Berlin – Ampelmännchen
Berlin’s famous Ampelmännchen is more than just a traffic light figure; it has become a true cultural symbol of the city. Originally designed in the 1960s in East Germany to promote pedestrian safety, this charming, hat-wearing character survived reunification thanks to public affection. With arms outstretched like a barrier, the red figure means “stop,” while the green one strides forward to signal “go.” Even after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Ampelmännchen’s popularity has never faded, and it remains a beloved icon for locals and visitors alike. You’ll find souvenirs dedicated to him throughout Berlin. Once imagined by traffic psychologist Karl Peglau to help children navigate the streets safely, this little man now lights your way across the city with a cheerful glow. Discover the story behind this city icon by booking your flight to Berlin.
Çanakkale – Trojan horse figure
Famous for its deep-rooted heritage, the city of Çanakkale has turned an ordinary traffic light into a tribute to its legendary past by decorating it with the silhouette of the Trojan Horse. Inspired by a suggestion from the Troy Museum, this unique light displays the iconic horse in red, yellow, and green and is located at one of the city’s busiest intersections. The mythological figure, a symbol of the ancient Trojan legend, now seamlessly blends into daily life, capturing the attention of both locals and visitors. To learn more about the legend of Troy, you can read our article on Troy, the ancient city, or book a flight to Çanakkale to explore this enchanting region in person.
Friedberg – Elvis Presley
In the German town of Friedberg, the King of Rock’n Roll, Elvis Presley, appears on a traffic light. To honor Elvis, who served his military duty there between 1958 and 1960, one of the pedestrian lights in the city was redesigned with his iconic silhouette. When the light is red, Elvis stands in front of his microphone; when it turns green, he is captured mid-dance in his famous move. Located at Elvis Presley Square, this playful tribute is sure to make you smile as you cross the street, guided by the King himself.
Trier – Karl Marx
Germany’s city of Trier celebrated the 200th birthday of its most famous native, philosopher Karl Marx, in an unconventional way by adding his figure to traffic lights. In the town where Marx was born and grew up, pedestrians now see him either walking with a book in hand or standing still with his arms open wide. The mayor of Trier called the initiative “a meaningful symbol of the city embracing Marx.” This clever detail adds a playful and memorable touch for visitors. To explore Marx’s hometown and see him glowing at the crosswalk, you can easily reach Trier by flying to Luxembourg.
Aarhus – Viking figure
Denmark’s second-largest city, Aarhus, has found a unique way to celebrate its Viking heritage by decorating 17 pedestrian traffic lights with Viking figures. Initiated by city planning official Bünyamin Şimşek, the project features tiny Vikings in helmets and shields signaling pedestrians to stop or go. At red, a Viking stands holding his shield; at green, another strides forward with purpose. This creative touch aims to bring the city’s thousand-year-old Viking legacy into everyday life. With support from the Moesgaard Museum, the project helps ensure Aarhus’s historical identity remains vividly present within its modern cityscape. If you’d like to experience a place where culture and history blend seamlessly with modern life, you can book a flight to Denmark and explore it for yourself.
Bremen – The town musicians of Bremen
Following the trail of another fairytale, we arrive in the German city of Bremen. This city is one of the few places that uses its traffic lights to honor the beloved Town Musicians of Bremen. In 2017, several pedestrian signals in the city center were redesigned to feature the silhouettes of the fairy tale’s famous quartet: the donkey, dog, cat, and rooster, standing on each other’s backs. These charming heroes, including the donkey, dog, cat, and rooster, appear frozen in place under the red light, and when the light turns green, they look as if they are walking together, guiding pedestrians across the street. Originally created as part of the city’s annual Freimarkt Festival, the project was so well received by locals and visitors that it quickly became one of Bremen’s recognizable visual symbols. Today, this beloved quartet from the tale can be seen not only on the city’s famous monument but also glowing on its traffic lights. If you want to explore the hometown of the “Town Musicians of Bremen,” you can check out flight options to Bremen.
Bonn – Beethoven
The German city of Bonn, the birthplace of the famous composer Ludwig van Beethoven, found a charming way to honor his legacy by adding his silhouette to its traffic lights. The first two signals featuring Beethoven were unveiled on December 17, 2016, the composer’s 246th birthday, as part of preparations for his 250th birth anniversary celebrations in 2020. Today, at the city center’s Bertha-von-Suttner Platz, pedestrians can see the outline of Beethoven’s wild hair glowing green to signal it’s time to cross. Looking up at the red light, you’ll spot his still figure; a small yet striking detail that keeps Bonn’s musical heritage alive in everyday life.
Across the world, even traffic lights can tell a city’s story. These playful, creative touches add simple but delightful little memories to every journey. Next time you travel, look not only at the street signs but also at the lights themselves; you might find one of the most unexpected surprises waiting right at the curb.
