the Baeren Schloss

#2 Reason I Love Germany - Cheese Spatzle

Cheese spatzle, another reason I love Germany

The #2 reason I love Germany is the cheese spatzle.  Spatzle is a noodle dish from the states of Baden Würtemberg and Bavaria.  Fortunately I happen to live in Stuttgart, the capital of Baden Würtemberg, so there's no shortage of cheese spatzle.  Unfortunately, I have a gluten allergy, so I have to buy a special cheese spatzle made with rice flour that I make at home.  Sampling the regional cuisine is a must anytime you go anywhere new and fortunately for me I happen to love the local specialty, cheese spatzle.  Another reason I love Germany.  If you love Germany, check out Food and Drink in Germany Vs Canada.

#1 Reason I Love Germany

The #1 reason I love Germany is an easy one, it's because J.P. my German fiance is here.  After two years of having an ocean and 8000km between us, it's the best feeling on earth to see him everyday and enjoy the simple pleasures of eating dinner together, enjoying a glass of wine on our balcony, watching our cats play, taking walks after dinner through vineyards, playing board games and so on.  There are many reasons I love Germany, but the #1 reason is the most important - J.P. is here.

Photo of the #1 reason I love Germany in Hamburg