In this article, you will learn about the 7 most vivid impressions of winter in Germany.
Christmas markets
Weihnachtsmärkte
If you love holidays, Germany is perhaps the best place in the world to be at this time of year.
One of the main attractions and vivid impressions of winter in Germany is the iconic Christmas markets.
Almost every city, from bustling Berlin to picturesque Rothenburg ob der Tauber, transforms into a festive wonderland as Christmas markets open everywhere from late November.
Gleaming lights, delicious seasonal treats, handmade gifts, decorations, the aroma of roasted chestnuts, and gingerbread—visiting a Christmas market in Germany during this season becomes a truly magical event.
Mulled Wine (Glühwein)
An essential part of any good Christmas market is a mug of hot mulled wine.
However, the consumption of this quintessential German winter drink is not limited to Christmas markets. Starting from October, most bars and cafes offer this delicious warming alcoholic beverage that helps to ward off the chill on cold winter days.
For those unfamiliar, Glühwein is made by heating red wine with spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and anise, often sweetened and sometimes fortified with rum or brandy to provide warm, comforting embraces in a mug.
Winter hikes
Germany boasts an impressive variety of landscapes, from dense forests and towering mountains to hills and expansive lakes.
In winter, these natural wonders take on an entirely new beauty, especially when covered in a layer of crisp white snow.
Regions like the Black Forest (Schwarzwald), Harz, or the Bavarian Alps turn into serene winter wonderlands, ideal for invigorating hikes. Crisp winter air, untouched white landscapes, and the crunch of snow underfoot make winter hikes a delightful activity.
Saunas and spas
Germany has a rich culture of spa facilities, and there is no better time to pamper oneself than winter.
As temperatures drop, locals and visitors alike frequent saunas, thermal baths, and wellness centers. Whether it's traditional sauna rooms, mineral-rich waters of numerous thermal baths, or snow-covered outdoor pools, Germany offers many options to warm up and rejuvenate during the cold season.
Spa centers like Vabali in Berlin, Dusseldorf, and Hamburg stand out as Balinese-style oases amidst urban hustle, featuring multi-level relaxation with steam saunas and open-air pools.
In the historic city of Baden-Baden, the Friedrichsbad spa offers a Roman-Irish bath where visitors can undergo a therapeutic 17-step ritual.
Unique winter traditions
Winter in Germany is rich in traditions that go beyond the famous Christmas markets.
One such tradition is the celebration of St. Nicholas Day on December 6th, when children wake up to find their shoes filled with treats if they behaved well, or twigs if they were naughty.
In some regions, chilling tales of Krampus come to life in early December—an horned creature punishing naughty children—and Krampus parades feature people dressed in elaborate costumes.
Another custom is the celebration of "Dreikönigstag" or Epiphany on January 6th, marking the end of the holiday season. Children in Three Wise Men costumes go from house to house, singing and collecting charity donations.
Winter sports
In Germany, there's an activity for every level of winter adventure enthusiast, from skiing and snowboarding on alpine slopes to cross-country skiing through tranquil forests.
Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy the snowy slopes of the Bavarian Alps, as well as serene trails in the Black Forest and Thuringian Forest, perfect for cross-country skiing.
In places like Königssee and Winterberg, enthusiasts of bobsledding and sledding can experience thrilling rides.
The urban environment also becomes a home for winter sports lovers: the famous Berlin ice rink at Alexanderplatz, Munich's Karlsplatz Stachus Eiszauber, and DEG-Winterwelt at Königsallee in Dusseldorf encourage residents and tourists to lace up their skates and glide on ice under twinkling lights.
Delicious food
Traditional German cuisine is hearty and rich, perfect for warding off the cold.
In winter, you can try classic dishes such as bratwurst, sauerbraten (pot roast, usually of beef), and hearty stews. For those with a sweet tooth, nothing beats a bite of stollen—a traditional fruitcake with nuts, spices, and candied fruits—or lebkuchen, a delicious gingerbread often coated in chocolate.
