While the Germany Pavilion in Epcot is one of the smaller areas in the park, it still has so many hidden treasures to explore. Whether you are just looking to enjoy a good meal or grab an authentic German beer, you’ll find there’s plenty to keep you entertained in this pavilion on your next visit to Epcot. Today we’re going to take a look at some of the highlights of the pavilion and things you shouldn’t miss on your next trip.
The Original Plans for the Pavilion
The original ideas for the Germany Pavilion included a boat ride taking guests along the Rhine. During the time of the pavilion’s construction, Germany was actually split into East and West Germany. Instead of focusing on this divide, it intended to share traditions and stories from the past, as the reunification of the country didn’t take place until 1990. There was also another ride idea that was similar to the Matterhorn Bobsleds in Disneyland, but that also never came to fruition.
It was announced during the construction that the ride section would be a future expansion, but sadly this was never funded. The dining area that is located to the right of Biergarten’s entrance is where the ride entrance was supposed to be, and it’s now used for dining. There’s also a mural that covers a wall that was meant to be the loading area for the ride, which is now just used as storage for the pavilion.
The Design of the Pavilion
When you first walk into the Germany Pavilion, you are meant to feel like you’ve entered a German town. The architecture features different regions of Germany, with the square and clock tower inspired by a medieval Bavarian town. There’s a statue of Saint George here, who is shown to be slaying a dragon and adds a fun photo spot in the pavilion. The Biergarten restaurant offers traditional German food, and the stores sell German goods. You’ll find that each building is slightly different in the pavilion, and there are a few different stores for you to explore during your visit. While it’s a very compact pavilion, there’s still a lot to see and many delicious food and drink options on offer.
Biergarten Restaurant
One of the highlights of any visit to the Germany Pavilion is the Biergarten Restaurant. This restaurant is designed in the style of the traditional Oktoberfest festivities, which are celebrated each year in Germany. The restaurant looks like a Bavarian village, and you’ll see flags that show every German state inside. During your meal, you’ll also enjoy live entertainment with the Polka band, who play throughout the lunch and dinner seating. The tables themselves are reminiscent of German biergartens, and in the past, you were often placed with other families to enjoy your meal.
The food here is extremely varied, and you’ll enjoy a wide selection of traditional German dishes. It’s a great way to try a whole host of different foods in one dinner seating, including bratwurst, pork schnitzel, Bavarian cheesecake, and hand-pulled apple strudel. For any adults in your party, the drinks menu features an extensive collection of German beers and wines. This restaurant is a pretty popular option, so we encourage you to make dining reservations before your next visit to avoid disappointment.
Sommerfest
If you don’t fancy having a table-service meal during your next visit to the Germany Pavilion, head to Sommerfest instead. You can purchase a meal or snack and enjoy soaking in the atmosphere of this lively pavilion. Enjoy trying bratwurst, sauerkraut, pretzels, and German wine and beer. It’s a good way to try a few German snacks without committing to a full meal if it’s your first time enjoying this cuisine.
Karamell-Küche
For anyone who’s never stepped inside of Karamell-Küche, you are missing out on one of the best stores in Epcot. As you approach the pavilion, you might smell a delicious caramel scent, and it’s all thanks to this store. The name of the store means “caramel kitchen,” and everything inside is made with fresh caramel. The makers of Werther’s Original Caramels offer you a wide selection of freshly-made treats, including cookies, brownies, fudge, and much more. Don’t miss the delicious caramel popcorn, which is freshly made each day. There are also some great smaller gifts in here, so you can take some candy back to your family and friends at home.
A Huge Selection of Stores
While you may think this is one of the smallest pavilions in the park, it is home to eight different stores. Highlights include the holiday-themed store called Die Weihnachts Ecke, where you’ll find traditional holiday ornaments from Germany. Look out for the Christmas pickle, which is a traditional ornament in this part of the world. You may not know that Haribo is one of Germany’s most famous exports, but in the Sussigkeiten, you’ll find many German snacks to satisfy your cravings for something sweet.
There’s also a great wine store, Weinkeller, which is the ideal spot for anyone who is drinking around the world. You’ll find a huge assortment of German wines, and the cast members will be able to talk you through the wines and spirits on offer. For soccer fans, head to Das Kaufhaus, where you can find popular brands and soccer shirts. You’ll be surprised how much there is to see in each store, and they are all interconnected, making it a great spot to explore during a hot or rainy day. Some of the most famous brands to come out of Germany are stocked here, including Steiff bears and Hummel figurines.
When you are looking for a unique gift to take home to your family or friends, head to The Kunstarbeit In Kristall. This store features crystal jewelry and ornaments from Swarovski, Princessa Plata, and other brands. They have some beautiful gifts that would be the perfect souvenir to take home from your trip. When you first enter the pavilion, you’ll find the Glaskunst store located outdoors, where you can have a piece of Arribas glassware engraved with your name or to celebrate a special occasion.
The Romantic Road Miniature Train Village
Just outside of the pavilion, you’ll find this miniature model railway. It was originally created for the Flower and Garden Festival in the past but was so popular that they left it after the festival was complete. The trains in the exhibit are from Piko and LGB, and you’ll find there are so many little hidden details in this display. In fact, they even decorate the village for certain times of the year, such as the holidays or to match the various festivals taking place in Epcot. If you enjoy hunting for hidden Mickeys, look towards the church and the brown castle, and you might find one hidden right here.
The Clock Tower
Time your visit to the Germany Pavilion right, and you might just see a fun hidden treasure in the pavilion. The clock tower houses a glockenspiel, and it’s located at the back of the courtyard and comes to life each hour. At the top of the hour, a wooden boy and girl appear, and the chimes will fill the pavilion. It’s a fun little secret that’s often overlooked by guests but is one of our favorite things about the design of this pavilion.
We hope that you’ve learned a little bit more about the Germany Pavilion and everything it has to offer to guests. During your next trip to Epcot, we highly encourage you to check out one of the dining locations on offer here and spend some time exploring the stores. While the pavilion isn’t home to an attraction, there’s still so much to see and do here, and you’ll enjoy learning more about the German culture on your next visit.
