10 ways to go off-the-beaten path in Germany

Now that the world is truly a “global village,” places like Germany are often being looked over in favor of crazier, more unique, less guidebook-y experiences. When most of us think of Germany, we might think of a few things: maybe beer, or their turbulent history, or beer, or lots of English speakers, or schnitzel, or even beer. However, that’s been done, and there’s little adventure appeal in that. So what’s left?

Plenty. Here’s a few things you can do — once you get off your haunches at the Hofbräuhaus — to make sure your experience isn’t a TripAdvisor one:

1. Have dinner in a dungeon.

Duuuuudes. Why can't every bar/restaurant be in a dungeon-esque series of tunnels a la Felsenkeller at the Adler Hotel in Pfullendorf? Totally bitchin'.

A photo posted by Jacqueline Kehoe (@j.kehoe) on Jun 5, 2015 at 8:31pm PDT

What makes any meal better? Having to wander through a series of underground tunnels lit by candles and wrought iron chandeliers to get to it. Felsenkeller in Pfullendorf is just one of these places, and the experience is damn near close to magical without being too Medieval Times. You can get a similar experience at Weinkeller Einhorn, in a cellar from before the actual medieval times (circa 700). That’s like 5 times older than the US, but infinitely cooler.

Also, there are hidden unicorns everywhere. Win.

2. Take a stroll along the big “blue pot.”

Photo: dierk schaefer

Blautopf, or “blue pot,” in Blaubeuren is a 21-meter deep spring as turquoise, teal, and aqua as that satin bridesmaid dress in your closet. It’s a limestone funnel (the reason for the color) and the source of the river Blau, which eventually flows into the Danube. If you were to dive into the spring, you would be lead into a 15-kilometer series of underground caves leading you to the river. It’s still being excavated and explored, so currently only professionals are allowed in.

3. Feel the gritty appeal of Sternschanze.

Enjoying our last night in Hamburg with a dinner at @bullerei