The Pickled Traveller: Europe’s Pickle Capitals

The internet is filled with travel blogs and helpful guides on how to plan a European trip for every niche: art lovers, foodies, history buffs and more. But what about the pickle lovers? Where is our travel guide to make sure we experience every kind of pickle the world has to offer?

Welcome to the Pickled Traveller: The Pickle Report’s travel segment, guiding pickle lovers through the best off-the-beaten-track pickle adventures. Let’s dive into our guide of pickle destinations on a round trip from Germany to Poland to Czechia to Austria.

Lubbenau, Germany - Pickle Capital of Germany

Lübbenau is a stunning, quaint little town in the Spreewald region in Brandenburg, just an hour's train ride outside of Berlin. Truly dedicated pickle fanatics will already have their ears pricked up: the Spreewald gherkin is a famous specialty pickled cucumber, recognized by the EU as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). The Gherkin Capital of Germany takes its reputation very seriously, and your first stop should be "Gurkeenmeile," or the Pickle Mile. A roughly mile-long stretch of pickle stalls and shops offers classic Spreewald gherkins and a wide variety of flavors, plus other pickled delights like pickled pumpkin. Arrive hungry; vendors are always giving out samples.

Kruszewo, Poland - Pickle Capital of Poland

Kruszewo is famous for its unique pickling bacteria and local cucumbers used in Polish cooking for centuries. The cucumbers grown in the village of Kruszewo are known by food journalists as "The Rolls-Royces of the cucumber world." Legend has it that the pickles and cucumbers of Kruszewo were favored by Napoleon Bonaparte and travelled with him by the barrel on his way to Moscow. However, he sealed his fate by taking only one barrel with him, therefore securing his loss in the war. Others claim that the barrel was too heavy. Every day in September is the "Day of the Pickle," where hundreds of tourists and Europeans alike travel to Kruszewo to taste Polish-style gherkins, so plan your trip accordingly.

Znojmo, Czechia - Pickle Capital of Czechia

Widely recognized as the "pickle capital" of Czechia, Znojmo is located near the Austrian border, with perfect access to our final destination of the trip. Znojmo is famous for growing some of the country's best cucumbers and for its centuries-old tradition of sweet-and-sour pickling. The pickles have been cultivated in the same way since the 16th century and are famous for their firm texture and a perfectly balanced, spicy-sweet-and-sour brine. While enjoying Znojmo’s historic castles, medieval catacombs and gothic architecture, make sure to stop at a restaurant and try the local famous pickle sauce (Kuchyně) or visit in August during their Cucumber Festival (Slavnosti Okurek).

Salzburg, Austria - Famous Austrian Pickle

Known locally as Gewürzgurken or Essiggurken, Austrian pickles are naturally cloudy, lacto-fermented gherkins made with onions, garlic, horseradish, and dill. They offer a uniquely sweet, sour, and mildly spiced profile that perfectly complements traditional Austrian comfort food. While snacking on your gherkins, make sure to visit the famous "Pickle Statues", public art installations of human-sized gherkins by famous Austrian artist Erwin Wurm.

From Austria, another train ride returns you to Germany, where the pickle tour began. Be sure to keep an eye out for more guides from the Pickled Traveller. Stay salty, stay curious and may the brine guide your senses.