It’s true that Germany is full of famous, spectacular things to explore. However, if you go beyond the tourist attractions, you’ll discover a side of Germany that’s quirky, surprising and sometimes downright weird but incredibly unique.
Let us take you on a tour of Germany’s offbeat attractions that guarantee super-interesting Instagram posts and amazing stories to go with them.
Also read: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Germany
Spreuerhofstrasse, the world’s narrowest street
This lane between two buildings in Reutlingen, Baden-Württemberg, is rather cracked, featured in the Guinness World Records as the world’s narrowest street. Spreuerhofstrasse measures 31 centimeters at its narrowest and 50 centimeters at its widest.
Spreuerhofstrasse, Reutlingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
The most beautiful milk shop in the world
Another entry in the Guinness World Records is Pfunds Milkery, Dresden – the proud winner of the title of world’s most beautiful dairy. There may not be many contenders for this title, but the beauty of Pfunds Molkerei is undeniable.
The interior of this 1880s architecture is done in hand-painted gold and blue Villeroy and Boch ceramic tiles, with angels, cherubs and creatures. Locals and tourists flock to this shop to soak up the atmosphere and get delicious milk, cheese, cream liqueurs, chocolates and more.
Merchants Bridge, Erfurt
The Merchant’s Bridge (Krämerbrücke), Erfurt, has been around since 1325, when it was built to span a trade route. The unique aspect of this bridge is that residential houses, shops and restaurants are built on it end to end. At the east end of Merchants Bridge rises the tower of Egidienkirche Church.
Kramerbrücke, Erfurt, Germany
The Great Heidelberg Toon
The Great Heidelberg Tun is an impressively large wine vat housed in the cellars of Heidelberg Castle. Built with wood from 130 oak trees, the vat has a capacity of 219,000 liters (57,854 gallons).
Today, it is not used to store wine but is a popular tourist attraction. To add to the fun, a dance floor has been built on top of the wat, accessible by a short staircase.
Heidelberg Castle, Schlosshof 1, Heidelberg, Germany
An upside-down house
The Kopf Uber Haus (Upside Down House) in Putbus, Rügen Island, is just what its name promises – a house standing on its head with a wine cellar on top! This place is sure to draw endless giggles and provide the most amazing photo opportunities.
After all, where else can you get a flawless living room hanging from the ceiling or standing on your head over a kid’s table?
Head Over House, Lauterbacher Str. 10, Putbus, Germany
Gosek Circle
At first glance, it is a random set of concentric pits and two fence rings. But let us blow your mind by telling you that the Gosek Circle is a Neolithic hang structure believed to be the remains of the world’s first solar observatory, dating back to the 49th century BC.
Traces of ritual fire and human bones suggest that the circle was also used for human sacrifice. Gosek Circle offers public tours.
Sonnenobservatorium Gosack, Gosack, Germany
Friede sei mit Dir (Peace be with you)
You’ll find this very strange and controversial artwork on the walls outside the editor’s office of Berlin’s left-wing Tagzeitung (Taz) newspaper. It was created by artist Peter Lenk and depicts a naked man with his penis reaching five stories.
Peace be with you, Charlottenstrasse 85, Berlin, Germany,
Frankenstein Castle
Frankenstein Castle (Berg Frankenstein) sits on a hill in Odelwald, and is believed to be the inspiration for the eponymous novel. Johann Konrad Dippel, an eccentric scientist known for experimenting with human body parts, once lived in the castle.
That, combined with its setting in the middle of dark forests and narrow valleys, makes this castle one of the scariest places in Germany. Every Halloween, the castle holds a big, “scary” Halloween event.
Frankenstein Castle, 64367, Frankenstein Castle, Muehltal , Germany
A thousand year old rose tree
The world’s oldest rose tree clings to the walls of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Hildesheim, blooming in pale pink roses every summer. It is believed that the bush was planted in the year 800,
The cathedral was built at that time. The bush was completely burnt down during the Second World War, but miraculously re-emerged from its ashes. Today, each of its main roots has a name and the bush is protected by an iron fence.
St. Mary’s Cathedral, Domhof 17, Hildesheim 31134, Germany
KunsthofPassage Singing Drain Pipes
The Kunsthofpassage Singing Drain Pipes is a wonderful example of art and music. When it rains, the drops travel through the network of gutters, pipes and drains to create a highly enjoyable orchestra.
Kunsthofpassage, Görlitzer Str. 21-25, Dresden, Germany
Saalfeld Ferry Grottoes
The Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes have been officially named the “Most Colorful Grottoes in the World” by Guinness World Records. These caves are known for their fascinating colorful mineral formations. Public tours through the grotto are informative, interactive and enjoyable for both adults and children.
Saalfeld Ferry Grottoes, Fangrotenweg 2, Saalfeld/Saale, Germany,
