Happiness? It’s just around the corner!

According to a German proverb: “The greatest happiness on earth lies on the back of a horse.” Those who don’t happen to have a horse in their stable will need to seek happiness elsewhere. We present places where happiness can be found in Germany.

For energetic types

Sport may be exhausting but it also makes you happy: When we do exercise, our bodies produce “happy hormones” such as serotonin and dopamine. Which means that the running track, the swimming pool, the skate park or the volleyball field are truly happy places. It’s even more fun to do sport together - such as joining a weekly run or trying out a salsa class. Becoming a member of one of the 90,000 or so sports clubs in Germany is a good way to get your regular happiness fix.

For creative types

There are more than 600,000 clubs in Germany where you can pursue all kinds of different interests and hobbies: why not join a choir or orchestra, get involved in a drama society or try your hand at amateur fishing, card games or building model aircraft. Many towns have repair cafés where people come to mend things with the help of skilled volunteers, or creative individuals meet up to knit together at the cinema - often in sold-out auditoriums.

For those hungry for knowledge

People with a hunger for knowledge can find happiness in their nearest library. If dusty tomes and a strict old lady wearing horn-rimmed glasses now spring to mind, you’re out of date. More and more libraries are evolving to become a “third place” - offering experiences for all beyond the home and the workplace.

A sewing group can be found nestled between the shelves of books, a 3D printer and workstations are available, while comfy seats and a gamingcorner invite people to hang out. Readings and lectures complete the range of services on offer.

For outgoing types

The local pub can also be a happy place. People know each other there - or get to know each other: playing a round of darts or enjoying a game of table football or pool, taking part in a pub quiz, playing cards or watching a football match together. Various platforms are available if you want to find a like-minded person to accompany you.

Multigenerational homes are meeting places for people of any age. Whether you want to do brunch, learn a foreign language or play cards - it’s all about doing it together. There are more than 500 such publicly funded homes in Germany.

There are also many neighbourhood initiatives that are set up with the aim of supporting one another or celebrating together. Volunteers devote their time to helping those in need in their local neighbourhood: this may involve taking them shopping or to see the doctor - or just inviting them to spend time together.

For those who are happy in their own company

Happiness can also mean being entirely on your own. In this case, your favourite bench in the local park or a place for prayer in a religious building may be your happy place. Or perhaps the café round the corner that has the best cheesecake - places that give you the chance to recharge your batteries.