If you’re wondering what souvenirs to buy in Germany, there are plenty of options, but it can be hard to know what’s actually worth picking up.
I’ve traveled through Germany by train, wandered the streets of Berlin, and even visited Oktoberfest, so I’ve seen first hand the kinds of souvenirs you’ll come across. From traditional items like beer steins and cuckoo clocks to food, clothing, and everyday products, Germany is known for a wide mix of cultural and practical souvenirs.
Some of the best souvenirs from Germany are easy to pack and useful, while others are more decorative or tied to specific regions and traditions. If you’re trying to figure out what Germany is known for and what to buy, here are some of the most popular German souvenirs to look out for.
Best German Souvenirs
Rimowa Luggage
If you’re looking for a high-end German product, Rimowa luggage is one of the most well-known brands you’ll find.
Rimowa is known for its durable aluminum suitcases, lightweight design, and sleek, minimalist style. The grooved exterior has become instantly recognizable, and the brand is often associated with frequent travelers and premium quality.
Although it’s not a typical souvenir, it can be a good purchase if you were already planning to invest in luggage. Prices in Germany can sometimes be lower than elsewhere, especially if you’re able to claim a VAT refund.
Wusthof and Zwilling Knives
Germany is known for its precision engineering, and that extends to kitchen knives. Brands like Wusthof and Zwilling are widely respected for their quality and durability.
These knives are made from high-quality steel and are designed to last for years, making them a practical item to bring home. They’re especially popular with people who enjoy cooking or want something long-lasting. I personally love Wusthof’s Classic Ikon collection – I have the 5″ Santoku and the utility knife in my kitchen drawers. Their knives are super comfortable to hold and should last a lifetime.
You’ll see them in department stores and kitchen shops all over the country. If you do buy knives in Germany, just remember to pack them in your checked luggage when flying.
Beer Steins
Beer steins are probably one of the first things people think of when they think about Germany.
These traditional beer mugs are made of stoneware or pewter and often feature decorative designs and a lid on top. You’can find them in most souvenir shops, especially in places like Munich.
Some are quite detailed, with scenes or patterns that reflect different regions, and they’re definitely one of the more classic German souvenirs.
Dirndl and Lederhosen
If you go anywhere near Bavaria or Oktoberfest, you’ll see dirndls and lederhosen everywhere.
A dirndl is the traditional dress, usually with a fitted top, skirt, and apron, and lederhosen are the leather shorts that men wear with suspenders.
They’re actually really well made and part of traditional German culture, especially in the south.
If you plan on visiting Oktoberfest, you’ll probably want to acquire one of these German outfits if you want to fit in and have the full experience! While they can be on the pricey side – over 200 euros – you’ll be able to keep your outfit as a souvenir and even rock it at Oktoberfest celebrations in your home country.
Hummel Figures
Hummel figures are those small porcelain figurines of children that you might have seen before without realizing they’re German.
They’re hand-painted and based on artwork by Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel, and they’ve been around for a long time as collectible items.
You’ll usually find them in more traditional shops rather than touristy ones.
German Beer
Germany is famous for its beer, with a long history of brewing and a wide range of styles.
Popular brands like Paulaner, Erdinger, and Bitburger represent different types of German beer, from light pilsners to wheat beers. You’ll also find non-alcoholic versions that are widely available.
Beer is easy to find across the country and is a big part of German culture.
Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is one of those foods that people associate with Germany straight away.
It’s made from fermented cabbage and has that slightly sour taste. You’ll see it served with a lot of traditional dishes, especially anything involving sausage.
It’s been part of German food culture for a long time and is easy to find pretty much anywhere.
Ampelmännchen
Ampelmännchen are the little figures used on pedestrian traffic lights in Germany, and they’ve become one of the more unusual but recognizable German souvenirs.
The name literally means “little traffic light men,” and they originally came from East Germany. Created in 1961 by Karl Peglau, the design is pretty distinctive – the green Ampelmann wears a hat and has a jaunty walking stride, while the red one stands with his arms stretched out.
After the Berlin Wall fell, they spread across Germany, especially in Berlin, where you’ll still see them on crossing signals today.
Now you’ll find Ampelmännchen on all kinds of souvenirs, from mugs and t-shirts to keyrings and tote bags, making them a fun way to bring home something a bit different that’s tied to German history.
Ritter Chocolate
If you’re trying to decide what to buy in Germany, chocolate is always an easy option.
Ritter Sport is one of the most well-known German chocolate brands, and you’ll recognize it straight away because of the square shape.
There are loads of different flavors, from basic ones to more unusual combinations, and it’s easy to find in any supermarket.
Cologne Mustard
Cologne mustard is a traditional German condiment that comes from the city of Cologne (Köln), and it has a much stronger, more distinctive flavor than your typical supermarket mustard.
It’s often served with things like sausages and pretzels, and you’ll usually find it packaged in decorative jars or stoneware pots, which makes it feel a bit more special than just a standard food item.
You’ll see it in local shops and markets, and it’s one of those smaller, easy-to-pack souvenirs that’s actually a bit different from what you’d normally bring home.
Gummy Bears
Gummy bears actually originated in Germany, which surprises a lot of people.
They were first created by Haribo in the 1920s, and in Germany they’re known as “Gummibärchen.” You’ll find them everywhere, from supermarkets to convenience stores, often with more flavors and variations than you might be used to.
They’re small, cheap, and easy to throw in your bag, so they’re one of the easiest German souvenirs to pick up.
