Germany
Adidas
Known for: Global sportswear powerhouse with a wide range of running shoes, from everyday wear to elite performance. Competes with Nike.
Employees: ~59,000 globally
Manufacturing: Primarily outsourced to Asia, with some production in Europe.
Sustainability: Invests in sustainable design (Parley Ocean Plastic), aims for climate neutrality, and enforces human rights and fair labor standards.
Puma
Known for: Sporty, fashion-forward athletic shoes with a strong identity in lifestyle and performance gear.
Employees: ~20,000 globally
Manufacturing: Mostly in Asia, with a few factories in Europe and the Americas.
Sustainability: Has detailed supplier standards and audits. Targets carbon reduction, ethical working conditions, and has published a code of conduct for business ethics.
Volkswagen Group
Brands: Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, Škoda, SEAT (Cupra), Bentley, Lamborghini.
European Manufacturing: Germany, Czechia, Spain, Belgium.
Battery Sourcing: European plants (Northvolt, LG Chem Poland), some CATL (China).
Estimated nr. of European Jobs: ~300,000+ (direct and supply chain).
Privacy Concerns: Low – European-controlled data and software.
Stellantis
Brands: Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Opel/Vauxhall, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Jeep.
European Manufacturing: France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Slovakia, UK.
Battery Sourcing: ACC (France, Germany), LG Chem (Poland), some CATL (China).
Estimated nr. of European Jobs: ~250,000+ (direct and supply chain).
Privacy Concerns: Low – European-based management and infrastructure.
BMW Group
Brands: BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce.
European Manufacturing: Germany, UK, Hungary.
Battery Sourcing: CATL (Germany), Samsung SDI (Hungary), LG Chem (Poland), Northvolt (Sweden).
Estimated nr. of European Jobs: ~90,000+ (direct and supply chain).
Privacy Concerns: Low – European data storage, but reliance on Chinese CATL batteries.
Mercedes-Benz Group
Brands: Mercedes-Benz, Smart.
European Manufacturing: Germany, Hungary, Spain.
Battery Sourcing: ACC (Germany, France), CATL (Germany), Farasis (China).
Estimated nr. of European Jobs: ~170,000+ (direct and supply chain).
Privacy Concerns: Moderate – Chinese-built Smart EVs pose some privacy risks.
Zalando
Known for: Online retailer offering a wide range of fashion and lifestyle products from over 7,000 brands. Zalando Lounge offers discounted fashion from European brands.
Employees: ~15,300
Operating in: Most of Europe (25 countries)
https://zalando.com
Otto
Known for: Multi-category retail (clothing, home, electronics)
Employees: ~5,300
Availibility: 20+ countries in Europe
https://otto.de
About You
Known for: Fashion retail platform (personalized shopping, influencer-driven)
Employees: ~1,360
Availibility: Most of Europe (28 countries)
https://aboutyou.com
Vapiano
Known for: Freshly prepared Italian dishes like pasta, pizza, and salads in a modern, open-kitchen environment. Vapiano combines casual dining with high-quality ingredients.
Available in: Germany, Austria, Bosnia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Hungary, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
Employees: ~10,000
BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
Employees: Around 60,000
Known for: Washing machines, dishwashers, ovens, refrigerators under brands like Bosch, Siemens, and Neff.
Website: https://www.bsh-group.com
Hela Gewürz
Made in: Germany.
Sales: A leading brand in the curry ketchup category.
Key markets: Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Scandinavia.
Description: Spiced ketchup with curry and paprika, very popular with bratwurst.
Our verdict: 👍 Not really a Heinz alternative, but more of its own thing. Spicy, curry-driven, and cheap.
Omio
The go-to travel comparison platform for millions. Omio makes booking European trains, buses, and flights effortless, offering a seamless alternative to car travel. Whether you’re heading to a buzzing capital or a hidden gem, Omio connects you with the best transport options.
https://www.omio.com or get their app on your preffered app store.
