European Foodie and Travel Blog©

Germany

Franconia’s traditional Folk clothing or Tracht

When growing up in Franconia, my parents took me to nearby villages for their Folk Parades. Franconia is in northern Bavaria, many of their costumes or Tracht have their roots from the Baroque period. The “Splendor of the Tracht” is celebrated in Ochsenfurter Gau. The richly decorated Tracht of Lower Franconia is not without reason […]

Germany

Travel Destinations

Cologne Cathedral- Germany’s most exciting Church

If you would take the train to Cologne, you practically step out of the Central station and see this immense historic Cathedral or Dom looming in front of you. This time we met up with daughter and family, who vacationed a couple days in Amsterdam, a three hour train ride away. To pick them up, we […]

Edelweiss flower in Austrian, Bavarian mountains

Allgemein

Germany

Southern Europe

Edelweiss, the “Eternal Flower”

The Alpine Edelweiss (also Leontopodium alpinum) is the only native plant in Central Europe representative of the approximately 40 known Edelweiss species, which are widespread in the mountains of Europe and Asia. It is found in the Alps, the Carpathians and in the Jura, where it settled after the last ice age as an immigrant […]

Southern Europe

Travel Destinations

Stift Melk and Dürnstein at the Danube

While staying in Weissenkirchen, Austria, and the wine region of Wachau, we did day trips to Vienna, the castle of Archduke Franz Ferdinand (Schloss Artstetten), and took a day cruise to Stift Melk. It was a week full of history and sightseeings Arriving at our Bed & Breakfast “Donauhof” Hotel Garni in Weissenkirchen. Wachau is […]

Sankt Bartholomae island, St. Bartholomä , Bavaria, Koenigssee

Germany

Travel Destinations

Crystal clear lakes awaits you near Berchtesgaden

A couple years back we drove through the Berchtesgadener Land, and before we arrived at the Königsee, we saw a “Zimmer frei” sign of an open vacancy at an B&B of those villages. We discovered the impressive natural scenery around the most famous mountain lake of Bavaria. We decided to take the boat – and […]

Germany

Main Course

Recipes

Sweet-sour and tangy Sauerbraten

A Sunday meal I remember growing up. That sweet and sour, tangy taste and smell you won’t forget. Some have to develop tastebuds for it. Sauerbraten can be a big hit a the dinner table, you can’t go wrong cooking for a big crowd. Plan for it way in advance, the marinating takes several days […]

Germany

Travel Destinations

Burg Eltz, the oldest castle with a unique architecture

Located between Koblenz and Trier, the castle is surrounded on three sides by the Elzbach River, a tributary on the north side of the Moselle My home base is not far, so I visit almost every year. Also see my tips and recommendations at the bottom. In 1157, the name Eltz was mentioned for the […]

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Germany

Southern Europe

Travel Destinations

Bavarian and Austrian Traditions, the Dirndl and Lederhosen

Born and raised in North Bavaria, it was natural for us to wear the traditional costumes or “Tracht” at least once a year to a festival. Sometimes I wore my Dirndl to the “Kiliani” Festival in Würzburg. Wearing the Tracht to the Town Festival or Biergarten is becoming popular in other parts in Germany, not […]

Veitshoechheim Weinwanderung, Winewalk, Weinschlendern

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Germany

Travel Destinations

What is a Winewalk or Weinwanderung?

In my hometown in Lower Franconia, wine cooperatives and winegrowers, wineries and regional restaurants organize so-called wine tours or wine hiking days from May to October. I have been at some of these Winewalks, and I truly enjoy it. The “Weinschlendern” as they also call it, started at the Restaurant Sonnenschein at the Main River […]

Travel Destinations

Western Europe

Amsterdam and its exciting and turbulent history

A couple years back we decided to drive to Amsterdam. I booked a hotel three days ahead online and got a good deal for three nights. While there, I found out that the hotel parking was $35. per day (or $5 an hour on the street). Therefor, I do not recommend to drive into Amsterdam […]

Breads and Pastry

Desserts

Recipes

Auszogne, a German/Austrian pastry

Auszogne, also called Knieküchle, is a traditional pastry of southern German and Austrian cuisine. They can be found in a Bavarian, Swabia, Frankonia, Austrian and Thuringia kitchen or bakery

Germany

Recipes

Spreads

Obatzta, a Bavarian Brie Spread

“Obatzda”, also called “Angemachter Camembert” in my Franconian circles, is a typical Bavarian spread made from Brie. It is served with a fresh Pretzel or Bauernbrot This spread includes Beer and Caraway seeds which is added in many Southern German dishes. Thinking about Bavarian Pork roast and Sauerkraut. I have an American friend who despised […]

Breads and Pastry

Desserts

Northern Europe

Recipes

Belgian Waffles in Brugge

These Waffles are stuck on my mind, because they are so exceptional, light and fluffy.

