Winter in Germany can be a particularly difficult time when hot summer days by the lake seem a million miles away. With the Christmas holidays gone and much of the winter months still lingering, it can feel pretty boring to be outside.
In Germany in January, sunset begins at 4pm and the clocks count down, but there are plenty of cozy activities and places to visit that will help you get away from the cold months.
germany in winter
German winters are long and dark. The real winter starts in December, but in November, the severe cold suddenly hits us. Spring weather usually starts to appear in mid-to-late March. This time of year is from one day to the next when German skeleton trees rush to wake up.
From November to February, when it means starting work in the dark and ending the day in the dark, it can be very hard to get energized. Don’t worry about your vitamin D intake. But winter in Germany can be a lot of fun when you enjoy the glittering streetlights.
German winter fun
Whether indoors or outdoors, every federal state has a wealth of activities to offer and places to visit in the winter. From the bluish, windswept beaches of unseasonably Sylt to the craggy, snow-capped castles of iconic Neuschwanstein, here are some of our favorites.
Discover the Castle of German Fairy Tale Kings
Germans love the outdoors. And if you’re looking to integrate into your newfound at-home activities and passions, learning to love outdoor challenges in the frost, snow, rain and humidity during the German winters is certainly a start.
If you’re looking for a new German location, the country’s 25,000 castles and palaces, often surrounded by spectacular woodlands and national parks, are made even more dramatic by the gray winter weather of snow and fog. The earliest German castles date back to the 11th century, and every federal state has an endless supply of astonishing fairytale fortifications.
That said, if you want to visit a winter castle, Bavaria is the place to go. And no one is more important in the history of German castles than the so-called fairy-tale king. Ludwig II of Bavaria came to the throne in 1864 and spent much of his reign commissioning some of Germany’s most architecturally elaborate castles and palaces, completing fairytale towers. Herrenchiemsee, Linderhof, and the legendary Neuschwanstein Castle are all his creations, the latter adding an element of fairytale magic, and the walls are adorned with scenes from Wagner’s operas.
The steep inclines that are unavoidable on the way to any castle are sure to keep you warm no matter the winter weather.
Cheap skiing through German landscapes
Switzerland undoubtedly claims the title of Europe’s ski capital. Many countries in Germany can’t match alpine, but cross-country his skiing doesn’t require as much dramatic height, and he can keep up with the chatter at the same time. Cross-country skiing is a good starting point for expats living in temperate Germany who are less familiar with the Nordic and Central European tastes.
It is also possible to go cross-country skiing on a budget. Many thrift stores and flea markets in Germany have a large selection of used ski boots, suits and skis, but if you’re a beginner it’s a good idea to do your research beforehand to make sure everything is in good shape. Recommended.
As well as castles, many of Germany’s top cross-country ski spots are in Bavaria. Baden-Württemberg is also a winner. But further north, Saxony offers Fichtelberg, Schönebeck and Rohrjung through the ridges of the Ore Mountains. His one-day ticket for Rölzhang costs only 8 euros.
And if you’re lost between the winter magic of fairytale castles and cross-country skiing through snowy fir trees, head south for a weekend in January and head straight for the 19th-century Neuschwanstein Castle. Go cross-country skiing in Schwangau.
See the catalog of German films
Contrary to popular belief by foreigners, German cinema does not begin and end with cinema. someone else’s lifeThe country has a long and at one point politically charged historical relationship with the silver screen.
Spending the winter exploring the vast cultural landscape of German cinema is an activity that can be done in the comfort of your own home or at your nearest location. Evil (cinema).if you really ventured beyond that someone else’s life When Goodbye, Lenin! You may have exhausted the selection of German classics on Netflix. Or maybe there’s a great indie movie from a few years ago that you can’t find on any streaming service. It’s time to go to the library!
Resist the urge to scoff at the antiquated and invest in one of Germany’s many national libraries with a €10 a year card. With the most comfortable woolly hat on, an adventure to the library can feel like the most perfect winter activity. Peruse with your pleasure without letting go.
If you’re a German film buff and wise from Werner to Wim, you might want to dig a little deeper. A perfect place to spend a rainy afternoon.
release in the sauna
Summer in Germany is spent endlessly soaking in the local lakes. German lakes are beautiful even in the winter, and if you dare to strip for a January dunk, you’re definitely not alone. In winter there are many great places for swimming and you can enjoy a new hobby with German geniuses.
Saunas and spas may be more suitable for those looking for winter comfort. Just like their Scandinavian neighbors, Germans love to hang out naked in saunas. Also, is there a better season for a sauna than winter?
Relaxing in a sauna has been shown to improve sleep and reduce the risk of dementia. If you’re looking for winter indulgence, a trip to Wabari, a Balinese spa in Berlin, Düsseldorf and Hamburg, will get you through the rest of the winter. But fear not. Many public swimming pools offer sauna tickets for just €9 a day, so low-budget sauna excursions are always possible.
Eat your way through the winter
Falafel and Döner are comforting company on the way home from a night out, but most German food is warm and rich, perfect for wintertime Germany.
Food is a basic winter pleasure and an everyday pleasure that we enjoy at least three times a day. Why not spend the winter discovering more of German tastes? If you’ve enjoyed all the predictable delicacies of the Christmas markets in December, turn your attention to more mundane traditional German dishes. Please give me.
frozen potato pancake (Hash browns) are good, but have you ever made them from scratch? When he invests 10 minutes in grating his own potatoes, he gains stronger arm muscles and a fresh batch. blowfish! same thing stew (stew). However, this is a dangerous game.Make your own Sunday afternoon stew, and I’m never satisfied with Lidl’s canned food anymore. Please proceed at your own risk.
germany in winter
In Germany, winter can be fun when you can spend time in your adopted home in new exciting and affordable ways. What are your hot tips for getting through the cold months?
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