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The Best Places To Go, Germany In Winter

Are you thinking of visiting the land of Christmas markets and castles this winter? Germany in winter is a magical place to really get into the spirit with a snowy holiday! Check out these great places to enjoy the German winter season.


Have you ever thought of traveling to Germany during the winter? You should. Hands down, it’s the most magical season in this central European country. Forests and mountains are covered in pure, white snow, but the temperature isn’t too cold. You can easily spend the day skiing, hiking, snowshoeing or sledding in the many outdoor parks and recreation areas, but that’s not all.

From November to the end of December, every city, town, hamlet or dorf is blinged out with Christmas lights, a life-sized creche scene, and little wooden stalls ready to sell you everything from a hot mulled wine to locally made handicrafts. Germany knows how to do a Christmas market and there are hundreds to choose from.

Mountains, Christmas Lights – Germany in Winter is Magical!

A snow covered path and trees with ice on the branches - Germany in winter.
Germany – a winter wonderland.

We asked some professional travel bloggers where their favorite place in Germany to spend winter is, and they all sound wonderful. Which one do you want to go to?

Kreuzberg 

One of Jim’s and my favorite places to go is Kreuzberg. In mid-winter there is no place better for a snowy winter wonderland walk; enjoy the scenery and then head back to the monastery where the beer and lunch is cheap and delicious.

Kreuzberg is a monastery that has been making amazing beer since the 7th century. On site you go to the cafe and you can have a typical German lunch with your beer, or if you are a purist just a beer!

Kreuzberg is a great place for hiking in the summer and sledding in the winter.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen

By Megan at MeganStarr.com

People on top of a mountain in southern Bavaria for a German winter.
Bundle up and head to Garmisch-Partenkirschen for a winter holiday.

It would be remiss for anyone to discount Garmisch-Partenkirchen as one of the best winter destinations in Germany. The Bavarian nature capital is home to so many incredible sights, including the launchpad and cable car that will take you to Germany’s tallest peak, Zugspitze, which proudly hugs the German border with Austria at 2,962m (9,718 ft) tall.

For a town with such a minuscule population, Garmisch sure does offer a lot for the winter traveler. Some of the other popular sites in Garmisch (aside from the incredible skiing and snowboarding opportunities there) are the Partnach Gorge, Lake Eibsee, and the Linderhof Palace. 

The best thing about Garmisch during winter is that it totally exudes that Bavarian Alps flair that everyone seeks when they come to this region of Germany. It just does not disappoint!

Cochem

By Kristy at Tassie Devil Abroad

Cochem city center a great German city to visit during winter.
Cochem, a gorgeous city situated on the Mosel River, is a great destination no matter what season it is.

Situated on the Moselle River midway between Trier, Cologne and Frankfurt; Cochem is a beautiful destination at any time but especially lovely during the winter. The winding streets of the medieval town are filled with Germany’s eponymous half-timbered houses; made particularly magical with a dusting of snow and the added Christmas decorations.

A small Christmas market also appears in the lead-up to Christmas, complete with a cute little festive train to ride through the town! There’s nothing lovelier than exploring the shops and stalls for gifts and then heading into a local restaurant for a cozy meal by a roaring fire.

Don’t forget to visit the stunning castle on top of the hill while you are Cochem, the guided tour is definitely worth it, or you can simply look out at the views over the town and river from the entrance for free. There is also a chairlift that will take you up to a looking-point on a hill opposite the castle for more stunning views.

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Dresden

By Kaylie of Happiness Travels Here

Germany in December is all about this Christmas market stall selling mulled wine in Dresden.
Dresden, a great winter city in Germany, hosts one of the most unique Christmas market traditions.

Sitting on the banks of the Elbe river, Dresden is best known for its dramatic reconstruction after being badly damaged during World War II. While it’s rise from the ashes is still palpable, the city now stands in its former baroque glory. In Winter the city really comes to life with festive Christmas markets and hot wine-fueled ice-skating.

The main market on the large old town square is said to be the oldest Christmas market in Germany. Built from the ground up each year the market resembles more of a village than a temporary festival.

There are a number of other Christmas markets spread throughout Dresden. My favorite is the Medieval Market which is held in the Stallhoff, the courtyard used for jousting tournaments.

Stallholders dress in traditional outfits and food here is cooked over open fires. Gluhwein is served alongside honey mead and hot sweet whisky brews. Try your hand at archery or cast off your modesty and grab some friends to soak in the wooden barrel hot-tubs!

Munich

By Bec at Wyld Family Travel

Germany winter travel may include the Snow covered, Munich, Germany.
Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is a fantastic winter destination.