Tchibo
Known for: Lifestyle retail (clothing, home goods, electronics, coffee)
Employees: ~11,000
Availibility: Most (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Czechia, Poland, etc.)
https://tchibo.de
Robert Bosch GmbH
A leading European manufacturer of power tools and accessories (with both professional and consumer product lines), also producing garden/outdoor equipment under the Bosch brand. Bosch’s Power Tools division is part of the larger Bosch Group conglomerate. The Bosch Group employs roughly 427,000+ people worldwide, including about 134,000 in Germany (and many more across other European countries)
FlixBus
Europe’s largest budget-friendly bus network. FlixBus offers affordable, eco-conscious travel to thousands of destinations. With comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi, it’s a great alternative to trains for budget travelers and students.
https://www.flixbus.com
Burnhard
Known for: Gas BBQ grills (D2C online brand), pizza ovens, smokers
Employees: ~51–200
Manufactured in: Engineered in Germany; products made in China
Users say: Very popular for value-priced quality. Some reports of durability issues compared to premium brands
Riese & Müller
Known for: Premium commuter, touring, and cargo e-bikes (high-end designs with dual-battery options).
Employees: R & M employes around 900 people. Assembled in: Mühltal, Germany
Motors & Batteries: Primarily utilizes Bosch eBike Systems for both motors and batteries.
Availibility: Via authorized e-bike dealers worldwide (no direct online sales).
https://www.r-m.de
Stihl GmbH & Co. KG
A German company specializing in outdoor power equipment for forestry and lawn care – including chainsaws, trimmers, blowers, and lawn mowers. Stihl is a leading global brand in forestry and garden machinery, with around 20,000 employees worldwide. Nearly half of Stihl’s workforce (about 9,300 employees) is based in Europe, reflecting its roots and major manufacturing operations in Germany and neighboring countries.
Nordsee
Known for: Seafood-focused fast food, including fish sandwiches and salads. Nordsee offers a healthier alternative to traditional fast food, emphasizing fresh and sustainable seafood options.
Available in: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Slovakia, Romania
Miele
Employees: About 23,300
Known for: High-quality washing machines, dishwashers, ovens, vacuum cleaners known for durability.
Website: https://www.miele.com
Volkswagen ID.2all / ID.2
Known for: VW’s answer to budget-friendly EVs for the mass market. Affordable compact hatchback sized like a Polo.
Manufactured in: Spain (Martorell plant)
Up to 450 km WLTP, Expected around 38–56 kWh battery
Availibility: Unfortunately first in 2026
Ravensburger
Known for: Puzzles, board games (Labyrinth), GraviTrax. Loved for high-quality puzzles and educational toys with German precision. Est. 1883.
Employees: ~2,500
Manufactured in: Germany, Czech Republic
Simba Dickie Group
Known for: Majorette (die-cast cars), Smoby, Eichhorn (wood toys), Steffi Love. Wide range of affordable and durable toys, family-run company with multiple brands. Est. 1982.
Employees: ~3,000
Manufactured in: Germany, France, Czech Republic, China
HomeToGo
HomeToGo is a Berlin-based online marketplace specializing in vacation rentals. Founded in 2014, it aggregates listings from various providers, offering users a platform to search and compare over 15 million accommodations worldwide, including vacation homes, cabins, beach houses, apartments, and more.
https://www.hometogo.com
Wanderlust
That deep desire to travel and explore.
It might be a German word, but the feeling is universal in Europe — from Interrail teens to retirees campervanning through the Alps. Whether you're Polish, Swedish, or Slovenian, you’ve probably had wanderlust (and acted on it with a long weekend in a neighboring country).
Montblanc
Known for: Premium smartwatches that combine classic design with smart functionalities, including fitness tracking and customizable watch faces.
Employees: Approximately 2,500
Manufactured in: Germany
montblanc.com
Nextcloud
Features: Self-hosted file storage and collaboration suite; includes document editing (via Collabora or OnlyOffice), calendar, email, video calls, and more
Pricing: Free (self-hosted); Paid options via providers or enterprise support
Known for: Nextcloud is the most flexible and privacy-first alternative out there. If you don’t mind the self-hosting setup or opt for a managed provider, it gives you full control over your data – a favorite in the EU for good reason.
Vorwerk
Employees: About 9,100
Known for: Vacuum cleaners and Thermomix cooking appliances; premium quality and innovative kitchen solutions.
Website: https://www.vorwerk.com
Stollwerck
Known For: A heritage German chocolate maker, now part of the Belgian Sweet Products Group, known for private label production and classic European chocolate bars.
Employees: Around 1,500
Farming & Ethics: Committed to certified sustainable cocoa via programs like UTZ and Rainforest Alliance. Less publicly vocal than peers about its anti-slavery initiatives.
Cube
Known for: Broad lineup e-MTB, e-road, city/trekking e-bikes (strong value and reliability).
