Winter in Germany: What to Anticipate and 12 Stunning Destinations to Discover

Winter in Germany may be chilly, but it's truly enchanting, offering a wealth of activities and sights. Whether you're seeking snow, festive Christmas markets, or a peaceful retreat, Germany has something for everyone.

Where to Visit in Winter in Germany?

Many travelers wonder: Is winter a good time to visit Germany? As a native, I can assure you that it absolutely is. Germany boasts numerous regions ideal for a winter getaway, each exuding its own festive allure. Whether you're keen to explore vibrant cities or savor a wintry Christmas adventure, you'll find plenty to enjoy.

What to Anticipate for Winter in Germany 2024

How frigid does Germany get in winter? Forecasts for the upcoming winter in Germany differ, but higher elevations are more likely to see snow. If you’re yearning for a snowy escape, consider visiting the Bavarian Alps.

Top Destinations in Germany This Winter

Winter in Germany: The Ultimate City Getaways

If you’re considering a winter city escape in Germany, these destinations will steal your heart.

1. Berlin

For the most enchanting Christmas markets in Germany, head to Berlin. The zoo also embraces the holiday spirit, making it a delightful experience for families.

The zoo transforms into a dazzling wonderland with light displays and festive sounds. You’re sure to feel the Christmas spirit here, from mid-November to mid-January, snow or no snow.

Christmas shopping in Berlin is a delightful experience. The trees along the Ku’damm are aglow with festive lights for miles. Don’t miss the chance to window shop, as the extravagant displays rival those of New York City. A trip to KadeWe (the second-largest department store in Europe) is essential.

If you’re bold enough to brave the chill, you can join the Ice Dippers for an ice bath. They gather every Saturday in winter for a refreshing plunge in Berlin Plötzensee.

2. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is renowned as a winter wonderland, featuring the famous Christmas store Käthe Wohlfahrt. While the festive spirit is alive year-round, winter adds a special charm. It’s the perfect destination to find Christmas ornaments and embrace the holiday cheer.

In December, the Reiterlesmarkt Christmas market comes alive, featuring countless stalls and enchanting brass music. Don’t miss a walk through the narrow lanes of the old town and along the well-preserved city wall. For a deeper understanding of the festive season, explore the German Christmas Museum.

If the Christmas cheer isn’t quite your style, get a thrill from the various historical torture devices at the Criminal Museum.

Getting to Rothenburg ob der Tauber: The best option is to fly into Frankfurt and rent a car. It’s located about 100 miles southeast of the airport.

Winter vacations in Germany for families

If you’re planning a trip with the whole family, these destinations are ideal for a winter vacation with kids.

3. Blomberg, Bad Tölz

Looking to enjoy sledding in Germany? Once the snow blankets the ground, there are plenty of choices, but none can match the thrill of Blomberg, located near Bad Tölz and just a stone's throw from Munich.

Sledding has been a beloved tradition in this area since the early 1900s, and the German Sledding Championships have even taken place in Blomberg. You’ll find three toboggan runs available, suitable for both beginners and seasoned riders.

You can either take the cable car or hike up the hill. This spot also makes for a more budget-friendly winter vacation in Germany, as access to the toboggan runs is free; you only need to pay for the lift and the sled.

Additionally, there's the “Blomberg Blitz,” an all-weather toboggan run, a climbing garden, a small animal area, and an interactive forest mystery trail app designed for kids. For adults, alpine ski touring and a variety of hiking paths await.

How to reach Bad Tölz: Fly into Munich and rent a car; Bad Tölz is just 50 miles from the airport. 

4. Zugspitze

Does Germany receive snowfall? Absolutely! For a snowy getaway in Germany, there’s hardly a better destination than Zugspitze – a German ski resort featuring over 12 miles of reliable slopes, ensuring ample fresh snow and winter sunshine at high altitudes.

There are plenty of ski schools and slopes designed for young skiers, along with several toboggan runs. A standout attraction for families is the Igloo Village at Zugspitze.

This igloo village is constructed for a duration of 10 days, from late December to the first week of January. Instead of a traditional hotel, you can sleep directly on the Zugspitze – an unforgettable experience!