Munich is not all about beer and beer halls. You can wander the city and go to an amazing museum to stay warm, you can go to the Munich Residenz and see the most lavish decorations in a Palace, you can walk the city and watch the sun go down lighting Kings Square with a glow like nothing else.

You can watch families ice skate out in front of Nymphenburg Palace or have a snow ball fight out the back in the gardens and then you can still pop into a beer hall for a beer!

For me Munich, Germany is perfect in any season, but when we visited it in the winter I was amazed at its extra beauty. Munich covered in snow was a sight I will never forget and one that has to be one of my favorite memories.

It was not busy when we visited but we found so much to do around the city. It is an easy city to walk and if it is too cold you can hop on a bus or train and get to wherever you are going quickly. It is during this time that you can admire the city without as many people in it and you can enjoy the sites too, sometimes feeling like you are the only ones there.

Heidelberg

By Lyn and Steve of A Hole In My Shoe

Don't leave out Heidelberg with this city view in one of your best places to visit Germany in winter.
Cold but mild temperatures make the perfect time to visit a German city during the winter. Take Heidelberg, so pretty.

Not only is Heidelberg one of Germany’s most beautiful cities, but it is also the most romantic. There is no better time to enjoy the beauty and romance than winter. Heidelberg is a pretty city, nestled at a scenic spot on the Neckar River, between two mountains.

It is very romantic, roaming along its colorful cobbled alleyways, or along the river’s edge, looking across to the pastel red roofed buildings. Unlike much of Germany that was bombed during WWII, Heidelberg retains most of its late Medieval and early Renaissance architecture adding to the romantic charm.

The main attraction is the picturesque, historical castle ruins which looks majestic sitting high above the old town. Ride the funicular up the steep hill for a magnificent view overlooking the Neckar River.

From the Christmas markets below, the spectacular view looking up at the castle adds to the allure. When the crisp winter air bites there is nothing better than to head indoors for a warming Gluhwein at–where else–Café Romantic.

Winter is a great time for exploring the 14th century University and walking along the footbridge along the Neckar River is like stepping into the pages of a picture book, gazing up at the spectacular castle set high on the mountain. Across the river take the Philosopher’s Walk and explore quaint gardens, the forest and the unforgettable views.

Cologne

By Karen at WanderlustingK

Cologne, Germany Christmas Market and Dom.
The famous Cologne cathedral peeks out through the Christmas market lights. How festive!

With its colorful Christmas markets and adorable architecture, Cologne is the perfect winter destination in Germany for Christmas market lovers. Cologne has over six Christmas markets that make Cologne one of the best German cities to visit in November/December.

If you visit Cologne, it’s impossible to miss its iconic church (Kölner Dom) in the city center and the charming winding streets filled with picturesque, colorful houses. Wandering around Cologne in winter is made better with a warm gluhwein.

Chocolate lovers will love the Chocolate Museum. Lastly, those lucky enough to attend Cologne’s carnival celebration in February will love the festive atmosphere in Cologne. Be sure to try the local beer, Kölsch, and possibly a boat ride down the scenic Rhine river. Cologne is perfect for couples looking for a romantic winter destination!

Leipzig

By Clemens at Travellers Archive

Leipzig - Christmas pyramid.
Leipzig – Christmas pyramid

Leipzig – the German winter wonderland paradise, where all dreams about mulled wine and cute little Christmas stalls come true. The city is located in Sachsen and can easily be reached within 2,5 hours from the German capital Berlin. Especially in winter Leipzig is a true gem. The whole city transforms itself into a massive Christmas market, which connects all different courtyards and major squares.

Wander along the cobblestoned alleys and soak in all the beauty that surrounds the buildings, which are true architectural highlights. Apart from that, Leipzig is full of history. Not only can you find beautiful historic churches, but also Auerbachs Keller, which is a restaurant located in a cellar. Originally opened in 1525, it got its fame through Johann Wolfgang Goethe and his Faust.

You feel like a little nature? Go on a short daytrip to Zwenkauer See. If you are lucky, you can even go ice-skating here. If not, don’t worry, there will always be some mulled wine around to warm you up.

Nuremberg

By Rashmi & Chalukya of Go Beyond Bounds

Nuremberg old town city scene.
Late afternoon light brings a little warmth to the streets of Nuremberg.

Nuremberg is the second largest city in Germany with its old town popular for the half-timbered houses and the world-famous traditional Christmas Market which dates back to 1600s. Nuremberg is an easy day trip from Munich but it is worthwhile to spend a couple of days here.

Nuremberg is home to some of the most gorgeous fountains, bridges and magnificent churches with breathtaking architecture and ornate interiors. We visited the city in November and it was still packed with tourists.