Employees: Over 700 employees. Assembled in: Germany and Czechia
Motors & Batteries: Integrates Bosch drive units and batteries in their e-bike models.
Availibility: Widely available at independent bike shops and sport retailers worldwide
https://www.cube.eu
Canyon
Known for: High-performance e-bikes, including road, mountain, and hybrid models, sold directly to consumers.
Assembly Location: Assembled in Koblenz, Germany.
Motors & Batteries: Utilizes Bosch and Shimano systems, depending on the model.
Availability: Direct-to-consumer sales through their official website.
https://www.canyon.com
Volkswagen ID3
Known for: The classic smaller EV with Golf vibes
Manufactured in: Zwickau, Germany (Volkswagen’s dedicated EV plant)
58 kWh battery: ~430 km WLTP, 77 kWh battery: ~550 km WLTP
Our take: Somehow getting better and prettier. Seriously, how did they manage to squeeze that big battery in there?
Available now!
Playmobil
Known for: Playmobil figures, themed playsets (pirates, police, farms).Loved for great attention to detail and durable figures ideal for storytelling. Est. 1974.
Employees: ~4,100 (Horst Brandstätter Group)
Manufactured in: Germany, Malta, Czech Republic, Spain
Meyer Burger
Known for: Producing ultra-efficient heterojunction (HJT) solar cells and modules in Germany. Premium modules with high sustainability standards.
Employees: ~1,200
Markets: Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, Sweden, Norway
SMA Solar Technology AG
Known for: One of the world’s leading inverter manufacturers, active in residential, commercial, and large-scale segments. Development and manufacturing are exclusively in Europe. Fully independent from Asian supply chains; Made in Germany.
Employees: ~4,300
Production: In Kassel and Niestetal, as well as partially in Poland
Watchmark
Known for: Affordable smartwatches featuring health and fitness tracking, smartphone notifications, and stylish designs.
Employees: Approximately 11–50
Manufactured in: Europe
watchmark.com
Beiersdorf
Known for: Nivea, Eucerin, La Prairie
Employees: ~22,800
Manufactured in: Germany and 14 sites worldwide
Sustainability: High-efficiency factories, green energy, Care Beyond Skin plan
Henkel
Known for: Schwarzkopf, Fa, Syoss
Employees: ~47,000
Manufactured in: 55 countries
Sustainability: Net-zero by 2040, renewable electricity goals
BackWerk
Known for: Germany’s first self-service (“automat-style”) bakery, offering fresh pastries, sandwiches, hot snacks, juices, and coffee in a hurry‑friendly format. It’s praised for its grab‑and‑go convenience.
Available in: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands
https://www.back-werk.de
Haibike
Known for: Electric mountain bikes (e-MTBs) and trekking e-bikes (pioneers of off-road e-performance).
Employees: Around 300 employees. Assembled in: Schweinfurt, Germany,
Motors & Batteries: Offers models with both Bosch and Yamaha drive systems, including motors and batteries.
Availibility: Sold by many bicycle retailers (part of Accell Group’s dealer network)
https://www.haibike.com
Kalkhoff
Known for: Reliable commuter and trekking e-bikes with a long-standing history in bicycle manufacturing.
Assembly Location: Assembled in Cloppenburg, Germany.
Motors & Batteries: Primarily utilizes Bosch and Shimano systems.
Availability: Sold through authorized dealers; no direct online sales.
https://www.kalkhoff-bikes.com
Mini Cooper Electric
Known for: All-new platform with improved efficiency and range.
Manufactured in: China (initially), European production planned in Oxford, UK (from 2026)
40.7 kWh battery: ~305 km WLTP
54.2 kWh battery: ~402 km WLTP
Our take: Maintains the classic “go-kart” Mini handling in a fully electric version.
Available now!
SoundCloud
Alternative to: Bandcamp
Known for: Established in 2007 in Berlin, SoundCloud is a platform that allows artists to upload and share their music directly with fans. It's known for its vast collection of independent and emerging artists.
https://soundcloud.com
TUI
The one-stop shop for European package holidays. TUI provides all-inclusive family-friendly trips, from sunny Mediterranean resorts to winter wonderlands, taking the stress out of holiday planning.
https://www.tui.com
GetYourGuide
Discover unforgettable experiences with GetYourGuide, the leading platform for booking tours, activities, and attractions worldwide. From skip-the-line tickets to guided city walks, GetYourGuide makes travel planning easy and enriching. Perfect for curious travelers, families, and anyone looking to explore more.
https://www.getyourguide.com
Ursula von der Leyen
Position: President of the European Commission
Known for: Providing stable leadership during multiple crises, championing unwavering support for Ukraine, and driving Europe’s digitalization and green transition through decisive policy and institutional reform.
