Germany's Wanderbus tours the U.S.

Germany has sent a promotional mission across the U.S. to bring German culture to Americans—and perhaps lure more Americans to Germany for vacations.

The WanderBUS (actually an 18-wheeler) is loaded with virtual reality tours, games, prizes and educational videos on German culture. It's sponsored by the German Foreign Office, the Goethe Institute and the Federation of German Industry. Teachers on board will provide lessons as the tour stops at high schools.

Another project sponsored by the same group is aimed at a somewhat older audience; Wiesn in a Box brings an Oktoberfest-style beer garden to small towns and major cities, with events ranging from art and culture performances to roundtable discussions on job creation.