The Hauptmarkt market square in the old town center is the venue for a huge market every day except Sunday and the same market brightens up with Nuremberg Christmas market with more than 200 stalls selling local handicrafts and products drawing millions of visitors every year. And when you are here do not miss the chance to taste some delicious Nuremberg sausages and pretzels.

History buffs can also visit the Nazi Party Rally Grounds and Courthouse where the World War II trials were held.

Aachen

By Elaine and David at The Whole World is a Playground

Christmas market at night in Aachen, Germany.
Aachen during the winter, hosts one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the country.

The city of Aachen in northwest Germany is one of our favourite places to visit in Germany during the winter. Also known as the Spa of Kings, Aachen is a mecca for spa lovers and relaxation is the order of the day at Aachen’s most popular spa, the Carolus Thermen Bad. When the thermal baths have sorted all your aches and pains it’s time to explore the incredible Aachen Christmas market.

Each December, the entire centre of the old town of Aachen transforms into a truly magical Christmas market wonderland. The winding streets of the old town are jam packed with bustling crowds visiting stalls selling delicious food, holiday gifts and of course mulled wine!

Make sure to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aachen Cathedral, one of the most stunning churches we’ve visited in Europe. This incredible cathedral was the first UNESCO site granted in Germany and was used to crown German emperors for over 600 years.

Bremen

By Arzo at Arzo Travels

I hear some people wondering out loud why I think Bremen is a great winter destination in Germany. After all, it is flat – flat, flat, flat and there are no mountains in sight and so there is no chance to go skiing anywhere. The truth is that Bremen is pretty great to visit even in winter despite the lack of mountains.

The city has one of the best Christmas markets in Germany. All over the city center are stalls that sell mulled wine, snacks, and gifts, and Bremen feels very Christmas like with all the lights that make Bremen even prettier.

If you need a break from shopping and strolling around the Christmas market head to the Schlachte, a popular promenade with many restaurants and cafes lined up. There you’ll get to see even more beautiful winter decorations and stalls – making it one of the most beautiful spots to spend winter.

If you are lucky and it snows in Bremen you can have fun and have some snowball fights in one of the many parks close to the city center. If you prefer ice-skating you might get lucky and the river freezes so you can do outdoor ice-skating – if not, there is still the option to visit the indoor ice-skating hall in Bremen. Either way, these options make Bremen a pretty awesome place to visit in winter.

Conclusion

Germany is one of the best places to take a winter vacation. With the Bavarian Alps, Christmas markets, and well-maintained roads and public transportation, you can really enjoy the snow. 

Some of the places in Germany where you can find a perfect winter vacation are:

  • Kreuzberg – for monastic beer and sledding
  • Rothenburg – the best Christmas market in the country
  • Berlin – great history and a plethora of Christmas markets
  • Garmisch-Partenkirchen – Bavarian hospitality and skiing

Where in Germany would you like to go in winter?

Author Bio: Corinne Vail is a travel photographer, food lover, and a perpetual traveler who has been travel writing for over 14 years. For many years she lived overseas in Germany, Japan, Turkey, South Korea, and the Netherlands teaching the children of the US. military. She’s visited over 90 countries, and she’s not stopping anytime soon.

Pin Traveling in Germany during winter for later to help with planning!
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Snowy and magical, book a trip to Germany in winter!

Corinne Vail

Wednesday 13th of December 2017

Germany is fantastic, have you been?

Sincerely, Alice

Tuesday 12th of December 2017

This is a great in depth post! I've always wanted to visit Germany!

Corinne Vail

Wednesday 13th of December 2017

Thanks Alice. Germany is a fantastic destination, no matter the time of year.

Lyn

Saturday 9th of December 2017

Thanks for including us Corinne, there are still some amazing Christmas markets in Germany we are yet to visit.

Corinne Vail

Sunday 10th of December 2017

Lyn, Thanks for your contribution...we love a good Christmas market.

100cobbledroads

Thursday 30th of November 2017

We went to Germany in the fall and covered few of these destinations. They look transformed with that white cover of snow and so much more beautiful too :) Would love to go back in winter sometime.

Corinne Vail

Thursday 30th of November 2017

Punita, If you love winter, Germany is the perfect place.

Mel Butler

Wednesday 29th of November 2017

I do love Germary in any season but you are right it is pretty magical in the winter season, with the forests and mountains covered in snow. I think my first ever christmas market was the one in Cologne and I went in December with my friends, your picture took me right back there and I would be definitely keen to go again.

Corinne Vail

Wednesday 29th of November 2017

Mel, I do love Cologne. It's a great Christmas market to start with.