Germany

Travel Destinations

A Mosel cruise to Cochem

It was late August 2018 when we were staying at the Rhein. We started out early to drive to Koblenz and parked at the Görreplatz Parking garage, from where we walked down do the KD cruise dock landing. Unfortunately our Rhein day cruise, that was supposed to leave at 9 am to 8 pm, was […]

Southern Europe

Travel Destinations

Three days in Salzburg, Austria

On the way to Austria, we made a stop in the Salzburger Land (Salzburg area). It was late in the afternoon when we drove into the town of Grödig, only 6 km from Salzburg. We knocked on the door of this darling bed and breakfast “Landhaus Bachmann”. A friendly lady, which happened to be the […]

Main Course

Recipes

How the Weisswurst was born (Recipe)

The Viktualienmarkt is a Biergarten in the middle of Munich. There you can buy the famous Weisswurst. It is the custom that you eat the hot Weisswurst with a grainy sweet Mustard and Pretzel. Originally it was served before noon, now all day, in a covered soup bowl submerged in hot water.

Breads and Pastry

Desserts

Germany

Recipes

Käsesahne Torte, Cream Cake

One of my favorite Cakes or Tortes when sitting at a street cafe in Germany. It’s a little challenging for a beginner, but it’s worthwhile and tastes great! Best to start planning and preparing the cake 2 to 3 days before. The Cake bottom needs to be baked the day ahead and Cream topping should rest in the refrigerator approximately 12 hours to get firm

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Breads and Pastry

Germany

Recipes

Travel Destinations

German Bakeries and their Secret

I became a hobby baker when there were no bakeries with fresh breads available; basically out of necessity. So every time I am in Germany, I do my bakery run in the morning, since there are at least two of them in walking distance. I noticed a distinct difference between bakeries, so I did some reading. […]

Southern Europe

Travel Destinations

Sankt Gilgen, Wolfgangssee

Sankt Gilgen lies at the picturesque Wolfgangsee (Lake Wolfgang). Here it is easy to leave everyday life behind – use the numerous water sports or relax in peace at one of the sunny and idyllic beaches right on the lake.

Breads and Pastry

Desserts

Main Course

Recipes

Kaiserschmarrn, a traditional Austrian dish

While strolling through the cobblestone streets of Vienna, Austria, we stopped for lunch at Café Central (est. 1876) for some original Austrian food. The waiter highly recommended this Austrian dish Kaiserschmarrn is an original Austrian sweet dish, made from Palatschinken (pancake) dough. It was created for Kaiser Franz Joseph and Elisabeth (Sissi) in 1854. He […]

Germany

Main Course

Recipes

Käsespätzle, or Cheese Spaetzle

While on vacation in Sankt Gilgen, Austria I had this typical Austrian dish called Käsespatzen. It consists of Spaetzle noodles and grated hard cheese that is alternately stacked and garnished with fried onions. The Cheese Spaetzle are pushed into the hot oven after they have been layered, so that the Spaetzle does not cool down and the […]

Main Course

Recipes

German Goulash (Gulasch)

This Beef/Pork Goulash is our family tradition for the holidays. I prepare two large pots for my daughter and family, and also for the visiting neighbors and friends. We have Spätzle as a side, or wide Noodles. Some greens like Boston lettuce that complements the meal. Friends of my daughter always looking forward to my […]

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Germany

Travel Destinations

Historic Timbered Style Homes

My Grandparents half-timbered home (Fachwerk) in Dettelbach was built in 1560. They discovered it by chance when renovating it. Of course it has plumbing and electric for decades, it’s just the ceilings are really low and walls are crooked. The town has strict architectural guidelines. I was intrigued by Fachwerk growing up, and always wondered […]

