If you’re a fan of the classic comedy movie “National Lampoon’s European Vacation,” you may be curious about where the film was shot. After all, the movie takes the Griswold family on a wild adventure across Europe, from London to Rome and beyond.
But did you know that many of the iconic scenes were actually filmed in Germany? Let’s take a closer look at where in Germany “National Lampoon’s European Vacation” was filmed.
Bavarian Alps – The Opening Credits
The movie opens with a montage of scenes from across Europe, including shots of the Bavarian Alps. These majestic mountains are located in southern Germany and are a popular destination for tourists looking to take in some stunning natural scenery. The opening credits are set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks and picturesque towns nestled in the valleys below.
Munich – Oktoberfest Scenes
One of the most memorable scenes in “European Vacation” takes place at Oktoberfest, the famous beer festival held annually in Munich. The Griswolds find themselves at a crowded beer tent, where they end up causing chaos and getting into a brawl with some rowdy locals. While this scene was actually filmed on a soundstage in California, many of the exterior shots were filmed on location in Munich.
Heidelberg – Castle Scenes
Another highlight of “European Vacation” is when the Griswolds visit Heidelberg Castle, an imposing fortress perched high above the city of Heidelberg. While many of the interior shots were filmed on sets constructed for the movie, several exterior shots were filmed on location at Heidelberg Castle. This historic site is one of Germany’s most popular tourist attractions and is well worth a visit if you ever find yourself in southern Germany.
Frankfurt – Airport Scenes
Several scenes in “European Vacation” take place at Frankfurt Airport, one of the largest and busiest airports in Europe. While most of these scenes were filmed on a soundstage, a few exterior shots were filmed on location at the airport. If you’re flying into Germany from another country, there’s a good chance you’ll pass through Frankfurt Airport at some point during your travels.
Conclusion
While “National Lampoon’s European Vacation” takes the Griswolds all over Europe, many of the most iconic scenes were actually filmed in Germany. From the stunning natural beauty of the Bavarian Alps to the historic castles of Heidelberg, Germany provided the perfect backdrop for this classic comedy movie. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of “European Vacation” or just looking for some travel inspiration, Germany is definitely worth adding to your bucket list.