Bundle up snugly and get ready – your night in the igloo comes with a delightful cheese fondue, a snowshoe trek, access to a sauna, and breakfast overlooking the Alps. As you might guess, you’ll be sleeping on snow and ice (with a few thick blankets) in a real igloo. A once-in-a-lifetime adventure for the entire family.

How to reach Zugspitze: Fly to Munich. From there, you can easily take a train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, followed by a short local train ride and a cable car up the mountain. 

Winter wellness: spa retreats in Germany

When the temperatures drop, there's nothing quite like a wellness getaway in a warm setting.

5. Sauna Raft on the Havel

Just a short trip from Berlin (approximately 2 hours by train or less than an hour by car) lies the sauna raft, sitting on one of Germany's most stunning lakes. The Werbellinsee is open all year round, even during the chilly winter months.

The sauna raft is a floating sauna barrel that can be rented for small groups of up to 7 individuals. This eco-friendly sauna can heat up to 203 °F. Onboard, you’ll find a shower, toilet, and a ladder. After your sauna experience, you can take a refreshing dip in the lake before unwinding on the raft.

You can also navigate the lake using the raft; anyone over 18 can operate the propeller motor. Alternatively, you can hire a skipper for an extra charge.

6. Elmau Valley

Nestled in Elmau Valley is one of Germany’s finest wellness retreats: Schloss Elmau. This stunning location boasts majestic castles and scenic hiking paths — a perfect spot for a winter getaway.

The resort features 6 distinct spa areas where individuals, couples, and families can fully unwind. Offerings include a hammam, the Nature Spa, along with treatments in Chinese medicine and aromatherapy.

For those looking to stay active, options include Qi Gong, Tai Chi, Pilates, and a dedicated yoga pavilion. This destination provides a distinctive wellness experience paired with award-winning gourmet dining.

Outdoors, you’ll find a variety of slopes, snow-covered hiking paths, an ice rink, and dog sledding opportunities. In winter, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-draped Zugspitze and the Karwendel Mountains.

How to reach Schloss Elmau: Fly to Munich and choose either a rental car or local train, as the hotel is approximately 90 miles from the airport. 

7. Baden-Baden

If you’re in search of an essential spa destination in Germany, look no further than Baden-Baden. Located in Baden-Württemberg, it boasts the highest concentration of thermal springs in the country, with Baden-Baden being the most prominent. Allegedly, 200,000 gallons flow from 12 springs daily—ideal for warming up during the winter chill.

The renowned Caracalla Spa is particularly well-suited for relaxation. It features a rock grotto, an aromatic steam bath, a lazy river, and both indoor and outdoor whirlpools. You can select from various pools filled with healing waters ranging from 64 to 100 °F.

Baden-Baden is also home to the Friedrichsbad, which was once the most advanced thermal bath in the world. You'll feel transported through time as you trace the footsteps of Mark Twain, who contemplated life in its soothing waters beneath the stunning dome.

How to reach Baden-Baden: The nearest airport is in Stuttgart, but you can also fly into Strasbourg. From there, it's best to take a train or rent a car. I recommend the train, as parking can be challenging and expensive in Baden-Baden. 

8. East Frisia

Interested in experiencing Germany's winter by the sea? Visit East Frisia, located along the North Sea coast in Lower Saxony. This region includes the stunning islands of Norderney, Juist, and Borkum. 

There's a wealth of activities to enjoy during a winter getaway here. Wellness is highly emphasized, as the North Sea's healthy climate is believed to boost the immune system. Take a lengthy beach stroll or embark on a winter hike through the renowned mud flats, then warm up in a sauna. Alternatively, partake in the traditional East Frisian tea ceremony—here, tea is more than just a beverage; it's an event to be celebrated, much like in Japan or China. 

If the weather turns particularly wintry, curl up inside with your tea and a good book. East Frisia serves as the backdrop for many captivating East Frisian crime novels, several of which are available in English translations. 

Note: Be sure to pack warm clothing and rain boots. Even if snow is scarce, the North Sea can have ice floes, and strong winds are common. 

Getting to East Frisia: It's worth noting that even the nearest major airport, Hamburg, is nearly 200 miles from East Frisia's coast. From there (which is a fantastic destination in its own right), you can catch a train or drive to East Frisia. If you're planning to visit one of the islands, be sure to check ferry schedules in advance, as they operate on a limited timetable during winter. 