Coffee Fellows
Known for: Coffee Fellows is a German coffeeshop chain founded in 1999 in Munich, Germany, by Kathrin Tewes and co-managed by her and her husband, Olympic Gold medalist Stefan Tewes who joined her in management in 2000.
Available in: As of 2018, they have about 209 stores in Germany, most of them franchised.
https://www.coffee-fellows.com
Bergamont
Known for: Urban, trekking, and cargo e-bikes with a focus on innovative design and urban mobility.
Assembly Location: Assembled in Germany.
Motors & Batteries: Primarily utilizes Bosch eBike Systems.
Availability: Sold through authorized dealers; no direct online sales.
https://www.bergamont.com
German Shepherd
Known For: Intelligence, service work, loyalty
Why They’re a Top Pick: Built like a soldier, acts like one too. Your personal security guard, detective, and emotional support unit—all in one streamlined floof package.
Dachshund
Known For: Long body, short legs, fearless personality, digging obsession
Why It’s Very European: It’s the bratwurst of dog breeds - compact, unmistakably German, and unexpectedly bold. Originally bred to hunt badgers (yes, really), it’s now a beloved companion from Berlin to Barcelona.
Hetzner
Features: Reliable and affordable web hosting services with a focus on performance and sustainability.
Pricing: Web hosting plans start at €1.76/month; cloud servers start at €3.49/month .
Our verdict: Hetzner provides robust hosting solutions, ensuring our website operates smoothly and efficiently.
https://hetzner.com
Pexels
Features: High-quality, royalty-free stock images and videos sourced from a global network of talented creators.
Pricing: Free to use with no attribution required.
Our verdict: Vast library of free images and videos.
https://pexels.com
Joker
Features: Affordable domain registration services with extensive selection of domain extensions.
Pricing: Domain registration prices vary; for example, .com domains are priced at €8.99/year.
Our verdict: Competitive pricing; however, the platform may not be as intuitive for beginners.
https://joker.com
Aldi
Known for: Discount stores under Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd; Hofer in Austria and Slovenia
Employees: ~274,000
Available in: Germany, UK, Ireland, France, Spain, Poland, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, etc.
Controversies: Criticized for poor labor conditions on Spanish produce farms
Lidl
Known for: Discount stores with uniform Lidl branding
Employees: ~376,000
Available in: Almost all EU countries including Germany, France, UK, Spain, Italy, Sweden, etc.
Controversies: Allegations of supply chain labor abuses on banana plantations
Kaufland
Known for: Large-format hypermarkets, sister chain to Lidl
Employees: ~155,000
Available in: Germany, Poland, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Moldova
Controversies: 2025 exposé revealed poor hygiene standards in German stores
REWE Group
Known for: REWE, Penny, Billa
Employees: ~390,000
Available in: Germany, Austria, Italy, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia
Controversies: Alleged labor abuses in banana supply chains (Oxfam complaint)
Go European
GoEuropean focuses on helping users discover European alternatives to non-European products and services. It offers a community-driven platform where individuals can find recommendations for European-made items across various categories.
https://www.goeuropean.org
Klima
Known for: Carbon footprint tracker and offsetting app that gives users tips to reduce impact and live more sustainably.
Available in: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, UK, and other Western European markets
https://klima.com
Ritter Sport
Known For: Distinctive square chocolate bars (100g) available in a wide array of flavors.
Employees: Approximately 1,000 worldwide
Controversies: Continued operations – about 7% of Ritter Sport’s sales come from Russia, so the company chose to keep selling there while stopping new investments and marketing.
August Storck
Known For: Maker of popular sweets like Werther’s Original caramel candies, Toffifee caramel hazelnut cups, Merci chocolate, and Knoppers wafers.
Employees: Approximately 6,100 globally
Controversies: Storck has continued “business as usual” in Russia. In fact, exports to Russia grew over 50% in the year after the invasion.
Metro
Known for: Wholesale cash-and-carry; Metro, Makro
Employees: ~95,000
Available in: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Ukraine, Russia
Controversies: Continued Russian operations led to blacklisting by Ukraine