We spent about two weeks riding across Germany, from the Baltic to Berlin, and from Berlin to the Dutch border. We rode through many forests and lots of farmland, and we enjoyed passing through charming rural towns. Although much of the scenery reminded us of the US. the architecture is slightly different. Oh, and of course, in many towns around here, there are castles! That’s just not something we get to see at home! The first time we saw one, we thought it was a church, and since we were looking for a place to camp, we thought, maybe we should go see if we can ask someone about camping behind that church. We rode up, and alas… it was not a church, but a castle! (We rode on and camped in the woods, by the way.) After that, we started playing the “church or castle” guessing game when we could see the spires poking out from small towns in the distance.

Yes, this one is obviously a church (in Munster, Germany). We actually haven’t gotten a good castle picture yet. But there’s still more of Europe to see!

As we made our way from Berlin to the west, we realized we would be battling a pretty consistent headwind. Apparently that’s a well-known fact around these parts. It is a little disheartening to ride past hundreds of wind turbines and realize they are all facing into the direction you’re riding! It slowed us down, and unfortunately brought with it some ugly weather for a few days.

Just some of the many windmills we passed… all spinning steadily along with our headwind!

We also enjoyed some traditional German fare, including bratwurst from street vendors and delicious apple strudel.

This cheery guy was not only happy to sell us a brat, but to pose for a picture!

Yum! Apple strudel with whip cream and possibly the best vanilla ice cream we’ve ever had. We paid way too much for this and have no regrets!

We enjoyed our time in Germany, but the most difficult part was not speaking any German! Though many people spoke some English, many did not, and this was the first country where we have resorted to hand motions in our communications (although I’m sure it will not be the last!). We learned the words for “please,” “thank you,” and other basic phrases, but for the most part, we had no idea what people were saying! (In Scandinavia we didn’t speak the languages either, but almost everyone speaks English.)

Watch out! But for what? We had no idea what this sign, or so many others, were trying to tell us!