Discovering Cincinnati's Rich German Heritage

Cincinnati is known for many things—a picturesque riverfront, vibrant arts scene, professional sports, and iconic chili—but one of its most deeply rooted cultural influences is its German heritage. Often referred to in the 19th century as “the most German city in America,” Cincinnati was once home to one of the largest populations of German immigrants in the United States. This legacy continues to shape the city’s architecture, traditions, food, and festivals. During a visit, it would be hard to miss “Zinzinnati’s” German influence.

A Wave of Immigration

The story begins in 1788, the year Cincinnati was founded, with initial settlers being of mainly English and Scottish ancestry. Over time, as European immigrants of various nationalities began setting their sights on the United States in search of new opportunities, Cincinnati’s location on the mighty Ohio River, growing population and booming economy made it an ideal place to settle down and plant roots.

By 1830, just 5% of Cincinnati’s growing population was German-born. However, this was to see a rapid and sharp increase – reaching 30% within 10 years, then nearly doubling during the following decade. German immigrants made up such a substantial portion of the city that by the 1850’s German was spoken in church school classes, at sermons, out in public at stores and banks, and even used as a primary language in four of the city’s newspapers. By the mid-1800s Cincinnati had one of the highest concentrations of German-born residents in the country. Entire neighborhoods such as Over-the-Rhine (named after the Rhinelanders who originally settled in the area) sprang up, built by and for German immigrants.

Over-the-Rhine: A Cultural Stronghold

Over-the-Rhine (locally known as ‘OTR’) remains one of the most enduring symbols of Cincinnati’s German past – as well as the largest intact historic district in the United States. If you take a walk through OTR today, it’s not hard to imagine what life was once like; beautifully preserved 19^th-century buildings help paint the picture of a busy, bustling neighborhood – the former heart of German life in Cincinnati. The architecture itself, primarily Italianate style with low-pitched or flat roofs, wide over-hanging eaves and square cupolas or towers – is utilized everywhere. From row houses to beer halls, you’ll see visual testaments everywhere to the German craftsmen who helped build the neighborhood hundreds of years ago.

Though the area went through a period of decline in the 20th century, OTR has undergone a significant revitalization in recent years. Many of the historic buildings that had been previously abandoned and left empty have been restored, and new businesses have moved in—making OTR an exciting and popular destination for visitors to the city. Some of the city's most iconic and beloved landmarks - like Music Hall - are located here. 

Beer and Brewing: Germany's Tastiest Local Legacy

Cincinnati has established itself over the last decade as a craft-beer mecca – but the city has a long history of brewing. Twenty-five years after Cincinnati was founded, Englishman Davis Embree opened the very first commercial brewery on the banks of the Ohio River in 1812. His small-scale production of porters and ales wasn’t bringing in the revenue to support the endeavor, forcing him to close shop in 1825. Shortly after that – waves of incoming immigrants started building a robust brewing scene several miles north in OTR – tapping into something Germans do best – brew beer, and at a large scale.

Cincinnati quickly became a national brewing capital. By the mid-1800s, 36 breweries located in the city were producing more than 30 million gallons of beer, and a system of lagering cellars and tunnels had been dug beneath the city. These tunnels were utilized up until the Prohibition-era.

Names like Christian Moerlein, Hudepohl, and Schoenling became household staples. Moerlein, in particular, stood out—his brewery was one of the few American brewers invited to showcase beer at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. Today, the Christian Moerlein brand has been revived and can be found at the Moerlein Lager House, a modern beer hall and restaurant along the riverfront that celebrates Cincinnati’s brewing heritage.

You can explore the city's brewing past through tours of the underground lagering cellars and brewery tunnels that still exist beneath OTR. These subterranean relics offer a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century brewing practices and the scale of the city’s beer production.

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati

One of the most visible and lively celebrations of Cincinnati’s German roots is Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the United States. Held each September, this massive street festival draws hundreds of thousands of visitors who come to enjoy bratwurst, schnitzel, sauerkraut, and, of course, beer.

The event features traditional German music, dancing, and quirky contests like the Running of the Wieners (a dachshund race). It’s a joyful, colorful affirmation that German culture is alive and well in Cincinnati. The festival also underscores the pride the city takes in its multicultural heritage and the ways in which traditions are kept fresh and fun for new generations.

Other, smaller Oktoberfest celebrations are also popular among both locals and visitors, including: Germania Society Oktoberfest, Covington Oktoberfest, Newport Oktoberfest and Donauschwaben Oktoberfest.

Mainstrasse Village

Across the river in Covington, Kentucky you'll find the charming Mainstrasse Village. Designed to resemble a 19th century German village, it was created in the 1970s to pay homage to the immigrants who originally settled on the west side of Covington. Local attractions include the Carroll Chimes Bell Tower, a 100-foot-tall glockenspiel, Goebel Park, a green space used to host local festivals like Covington Oktoberfest and Maifest, and dozens of adorable restaurants, bars and shops. 

Today’s German-American Community

Though assimilation and time have diluted the prominence of German culture in everyday life, its influence is still visible and celebrated. German-themed restaurants and bakeries such as Wunderbar and Servatii’s Pastry Shop continue to serve up authentic German fare.

Cincinnati’s German-American Citizens League and the German Heritage Museum in West Fork Park also play key roles in preserving and educating the public about this history. These institutions offer programming, exhibits, and events that celebrate the contributions of German-Americans to Cincinnati’s development and identity.

Experience It Yourself!

Cincinnati’s German heritage isn’t just a relic of the past—it’s a living, evolving part of the city’s cultural DNA. From the cobblestone streets of Over-the-Rhine to the frothy mugs and tangy sauerkraut of Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, the legacy of German immigrants remains etched into the fabric of the Queen City. Whether you're strolling through historic neighborhoods, savoring a soft pretzel, or raising a stein in celebration, you’re experiencing a slice of Cincinnati’s unique and enduring German-American story. Prost!