The cuisine in Germany is as varied as the country’s landscape, and there are a number of traditional local dishes and beverages that travelers to the region should definitely not miss out on. From the many different sausage varieties to the world-famous German beer, here are some of the most popular classic German dishes and drinks.

Sausages
One of the leading countries when it comes to sausage production, Germany is home to hundreds of varieties of sausage, many of them not known elsewhere, with each area having their own closely-guarded secret recipe. The Thuringian Rostbratwurst is one of the oldest of German sausages, with the original recipe dating back to the start of the 17th century, and is a sausage that is regulated by law. Often used to prepare a currywurst dish, these sausages are seasoned with marjoram and caraway seeds. Bratwurst is another popular variety, as is blutwurst, which is also known as blood sausage. The Teewurst is a mild, air-dried, raw sausage, similar to salami, while the weisswurst, also known as the white sausage, is traditional to the south of Germany, and is a popular variety to eat in the mornings.

German Bier
Germans are exceptionally proud of their beer, and, in the south of the country, you are likely to find a brewery in just about every village. For those who like pale beers, Marzen, which is a malty lager from Bavaria, has a beautifully crisp finish, while Weissbier, which is a wheat beer, has a tantalizing aroma of spicy cloves. On the other hand, Schwarzbier is a black lager that is often just as black as Guinness, but has a lightness about it that is reminiscent of a fine pale lager, while Rauchbier is quite unusual, as it is made from a malt that has been smoked, giving it quite an intense flavor.

Sauerbraten
Considered to be one of the national dishes of Germany, sauerbraten is basically a pot roast, and can be made from a number of different meats. Marinated in a special seasoning mix for up to ten days, sauerbraten is an exceptionally flavorful dish, often accompanied with sauerkraut and dumplings, as well as a pint of pilsner beer.

Black Forest Cake
Another classic German dish that is famous all over the world, the key ingredients in a Black Forest Cake are cherries, cherry schnapps, chocolate, cream, flour and sugar. While there may be different varieties of this dish found around the country, German law states that a cake can only be marketed as a Black Forest Cake if it contains the specialty liquor Schwarzwalder Kirschwasser, which is the cherry schnapps that helps to give the dessert its unique flavor.

Food has always been a significant part of German culture, and those traveling around the country are likely to notice a number of differences between the local cuisine in different regions. However, there are key flavors and techniques that tie the country’s cuisine together, and, once you have tasted a few authentic German dishes, you will understand why German food is renowned all over the world.