Skiing in Germany

For many, a winter in Germany is incomplete without hitting the slopes. Here’s where you can find the finest skiing locations.

9. Ski Oberstdorf Kleinwalsertal

The top ski destination in Germany is Zugspitze, featuring the slopes surrounding Garmisch-Partenkirchen. However, the title for the largest ski resort belongs to Ski Oberstdorf Kleinwalsertal, which boasts over 80 miles of slopes.

This resort has everything a skier could desire: numerous lifts, family-friendly slopes, freeride trails, and challenging black runs for those seeking adventure. If you're new to skiing or want to hone your skills, numerous ski schools are available. Kids can count on the ski mascot Burmi to help them with their first turns.

Experiencing winter nights here is magical, with several opportunities for night skiing under bright floodlights. For those who prefer a gentler pace, there’s an extensive network of cross-country skiing trails.

You can acquire all the necessary skills in a cross-country skiing course. Additionally, the area offers tobogganing, winter hiking, and ice skating options.

How to reach Ski Oberstdorf Kleinwalsertal: From Munich airport, you can rent a car or take trains and buses to Oberstdorf. If you're not accustomed to winter driving conditions, it's advisable to use public transport. 

10. Oberhof, Thuringia

Exceptional skiing can be found beyond the southern regions; Oberhof in the Thuringian Forest is particularly known for its reliable snow conditions, making it a training hub for many elite winter athletes.

Since the early 1900s, winter sports enthusiasts have been preparing for the Olympics here. Today, they can take advantage of the unique ski sports hall, the only cross-country ski hall located outside Scandinavia. In addition, there are two downhill slopes and countless miles of cross-country ski trails for your enjoyment.

As if that weren't enough, there’s also a snow tubing area and a natural toboggan run where both adults and kids can race down the hill. At the end of the toboggan run, a shuttle bus is conveniently available to transport you back up.

How to reach Oberhof: Fly into Frankfurt, the closest major airport. From there, you can take a direct ICE train to Oberhof or rent a car. 

The best Christmas Markets in Germany

Wondering where to find the finest Christmas markets in Germany? While opinions may vary, two of them below are certainly worth visiting.

11. Nuremberg Christmas Market

The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is recognized as the oldest Christmas Market in the world, despite facing some competition. It’s undeniably one of the most cherished markets, making it a compelling reason for a trip to Nuremberg.

Each year, it kicks off with the traditional Christkind, drawing crowds to the “tiny town crafted from wood and fabric.” Here, you can discover exquisite handicrafts and festive decorations, while indulging in seasonal delights. Of course, the famous Nuremberg gingerbread (don’t miss the Lebkuchen-Schmidt) and bratwurst are essential parts of the experience, with the latter even featuring its own Bratwurst Museum!

For the younger visitors, there’s the Children’s Christmas, a dedicated festive area just for kids. It includes a carousel, Ferris wheel, cookie baking activities, and a chance to write and deliver their wish list to the Christkind.

An especially appealing feature of the Nuremberg market is the themed experience paths. These guided tours offer insights into various facets of the market, both historical and contemporary.

How to reach Nuremberg: While Nuremberg has its own airport, direct flights from the US are unavailable. You can either book a flight with a layover or fly into Munich and take the train from there. 

12. Lindau Harbor Christmas Market

The Lindau Harbor Christmas Market features charmingly decorated stalls offering mulled wine and freshly baked treats. Its enchanting location by Lake Constance provides a stunning backdrop with views of the Alps.

The market’s atmosphere is enhanced by the “Enchanting Fairytale Forest,” adorned with Black Forest fir trees, where children can enjoy fairy tales. There’s also a lively festive program for Christmas lovers, including the Night Watchman tour that leads to the Lindau Christmas tree at the town hall, the impressive Christmas crib in St. Stephan’s Church, and the popular Christmas ship.

On St. Nicholas Day, the brave can even take a dip in the brisk waters of Lake Constance during the Nikolaus swim. This tradition is embraced by many, leaving the only question: to wear a wetsuit or not?

Getting to Lindau: Fly into Munich and then take a train to your destination. Although Zurich airport is closer, flights to and from Switzerland tend to be a bit more expensive. 

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