So, you’ve booked your flight to Germany for the winter months. Wunderschön! You’re dreaming of festive markets, steaming mugs of glühwein and that perfect Instagram of you holding a pretzel in front of a snow-dusted castle. But before you start packing every scarf you own, let’s talk winter activities.
Germany’s winters are magical, but they’re also bursting with unique experiences, cultural quirks and a healthy dose of bratwurst. So grab a notepad, your warmest coat and let’s dive into the top 10 ways to make the most of Germany’s winter wonderland — and maybe even learn how to pronounce “Schneeballschlacht” while you’re at it.
1. Hit the Slopes in Bavaria
⛷️ Snow bunnies rejoice!
Germany’s Alps offer top-notch skiing and snowboarding — think Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Oberstdorf or the Zugspitze. Whether you’re a pro or you spend more time on your bum than on your skis, the après-ski is worth it.
💡 Tip: If your skiing skills are more “toddler on ice” than “Olympic champion,” stick to the blue runs and enjoy the view.
2. Sip Glühwein at a Christmas Market
🎄 The Germans practically invented Christmas cheer — and the Christmas market is where it all comes alive.
Expect twinkling lights, roasted chestnuts and enough glühwein (mulled wine) to keep you warm (and maybe a bit giggly).
💡 Tip: Bring cash and a reusable mug deposit — no one likes that clueless tourist with a credit card and a cold nose.
3. Go Tobogganing Like a Kid (or a Big Kid)
🛷 Forget skiing — grab a sled and hit the hills.
Germans take their sledding seriously, with dedicated runs and even night sledding. You’ll be squealing like a kid in no time.
💡 Tip: Rent a sturdy sled — the wooden ones are classic, but plastic ones can fly. Literally.
4. Warm Up in a Thermal Spa
♨️ After a day in the cold, there’s nothing more German than a steaming soak in a thermal bath.
Check out Baden-Baden, Therme Erding or Bad Wörishofen for the ultimate relaxation. Saunas included — and yes, Germans take their sauna etiquette seriously (spoiler: expect nudity).
💡 Tip: Embrace the experience — and maybe leave your modesty at the door.
5. Visit a Snowy Castle (Neuschwanstein, Anyone?)
🏰 Germany’s fairytale castles look even dreamier under a blanket of snow.
Neuschwanstein in Bavaria is the classic, but Burg Hohenzollern or Schloss Lichtenstein are equally stunning and far less crowded.
💡 Tip: Dress warm — and watch out for icy steps, unless you fancy a “tourist on ice” video moment.
6. Try Ice Skating in a Historic Square
⛸️ Germany’s cities transform their squares into magical ice rinks come winter.
Imagine skating with a cathedral or a medieval town hall as your backdrop — it’s like a Christmas card come to life.
💡 Tip: Watch the locals for skating tips — Germans are surprisingly graceful on ice. Unlike some of us.
7. Explore the Harz Mountains on a Steam Train
🚂 All aboard the Brockenbahn!
This historic steam train chugs through snow-covered forests to the Brocken summit, offering a magical winter ride straight out of a fairy tale.
💡 Tip: Bring a thermos of hot cocoa (or schnapps) — the ride’s even better with a warm drink.
8. Attend a Fasching (Carnival) Parade
🎭 February means Fasching (or Karneval) — a wild, colourful celebration with costumes, parades and enough confetti to carpet the Autobahn.
Even in winter, the Germans know how to party. Cologne is the capital of chaos, but even small towns get in on the action.
💡 Tip: Pack a silly hat and your best dance moves.
9. Go Snowshoeing in the Black Forest
🥾 Fancy a walk on the wild side?
Strap on some snowshoes and hike through the Black Forest — it’s like stepping into a Brothers Grimm storybook, minus the hungry wolves.
💡 Tip: Follow marked trails or risk getting lost among the fir trees (and maybe becoming a local legend).
10. Eat All the Winter Food (and Then Some)
🍽️ Winter is the season for hearty, soul-warming food.
Think käsespätzle (cheesy noodles), bratwurst, sauerkraut and all the cakes you can dream of. Plus, don’t miss the stollen (Christmas fruit bread) or lebkuchen (gingerbread).
💡 Tip: Diet starts next year. Guten Appetit!
✨ Final Schneeball-Gedanken (Snowball Thoughts):
Germany in winter is a magical mix of traditions, fun and enough mulled wine to keep the cold at bay. Whether you’re carving up the slopes or cosying up with a bratwurst, these activities will make your trip unforgettable — and your social media envy-inducing.
So grab your scarf, embrace the frost and remember: in Germany, winter isn’t just a season — it’s a reason to celebrate. Prost to your next great adventure! 🎿🎉🍺
