10 ways to make the most of winter in Germany.The German concept of 'Gemütlichkeit' has no exact translation, but it encompasses feelings of coziness, contentment, and warmth. This term can also be extended to a sense of social approval and well-being.
Wearing appropriate winter clothing and snuggling with friends or family with mulled wine at the Christmas market or going to the movies with popcorn, Germans know how to embrace this positive attitude, especially in the winter months when darkness and cold can become overwhelming.
10 ways to make the most of winter in Germany
We have gathered 10 tips on how to enjoy life in Germany during the cold months.
1. Take a plunge into the ice (without clothes) and try the sauna
Who said that undressing by the lake is only a summer activity? Some Germans practice Freikörperkultur (FKK), or free-body culture, year-round.
Immersing yourself in an icy lake without clothes may seem crazy, but with a responsible approach, it invigorates and brings many health benefits, as science claims, and the globally known 'Iceman' Wim Hof swears by it.
Perhaps you will even find local clubs engaged in ice bathing for fun, which will be a great way to socialize. We would recommend warming up in the sauna afterward. Some spa salons even have ice baths where you can relax before warming up in the sauna.
2. Satiate yourself with seasonal treats
Whatever you say about German cuisine, they are leaders when it comes to festive pastries. If you live in Germany, from September, you can find favorite holiday treats on supermarket shelves, such as Lebkuchen, Stollen, Spekulatius, and even marzipan potatoes (seriously).
Even better, try baking them yourself: invite friends and organize a production line in your kitchen. The leftover products will make excellent gifts.
3. Try (or watch) winter sports
Germans like to compensate for seasonal slump by engaging in winter sports—or at least watching others do it. The diverse terrain of Germany is ideal for hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating in winter.
Ice skating is a popular activity throughout Germany, and in winter, even frozen rivers, canals, and lakes become fair game (but don't risk it if you're not sure).
If you prefer watching professionals at a comfortable distance, with beer in hand, the hockey season in Germany lasts until April.
4. Get a second blanket
This is a continental way to have not one but two blankets on the bed you share with someone. If you haven't jumped on this bandwagon yet, now is the time.
If you live alone, it will provide extra warmth.
If you live with a German, it will come in handy when they engage in the most German of all winter sports: Stoßlüften (ventilating rooms with an open window).
5. Get into Gorpcore
The term 'Gorpcore'—everyday fashion for outdoor activities—was not invented in Germany, but it should have been. Germans are known for their love of practical clothing, and they especially like the saying:
'There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.'
Along with the second blanket, add Jack Wolfskin clothing to your Christmas list. This is a sure way to accept and feel ready for any weather that winter throws at us.
6. Brush up on your language skills
The saying 'life is too short to learn German' is not as relevant when you are looking for a way to spend long winter evenings. It's time to dust off the textbook and immerse yourself in diligence to do homework (Hausaufgaben).
There are many free resources online, and it doesn't have to be a solitary activity: apps like Tandem allow you to exchange languages with others (mostly) for free.
In spring, you will emerge from your cocoon as a full-fledged Sprach-schmetterling (language butterfly) and be able to communicate wonderfully with new German friends.
7. Warm up on the train
Germany is known for its reliable public transportation system, and in winter, it's a great place to escape the cold.
Use public transport to warm up during a long stay outside.
Alternatively, take a day trip on a regional train to the suburb of your city or to a neighboring city. Get comfortable with a big scarf, a good book, and don't forget money: perhaps someone will serenade you.
8. Explore lesser-known Christmas markets
Despite all German Christmas markets having a special charm (after all, this is the homeland of Christmas markets), you don't have to go too far off the beaten path to find places where high-quality locally produced products are sold while maintaining their rural charm.
Be sure to check the local council's events page or social media to find out about local markets.
Those who are less nostalgic for bygone times can increasingly find alternative options: take, for example, the Pink Christmas Market LGBTQ* in Munich or the Erotic Christmas Market in Hamburg, where Stille Nacht is most often sung in 6-inch heels. At least these markets are a great place to have a cup of hot mulled wine.
9. Buy a beamer
Known in English-speaking countries as a much less amusing 'projector,' beamer is a must-have for winter 2023. Invite your closest friends for a movie night or perhaps it's finally time to immerse yourself in everyone's favorite 'Tatort.' After all, nothing creates coziness like a murder mystery. Don't forget to wear several layers of clothing, turn on the thermostat, and put on the heaviest Hausschue (slippers).
10. Take a vacation
There is no better way to overcome boredom than to discover something new, and the Deutschlandticket promotion for 49 euros will allow you to change the environment without breaking the bank.
Why not visit one of the numerous impressive castles or national parks in Germany? Moreover, the whole of Europe is at your doorstep.
New long-distance trains and sleeper trains allow you to change the scenery, causing less damage to the environment than a flight to Mallorca (although that would be truly German).
Related topics:
- Embracing 'Life in Germany' in the winter months, participating in traditional activities like visiting local Christmas markets and trying seasonal treats can help one truly experience the German concept of 'Gemütlichkeit'.
- To fully appreciate 'Life in Germany', consider exploring lesser-known Christmas markets and integrating into local communities by learning the language, as immersing yourself in the culture will lead to a richer and more rewarding experience.
