German Village Tour
About The Tour
This walking tour invites you to explore the history, culture, and red brick beauty of German Village, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Columbus, Ohio. Step into local history told through fascinating stories, architectural details, and insider perspectives you won’t notice on your own. Ideal for visitors and locals alike, ...
Show MoreHere are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Get lost in 32 rooms of books at The Book Loft, one of America's most unique bookstores.
• Uncover the story behind the neighborhood's preservation at the German Village Society.
• Take a quiet stroll through Frank Fetch Park, tucked between rows of historic brick homes.
• Savor authentic sausages and legendary cream puffs at Schmidt's Sausage Haus since 1886.
• Admire the iconic Schiller Statue, a centerpiece of the neighborhood in Schiller Park.
Sample Tour Audio
Visitors Center
When the Village Went Quiet
Frank Fetch Park
Tour Stops
The Littles Household
Saint Mary Catholic Church
The Book Loft
German Village Society Visitors Center
Schwartz Castle
Frank Fetch Park
Franklin Art Glass Studios
George F. Schmidt Blumengarten
Schmidt's Sausage Haus
Schiller Park: Umbrella Girl
E Deshler Ave
Schiller Pond
Schiller Park: Schiller Statue
Customer Reviews
Tried the Grand Teton National Park tour instead of paying for a guided trip. I was hoping to get some ideas on where to go and a route for the day but I got so much more! The app is really well designed. Although it does not work with Android Auto, the audio was sufficient to guide us from one destination to the next. We really enjoyed the stories that went along with each of the stops. some were historical, some were scientific, all were entertaining.
L Scott | 1 day ago | Androidonly reason it isn't 5 stars is because it did not have android auto integration and the music quality was very low. It was otherwise perfect. extremely helpful. Great, relaxing tunes for the drive even if they were low quality. the guide was informative and interesting. directions were pretty good, though I would have loved seeing the app on the screen in the car. It was worth every penny though.
Brian Caples | 2 days ago | AndroidUsed Shaka tours to experience all of Maui. It was amazing! I highly recommend!
George Ronkette | 2 days ago | AndroidNew treasures found!
We’ve been to Kauai many times and thought we knew it well. The Shaka guided tours took us to new sites and gave us very interesting Hawaiian history along the way. We love the ability to go at our own pace, spending more or less time at locations vs the schedules of much higher priced guided bus tours. We have the Kauai bundle as well as tours covering all of Oahu and the Maui Road to Hanna. 5 stars for customer service as well. We had an issue with the download to a second, backup phone. I chatted from the app and had immediate contact with a real person. Solved in 2 minutes. Thank you Shaka!!
Pono Kai couple | 2 days ago | iOSGreat audio guide
Loved using it on my trip to maui
Roaring Warrior | 2 days ago | iOSSo great!
So informative and helpful to make the drive come alive!
liligal12 | 3 days ago | iOSGreat tool
Really enjoyed using the app. The developers truly care that your experience is perfect. A must have if driving these roads without a guide or personal driver.
On the road again27 | 3 days ago | iOSbest tour guide app by far
I have used shaka guide for 3 national parks and the road to hana in maui. Most of my favorite stops and attractions from the tours are places i would have never found without Shaka Guide. I recommend this to everybody i meet during the tours, and now i’m recommending it to you…. it’s so worth it.
Autumn730 | 3 days ago | iOSrecommend! super amazing ! literally felt the guide was with us the whole time! even when I thought I had turn the guide off , it popped up and started talking when we hit the spots lol 😆 totally worth the spend!
Yorleny Moreno | 4 days ago | AndroidGreat service
Very easy to follow and easy to understand. Learned a lot from it about the Island and more
Deecaf183 | 4 days ago | iOSWhy is German Village so well preserved?
German Village in Columbus, Ohio is so well preserved because of a landmark community-led preservation effort that began in the 1960s. When the city of Columbus proposed demolishing much of the neighborhood for urban renewal projects, local re...
Show MoreWhy is German Village so well preserved?
German Village in Columbus, Ohio is so well preserved because of a landmark community-led preservation effort that began in the 1960s.
When the city of Columbus proposed demolishing much of the neighborhood for urban renewal projects, local residents organized to save it. In 1960, German Village became the first privately funded historic district in the United States to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The German Village Society, founded in 1960, has since worked to maintain architectural standards and protect the neighborhood’s distinctive 19th-century brick homes, cobblestone streets, and ornate ironwork. Today, all exterior renovations within the district must follow strict preservation guidelines, which has kept the neighborhood’s historic character intact for over 160 years.
Is German Village really German?
Yes — German Village has deep and authentic German roots. The neighborhood was settled in the 1840s and 1850s by German immigrants who came to Columbus, Ohio, seeking work and opportunity. By the late 1800s, it was home to over 35,000 German-speak...
Show MoreIs German Village really German?
Yes — German Village has deep and authentic German roots. The neighborhood was settled in the 1840s and 1850s by German immigrants who came to Columbus, Ohio, seeking work and opportunity. By the late 1800s, it was home to over 35,000 German-speaking residents, making it one of the largest German communities in the United States at the time.
The immigrants built their homes, churches, breweries, and social clubs in the styles of their homeland, which is why the neighborhood still features distinctly German brick architecture today. Institutions like Schmidt’s Sausage Haus, which has been serving traditional German food since 1886, and the annual Oktoberfest celebration continue to honor that heritage.
While the neighborhood is no longer predominantly German-speaking, its cultural identity and architectural legacy remain very much alive.
Where should I eat in German Village?
German Village is one of Columbus’s best dining neighborhoods, with options ranging from traditional German fare to modern American cuisine. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus on Thurman Avenue is the most iconic spot — a Columbus institution since 1886 servi...
Show MoreWhere should I eat in German Village?
German Village is one of Columbus’s best dining neighborhoods, with options ranging from traditional German fare to modern American cuisine. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus on Thurman Avenue is the most iconic spot — a Columbus institution since 1886 serving bratwurst, sauerkraut, and their legendary jumbo cream puffs.
The Thurman Cafe on Thurman Avenue is famous for its massive burgers and has been a neighborhood staple for decades. For coffee and a casual bite, Katzinger’s Delicatessen on 5th Street is a local favorite known for its overstuffed sandwiches. Most restaurants are clustered along S 3rd Street and Thurman Avenue, making it easy to grab a meal before or after your tour.
What is an Audio Tour Guide?
Think of us as your personal tour guide in an app. Our tours provide everything a guided tour does, but with the freedom to explore on your terms. Here's how it works:
- GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk.
- Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
What is an Audio Tour Guide?
Think of us as your personal tour guide in an app. Our tours provide everything a guided tour does, but with the freedom to explore on your terms. Here's how it works:
- GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk. Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
- The app works offline so even with spotty service we'll get you where you need to go.
- The app works offline so even with spotty service we'll get you where you need to go.
Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let's explore together.
Tour FAQs
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Can I join this German Village Tour along the route?
Other Questions? Contact us!
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