Germany Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase
INTRODUCTION
Fantasy, folklore, and festivity abound as you step into a German village where the sounds of Oktoberfest fill the air.
In the center of the square is a statue of St. George and the dragon which, according to legend, he slayed while on a pilgrimage to the Middle East. Monuments to St. George, the patron saint of soldiers, are common throughout Bavaria.
ATTRACTIONS
The shops and food areas are the featured attractions in Germany. There are no rides or films in the pavilion.
Learn more about what to do at Epcot with Epcot Attractions At A Glance!
DINING
Biergarten – An indoor German “courtyard” reflects the 16th century town of Rothenberg and features a German Oktoberfest buffet.
Items include a variety of German sausages, sauerbraten, and red cabbage. At mealtime, yodelers, dancers and other lederhosen-clad musicians perform an Oktoberfest dinner show.
Sommerfest – Counter service serving bratwurst, pretzels, beer, etc. The beloved dish here: Nudel Gratin.
Karamell-Küche – is the only working kitchen for Werthers in the world. Getting fresh candy, caramel corn, and other items are a real treat. This is a do not miss location as you tour Epcot.
Bier Cart – Get a pretzel bigger than a dinner plate and a tasty German bier at the Bier Cart.
Epcot Restaurants At A Glance
Menus From Around the World
Vegetarian and Other Special Diets
ENTERTAINMENT
Atmospheric entertainment is the German band, Oktoberfest Musikanten which plays in the Biergarten Restaurant.
The German model train is another awesome addition to the pavilion. Look closely, and you’ll find even this miniature town gets in the Festival spirit!
TOURING TIPS
Be sure to visit the shops full of Hummel and Goebel collectibles, as well as Arribas Brothers crystal. You can sometimes find an artisan working on Goebel or Hummel figures.
Wine tastings are available in Germany.
Visit the shops to see German steins and cuckoo clocks.
If you like geraniums you’ll find hundreds throughout the pavilion.
Check out the Clock Tower on the hour. As the clock strikes the bell, two Hummel figurines come out (like the famous Glockenspiel in Munich).
A special Oktoberfest Celebration takes place each October in Epcot’s Germany.
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival – The garden railway and geraniums in bloom are Germany’s highlights.
Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays features storytellers in each country. Also during this season, a German glassblower makes beautiful glass ornaments for purchase.
Assistive Listening Devices from Guest Services can be used in the Biergarten.
KIDS AND CHARACTERS
Look for Snow White and perhaps her Prince at Snow White’s Wishing Well.
Each of the World Showcase countries has a special “KIDCOT” area that provides an opportunity for your child to interact with a native of the country you are visiting.
Epcot PassPorts are great fun for kids as they have them stamped at each pavilion around World Showcase.
Epcot Characters At A Glance
Character Meet and Greet FAQ!
SHOPPING
Das Kaufhaus – Clothing and accessories
Der Teddybar – German toys, dolls, bears.
Die Weihnachts Ecke – German Christmas items.
Karamell-Küche – Hand crafted caramel treats.
Glaskunst – Art and Collectibles
Kunstarbeit in Kristall – Crystal gifts
Weinkeller – Assorted German wines and accessories. Wine tasting – cost includes souvenir wine glass.
Volkskunst – Gifts and housewares
Stein Haus – Wines and steins
INTERESTING FACTS
The architecture was inspired by the buildings of Bavaria and the Rhine region of Germany. Other details come from communities of the German north. Statue in the center of the plaza is of St. George, the patron saint of soldiers. A glockenspiel chimes to a melody specially composed for Epcot.
Rather than construct precise replicas of buildings found in Germany, the designers of the pavilion adapted German structures to fit the scale and needs of World Showcase. For example, the facade of Der Bucherwurm is modeled after the Kaufhaus, a medieval merchant’s hall in Freiburg. However, there are four statues representing Hapsburg emperors in the hall in Freiburg, Der Bucherwurm, which is not large enough to support them all, has only three.
The facade of the art and book shop was inspired by the Kaufhaus, a 16th century merchants hall in Freiburg in the Black Forest.
Statues on the building recall the rule of the Hapsburg Emperors.
An exterior facade was copied from a 400-year old town hall in Romsburg Square in Frankfurt.
The high wall serving as the backdrop for the showcase was inspired by Eltz Castle on the Mosel River and Stahleck Castle on the Rhine.
The landscaping within the village itself is minimal. Red flowers, particularly geraniums and begonias, dominate the floral displays in the area. Window boxes coordinate with the baskets and fountain planting to carry the color throughout the scene. Here roses are used for their sweet-smelling scent rather than for their showy blooms.
