Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour in German Village, Ohio

Overview

Discover the charming German Village in Columbus, Ohio, through a self-guided audio walking tour. This immersive experience allows you to explore one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city at your own pace, revealing its rich history and unique architecture. Enjoy highlights such as The Book Loft, Frank Fetch Park, and Schmidt's Sausage Haus. With over 2 hours of engaging audio narration and 13 must-see stops, this tour is perfect for both locals and visitors looking to uncover hidden gems and local stories. - Explore 13 iconic stops in German Village, including parks and historic sites - Over 2 hours of professionally narrated audio stories at your fingertips - Flexible, self-paced experience ideal for all ages - Downloadable for offline access—no data or wifi needed. *Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*

Itinerary

1. Starting things off with a little whimsy, this is a local, tiny, "fairy door" art installation at the base of a home.

   · 5 min

2. It’s hard to miss the towering spire of St. Mary Catholic Church. It rises above the rooftops, watching over German Village just as it has since the 19th century. St. Mary, Mother of God Church, sometimes called Grand ol’ Saint Mary’s, is a cornerstone of the neighborhood’s history and identity. Finished in 1868, it was founded by local German residents, and recently went through a much needed restoration.

   · 5 min

3. Book Loft

   The Book Loft is one of Columbus’s most beloved treasures. When you stand before its ivy-covered walls, you’re looking at a building that’s been part of this neighborhood’s story for over a century. The structure started life in 1877 as a saloon, but in 1977, the old storefronts took on a new chapter as The Book Loft. Step inside and you’ll find 32 rooms packed floor to ceiling with books. It’s a true labyrinth of literature, where narrow hallways, creaky wooden floors, and hidden nooks invite you to get delightfully lost.

   · 30 min

4. Home to the German Village Society, this building dates back to the 1870s. It offers a great introduction to the neighborhood’s history, architecture, and preservation efforts. The friendly staff and volunteers are happy to answer questions or help plan your visit. There’s also a public restroom, in case you need it.

   · 30 min

5. Schwartz Castle

   This four-story brick mansion is seriously eye-catching - mostly because of the turret at the top! There are no moats or fire-breathing dragons at this castle. It’s more of a Victorian fantasy than a medieval fortress. Schwartz Castle blends a number of Victorian Architecture substyles, like Italianate and Second Empire. It's not open to the public, but it is available as a short-term rental.

   · 5 min

6. Frank Fetch Memorial Park

   It may be less than an acre in size, but Frank Fetch Park makes up for it with neighborhood charm. The park has its roots in the 1960s revival of German Village, and was the first official project of the German Village Society.

   · 10 min

7. In 1924, German immigrants Wilhelm Kielblock and Wilhelm Kielmeier, together with Elmore Helf, the son of German immigrants, established a glass studio in downtown Columbus. As German Village was beginning its remarkable renaissance in the 1960s, Franklin Art Glass Studios joined the neighborhood and took over this warehouse.

   · 20 min

8. The George F. Schmidt Blumengarten is dedicated to George Schmidt, founder of Schmidt’s Sausage Haus. The garden exists to recognize Geroge's love for the community. In German, “Blumengarten” means flower garden, and that’s exactly what this space offers—a peaceful spot filled with seasonal blooms. It’s a quieter but equally meaningful part of the Schmidt family legacy.

   · 5 min

9. This restaurant may have started in 1967, but its story goes all the way back to 1886. The building is actually an old livery stable! Schmidt’s is a place where generations of locals and visitors alike have gathered over platters of sausages, sauerkraut, and massive cream puffs. Their sausages, including the famous Bahama Mama—a spicy, smoked pork and beef blend—are still made from the original family recipes. And the Bahama Mama has been voted the official food of Columbus!

   · 5 min

10. For the people of German Village, Schiller Park is the heart of the neighborhood—a place where history, culture, and community come together. The Umbrella Girl is a charming fountain, dating back to the early 1900s. Today, some people toss coins into the Umbrella Girl’s fountain and make wishes. Couples pose for photos beside her. And every year when the weather turns cold and the holidays are just around the corner, locals awake one morning to find the Umbrella Girl draped in a red cloak.

    · 10 min

11. Deshler

    Looking at the homes along E Deshler Ave, you'll notice a striking contrast with the more modest cottages and brick workers’ houses on the north side of the park. These homes, most of them built between the 1860s and 1920s, belonged to the wealthier residents of German Village. These were successful brewers, merchants, and civic leaders who wanted to live right across from the park.

    · 5 min

12. Schiller Park

    You'll find Schiller Pond in the southwest corner of the park. This pond is kept stocked for fishing, and features a walking bridge and several sculptures. There are two figures on the island who appear to be wearing bells for dresses. Their names are Concordia and Elation, and they were chosen because their bells are a reminder of Schiller’s poem Song of the Bell. And suspended over the pond, there’s The Rower, who appears to row an invisible boat. They were originally part of a traveling exhibit of twenty-three sculptures by Polish artist Jerzy Kedziora.

    · 5 min

13. The final stop of the tour is the statue of Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller, the namesake of Schiller Park. Born in 1759, Schiller is one of Germany’s most famous poets and playwrights. You probably know his most famous work: Ode to Joy, which was later set to music by Beethoven.

    · 10 min

How to use your ticket

HOW TO REDEEM YOUR TOUR: Before you start your adventure, you'll need to redeem and download the tour in the Shaka Guide app. Follow the instructions below: *Please Note: The redeem code is the 10-digit booking reference number on your ticket (located under the barcode). 1. Download the Shaka Guide App in the App Store or Google Play Store (or use the link at the bottom of this email) 2. Open the app and sign in/create your account 3. Go to Support → Retrieve Purchases 4. Tap on Redeem Purchases 5. Enter your Redeem Code (10-digit booking reference number on your ticket located under the barcode) 6. Tap on Redeem Purchases 7. Download your tour(s) Once you've redeemed your tour, you'll find it under "My Stuff" in the app. For a smooth ride, download the tour with wifi before you go. Should you need further assistance or have other questions, email us at aloha@shakaguide.com or call (808) 201-8138 DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE: www.shakaguide.com/download

Meeting and end point

What to know before you go

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Travelers must have a smartphone compatible with the Shaka Guide app.
• The app must be downloaded and the tour redeemed before arrival.
• Strong Wi-Fi or cellular data is required to download the tour in advance.
• Location services (GPS) must be enabled on the device
• Travelers are responsible for securing any required entrance passes, reservations, or permits before starting
• Tour runs in one direction only, along a single route.
• No advance reservations required to take the tour.
• Brick streets and sidewalks are uneven; wear comfortable, supportive walking shoes.
• Due to the historical nature of the area, the route is not 100% ADA compliant.
• Park carefully — illegal parking risks towing; always lock your vehicle.

Travelers

Pricing per group (up to 15 people).

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• From 1 days before : 100% refunded
• From 0 days before : 0% refunded

Reviews

Product code: 102020P203

Activity offered by Shaka Guide Apps via Viator.