Desserts

Recipes

Spaghetti Eis, and it’s surprising discovery

Most Ice Cafés (Eisdiele) are owned by first generation Italiens. In the afternoons and weekend you see many people sitting outside enjoying the Sun and eating Ice cream. Spaghetti Eis was discovered, not in Italy, but in Mannheim, of course by an Italien. The sweet creation of vanilla ice cream, whip cream and strawberry sauce […]

Germany

Travel Destinations

Three days in Rothenburg

While at a Family reunion in Lower Franconia, we did a side trip to Rothenburg for a friends destination wedding Arriving by train, we checked into a darling medieval B&B in the center of town from walking distance to the Marktplatz. We had an amazing time. I hope you enjoy my photos […]

Bavarian pork roast, Krustenbraten. Schweinebraten

Main Course

Recipes

Bavarian Pork Roast from my Childhood

Bayerischer Schweinebraten As a child, I remember waking up on a Sunday morning to the smell of my mothers Bavarian Pork Roast in the oven. She would go to the early church service, and then roast the Schweinebraten while we were gone to the later mass. At noon we were ready to sit at the […]

German Bauernbrot or whole wheat crusty bread

Breads and Pastry

Recipes

Mein Bauernbrot (No knead German Crusty Bread)

I became a bread baking enthusiast after watching a NY Times video of Sullivan Bakery in New York. It started as “It’s so easy, a four year old can do it”. I had to try, and I am hooked ever since.
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Germany

Travel Destinations

Germany Cost of Living

This information was compiled by Americans (German/Americans) who currently live in Germany, or go back and forth. Exchange rates make a difference, at that time January 2018 it was 1 Euro ~ $1.18. Update: At this time, August 2019, 1 Euro ~ $1.12 Per Facebook group ” Americans living in/considering moving to Germany “ 1. […]

Germany

Travel Destinations

Eisenach, the Martin Luther Saga and home of J.S. Bach

After an exciting week in Leipzig, we stopped in Eisenach and Erfurt and discovered those towns and their history Not far from Erfurt and to the West is Eisenach looking up to the Wartburg castle. Martin Luther, who was a monk, spoke out against church corruption and angered the Pope and Emperor, putting his life […]

Germany

Travel Destinations

Dresden should be on your Bucket list

Dresden is always worth a visit. Unfortunately it was almost completely destroyed in a firestorm allied bombing in February 1945. After so many years, it is now completely rebuilt. I have been there twice, first time in 2006, right after the Frauenkirche was erected, and at Christmas 2012 to visit the Dresdner Striezelmarkt At the […]

Germany

Travel Destinations

Germany’s highest Waterfall is in the Black Forest

A natural spectacle of a special kind is the waterfall in Triberg. Foaming and roaring, the waters of the Gutach river plunge down 163 meters. On the paths along the waterfall cascades, you will experience this magnificent natural wonder. We informed ourselves at descriptive boards about animals, plants and peculiarities of the waterfall area, We […]

Germany

Travel Destinations

Natures Wonder, the Externsteine

The Rock formation is exciting, because their cultural-historical significance is still not fully understood. It is known that the mountain chain originated about 80 million years ago. The Lower Cretaceous sandstone was placed vertically in the area of the Externsteine and since then shaped by erosion. Today, the stones can be climbed through two staircases. […]

Germany

Travel Destinations

A vacation spot in the North on the German Baltic Sea

In the north of the largest German Baltic Sea island, there on the peninsula Jasmund, extends a several kilometers bright white chalk coast The best-known formations are the “Stubbenkammer” and the 118 meters high Königsstuhl or king chair. The Swedish King Karl XII. fought a naval battle in 1715 against the Danes right there. Today, […]

Eastern European Travel

Main Course

Cevapcici, a Balkan Sausage

I ate this dish in the former Yugoslavia in 1986 (now Croatia) on the way to the famous Plitvicer Lakes. I always ordered a Grill Plate, it was a safe bet because of the language barrier. One way or another I ended up with Cevapcici, a Balkan sausage on my plate. Cevapcici, a Balkan Sausage […]

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Germany

An annoying Clock that is made in the Black Forest

The basic form of the housing has been modeled since the mid-19th century usually a “Bahnwärterhäuschen” with pitched roof and decorated with more or less intricately carved wood ornaments. The acoustic cuckoo time signal is movably mounted in the housing behind a door-like flap. It is usually swung open and one or more cuckoo calls […]