For many expats, summer in Germany can feel like the country truly comes alive. After the long, gray winters, the German summer is a season filled with color, activity, and joy. Streets and parks bustle with people, lakes become social hubs, and the air is often scented with grilled sausages and fresh beer. Germans make the most of their warm-weather months—and if you’re living here, it’s the perfect time to immerse yourself in the culture.
In this guide, we’ll explore how Germans celebrate summer—from beloved seasonal foods and unique traditions to the lively festivals that make the warmer months unforgettable.
1. The Shift in Social Life: Outdoors, Always
One of the most immediate changes you’ll notice when summer hits Germany is the mass migration outside. Sidewalk cafés, riverbanks, and public parks are filled with people soaking in the sun, reading books, sipping drinks, or just lying in the grass.
Picknicks and Seezeit
Spending time at local lakes (“Seen”) is almost a summer ritual in Germany. Whether it’s Berlin’s Wannsee, Munich’s Starnberger See, or countless hidden gems in rural areas, Germans pack up coolers, grab towels, and head out for a relaxing afternoon. Public swimming pools (Freibäder) and natural swimming spots (Badestellen) are especially popular.
Grillen (Barbecuing)
Barbecue culture, or Grillen, is a major part of German summers. Many parks and designated green spaces allow grilling, and it’s not uncommon to find groups of friends gathered around disposable grills with beer in hand, sausages sizzling, and portable speakers providing the soundtrack. Expect a mix of bratwurst, veggie skewers, and potato salads.
Tip for Expats: Always check if the park you’re in allows grilling. There are usually signs posted, and violating the rules can lead to a fine.
2. Seasonal Foods: What Germans Eat in Summer
The summer season ushers in a bounty of fresh, regional produce and light, refreshing meals. Eating seasonally is more than a trend here—it’s a way of life.
Spargelzeit (Asparagus Season)
Though technically a late-spring to early-summer affair, Spargelzeit deserves a mention. White asparagus, often called “white gold,” is a seasonal obsession in Germany. It’s typically served with hollandaise sauce, potatoes, and ham or schnitzel.
Summer Salads and Light Fare
Germans shift from hearty winter meals to lighter dishes. Cold pasta salads, cucumber salad (Gurkensalat), and beet salad are popular at barbecues. You’ll also see plenty of tomato-mozzarella plates and fresh berry desserts.
Eis Everywhere
Ice cream, or Eis, is serious business. Virtually every town has its own local Eisdiele (ice cream parlor), often run by Italian families. Expect long lines, generous scoops, and flavors ranging from classic vanilla to exotic mango-lassi.
3. Traditional Summer Festivals (Sommerfeste)
Summer in Germany wouldn’t be complete without Sommerfeste—local festivals that range from quaint village gatherings to massive public celebrations.
Stadtfeste (City Festivals)
Most cities host a Stadtfest, often with live music, street food, beer stands, and local artisans. These are great places to mingle with locals, try regional delicacies, and enjoy live entertainment.
Weinfeste (Wine Festivals)
Particularly common in wine-producing regions like the Rhineland, Baden-Württemberg, and Franconia, these festivals celebrate local vineyards. Long wooden tables, string lights, and glasses of chilled Riesling or Spätburgunder create a festive and communal atmosphere.
Volksfeste and Kirmes
These traditional fairs usually include carnival rides, beer tents, and hearty German food. While Oktoberfest gets all the attention, summer Volksfeste like the Schützenfest in Hanover or Cannstatter Wasen in Stuttgart also draw large crowds.
Tip for Expats: Wear comfortable shoes and bring cash. While card payments are becoming more common, many small vendors still operate cash-only.
4. Music and Open-Air Events
Germans are passionate about music, and summer is peak festival season.
Open-Air Concerts
From classical performances in palace gardens to techno parties in former airfields, there’s something for every taste. Cities like Berlin, Leipzig, and Hamburg are famous for their summer music scenes.
Fête de la Musique
Held every June 21st, this event celebrates the start of summer with free live music performances across many German cities. Streets, parks, and even balconies turn into stages.
Opera and Theatre in the Park
For a more refined experience, many cities host open-air classical concerts or Shakespearean plays in historic courtyards or on temporary stages in public gardens.
5. Unique German Summer Traditions
Walpurgisnacht (April 30 – a pre-summer kickoff)
While not technically in summer, Walpurgisnacht is a key seasonal marker. Celebrated in the Harz Mountains and other regions, this ancient tradition involves costumes, bonfires, and dancing into May—symbolizing the triumph of spring over winter.
Johannisfeuer (St. John’s Fire)
Around June 24th, some areas light bonfires to mark midsummer (Johannistag). The tradition is rooted in pre-Christian rituals and is often accompanied by local gatherings, music, and food.
Fahrradurlaub (Cycling Holidays)
Cycling is a major summer tradition in Germany. Many Germans take multi-day bike tours through scenic routes like the Elbe or Danube rivers. You’ll often see entire families with panniers and camping gear riding through towns.
Tip for Expats: Germany’s bike infrastructure is excellent, and many regions offer Radfernwege—long-distance cycling paths with designated rest stops and accommodation.
6. Summer Drinks: More Than Just Beer
Germany’s beverage culture also shifts with the seasons.
Radler and Alster
These refreshing beer-based drinks (beer mixed with lemon soda or Sprite) are popular choices for hot days.
Weinschorle
White wine mixed with sparkling water, served chilled, is a go-to at wine festivals and backyard gatherings.
Apfelschorle
A non-alcoholic staple, this mix of apple juice and carbonated water is enjoyed by all ages and is a refreshing option for a sunny afternoon.
7. Summer Holidays and Travel
School holidays in Germany usually begin in late June or early July and last for about six weeks. Many families take their Sommerurlaub (summer vacation) during this time, and popular destinations include the Baltic Sea, Bavarian Alps, or neighboring countries like Italy, Austria, and France.
Tip for Expats: Plan your travel early, as trains, flights, and accommodations get booked quickly during the school break period.
Final Thoughts: Joining In as an Expat
For expats, summer in Germany is an ideal time to integrate, explore, and enjoy the culture firsthand. Don’t be shy about joining local festivals, striking up a conversation in a Biergarten, or biking to the next town just for ice cream. Germans may seem reserved at first, but the warmth of summer tends to melt social barriers.
Whether you’re new to the country or have been here for a while, Germany in summer offers a vivid, welcoming, and flavorful slice of life that’s too good to miss.