Birkenstocks
Birkenstocks are a German footwear brand that you’ve probably already seen, but they actually originated here.
They’re known for their comfort, with that contoured footbed that’s designed to support your feet, and they’ve gone from being purely practical to a bit of a fashion staple in recent years.
You’ll find them in shops across Germany, and because they’re something you’ll actually wear, they’re a more practical type of souvenir.
German Wine
Germany is also known for its wine, especially Riesling and Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir).
A lot of the country’s vineyards are located along river valleys like the Mosel and Rheingau, and the wines range from very dry to quite sweet, depending on the region and style.
If you visit a wine-producing area, you’ll see how much pride there is in local production, and it’s something that’s very much tied to the landscape as well as the culture.
Christmas Ornaments
If you’re visiting Germany around Christmas, the markets are full of traditional ornaments and decorations.
These are often handmade from materials like glass or wood and include things like nutcrackers, angels, and detailed baubles. Many of them are based on long-standing traditions, especially from regions like Saxony.
They’re one of those souvenirs that feel quite specific to Germany, especially if you’ve experienced the Christmas markets while you’re there.
Jägermeister
Jägermeister is a well-known German liqueur made from a blend of 56 different herbs and botanicals.
It was first introduced in the 1930s and has a very distinctive taste that people either love or hate. It’s traditionally served ice cold and is often drunk on its own as a shot, but it’s also used in cocktails.
You’ll find it in most supermarkets and liquor stores across Germany.
Lübecker Marzipan
Lübecker marzipan is one of the most famous types of marzipan in the world and comes from the city of Lübeck.
It’s made using high-quality almonds and has a richer, more intense flavor than standard marzipan. You’ll often see it shaped into fruits or decorative forms, which makes it feel a bit more special.
It’s a well-known German sweet and something you’ll come across in bakeries and specialty shops.
Aachener Printen
Aachener Printen are a traditional German biscuit from the city of Aachen, and they’re often compared to gingerbread, but they’re a bit different.
They tend to be firmer and slightly chewier, with a mix of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and anise. Some versions are plain, while others are coated in chocolate or have nuts added. Historically, they were made using honey or sugar beet syrup, which gives them that distinctive flavor.
They’re more of a regional specialty, so you won’t see them absolutely everywhere, but if you do come across them, they’re something a bit different from the usual sweets.
Eau de Cologne
Eau de Cologne actually originated in the city of Cologne, which is where it gets its name from.
It was first created in the 18th century by Johann Maria Farina, and it was quite different from perfumes at the time because of its light, fresh, citrus-based scent. That style of fragrance ended up influencing perfumes more broadly, which is why “cologne” is still used as a general term today.
You’ll still find traditional versions sold in Cologne, often labeled as “Echt Kölnisch Wasser,” and it’s one of those souvenirs that’s very specifically tied to a place rather than something you’ll see everywhere.
Stollen
Stollen is a traditional German fruit bread that’s especially popular during the Christmas season.
It’s made with dried fruit, nuts, and spices, and usually covered in powdered sugar. The most famous version comes from Dresden, where it’s been made for centuries.
You’ll see it in bakeries and Christmas markets, especially in the winter months.
German Sausage
Germany is known for its sausages, or “Wurst,” and there are hundreds of different varieties depending on the region.
Some of the most well-known include bratwurst, currywurst, and weisswurst, each with its own style and preparation.
It’s a huge part of German food culture, and you’ll come across it everywhere, from street food stalls to restaurants.
Knoppers
Knoppers is a popular German snack made up of layers of wafer, milk cream, and hazelnut filling.
It’s often described as a mid-morning snack and is something you’ll find in supermarkets all over Germany. The combination of textures makes it quite different from standard chocolate bars.
It’s easy to pack and something a lot of people bring back as a small treat.
Piece of the Berlin Wall
You can still buy small pieces of the Berlin Wall as souvenirs, especially in Berlin.
These are often sold with certificates of authenticity and are meant to represent a piece of Germany’s history, particularly the division between East and West.
They’re more of a symbolic item than a practical one, but they’re directly tied to a major historical event.
Wooden Toys
Germany has a long tradition of making wooden toys, particularly in regions like the Erzgebirge.
These toys are often handmade and include things like figurines, puzzles, and decorative pieces. The craftsmanship is a big part of their appeal, and many of them follow traditional designs.
They’re something you’ll often see in more traditional or craft-focused shops.
Steiff Teddy Bears
Steiff teddy bears originated in Germany and are known for their high quality and attention to detail.
The brand dates back to the early 1900s and is famous for its “button in ear” trademark. These bears are often considered collectible items rather than just toys.
They’re made using premium materials and are designed to last.
Miniature Car
Germany is well known for its automotive industry, and miniature car models are a popular souvenir, especially from places like the Porsche or Mercedes-Benz museums.
These models are designed to replicate real vehicles in detail, from classic cars to modern designs.
They’re a good option if you’re interested in cars or want something a bit different.
Pretzels
Pretzels, or “Brezeln,” are one of the most recognizable foods in Germany.
The traditional version is soft, with a slightly chewy inside and a darker crust, often achieved through a baking process that gives it that distinctive flavor.
You’ll see them everywhere, from bakeries to street stalls, and they’re a staple of German food culture.
A Final Word
If you’re still deciding what souvenirs to buy in Germany, the best options usually come down to what you’ll actually enjoy or use once you’re home.
From classic German souvenirs like beer steins and Christmas ornaments to more practical things like chocolate, knives, and local food, there’s a wide range to choose from depending on your trip and what you’re interested in.
