I adore Germany in the summer. Hot, sunny days punctuated by cool, rainy ones, over and over again. It’s like getting the best of every season, sometimes all in one day.

I love the cold rainy days because they give the best excuse to stay indoors and watch old movies and eat homemade cream cake, or play games whilst devouring far too much German chocolate.

But I also love the sunshiny days, for that’s when the colors of Germany come out to play.

Nearly every home is festooned with bright red and pink geraniums, spilling over from window boxes and along balconies.

German home

This time of year the orchards are in full glory, the tree limbs laden with apples, pears and walnuts almost ready to be picked and turned into preserves, liqueurs, and all manner of scrumptious desserts like strudel with vanilla sauce. Mmm, I’m hungry just thinking about it!

German well

Once upon a time these hills were covered in dense woods, hence the name Black Forest. But nowadays there are great open swathes of lush mountain meadow, almost lime green in the summer sun.

Black Forest meadow

I love wandering through villages like Bรผhlertal, admiring their flourishing vegetable patches and tidy stacks of firewood ready for the long, cold winter ahead.

Wood pile

Looking out over the valley I’m delighted by the many red-tiled roofs looking so striking against the backdrop of vibrant green hills and bright blue sky.

Mountain Meadow

Hoofing it up and down these steep hills can be exhausting, but I think the views are well worth it.

What is your favorite time of year where you live?