Winter is coming, and the holiday spirit is growing stronger and stronger every single day. Freshly baked cookies, hot chocolate, and delicious food, I can almost taste the flavor of Weihnachten or Christmas! If you are looking for places to visit in Germany in winter, today we’ll bring you some German vocab and six fascinating spots to stop by during the cold season. From Christmas markets to winter sports, Deutschland offers various activities to enjoy during the holiday season. You’ll feel like you’re inside a fairy tale — so, are you ready to travel in this frozen paradise? Let’s get started!
Winter In Germany
The German winter officially begins around December 21st, but the festive spirit starts as early as mid-November. Even though the winter season is frigid, you won’t regret traveling during this time since there are countless winter destinations and Christmas-themed activities in all German cities.
The famous Christmas markets are a trademark of Christmas in Germany. Every year, many visitors come from different cities and countries worldwide to enjoy the food and drinks typical of these markets. Mulled wine, Eierpunsch, and hot chocolate are staples to warm you up in the cold winter. Germany also offers a selection of winter sports for the more adventurous who enjoy an adrenaline rush.
Since Germany is such a large country, you will find different attractions from region to region. Therefore, if you want to make the most of your winter vacation, I recommend researching the “best places to visit in Germany in winter.” You can then define which ones offer you an experience according to what you are looking for.
Places To Visit In Germany In Winter
Here are six of Germany’s most memorable winter destinations, in our humble opinion. Then you can decide whether or not to see them. However, I assure you that you will want to include almost all of them on your list.
Neuschwanstein Castle
If you like fairytale castles, Neuschwanstein Castle will leave you speechless. There are no words to describe the dreamlike location, a place that looks as if it belongs in a fairy tale storybook. Neuschwanstein Palace is located in the region of Bavaria. King Ludwig II of Bavaria ordered its construction during the 1860s, but he died before it was completed. Nowadays, it is still possible to visit this majestic castle, but only on a guided tour, and it is also essential to know that visitors are limited.
Berchtesgaden National Park
The Berchtesgaden National Park is a natural paradise of majestic mountains, breathtaking lakes, and lush green forests. It is located in southern Bavaria and is Germany’s only alpine national park. Most people visit it during the summer, but the picture-perfect winter landscapes leave nothing to be desired.
Black Forest
The Black Forest is another emblematic area located in Germany. It is a mountainous region in the southwest of Deutschland, bordering France. It is called this way because of its dense forests with deep dark green leaves, and it’s famous for appearing in the Grimm Brothers’ fairy tales. Nearby you can find numerous spas, gothic buildings, and vineyards. During the summer, you can see a gorgeous intense green landscape. Still, during the winter, you will discover surreal scenery as the trees are covered in luscious white snow.
Zugspitze Mountain
If you love adventure and extreme sports, the Zugspitze mountain is for you. It is the highest mountain in Germany and marks the border between Germany and Austria. It is easily accessible by cable car, and the views from the top will leave you breathless. If you are more conservative, you can enjoy the scenery at your own pace, drinking a hot chocolate while appreciating the view. But if you want something more exciting, there is a wide range of winter sports options: skiing, snowboarding, sledding, cross-country skiing, and so on.
Partnach Gorge
It is an impressive natural monument formed of ravines and caverns. Crossed by the Partnach river, the Partnachklamm is a passageway made up of underground tunnels and mysterious caves. Most visitors go during the summer since it freezes over during the winter. Even so, it is a delight to see the frozen waterfalls and crystalline icicles in the cold season; the Partnachklamm looks like a scene out of a Disney movie.
Cologne Christmas Markets
Cologne’s Christmas markets are among the most famous in Germany. There are about seven markets distributed all over the city. The beautiful scenery of lights and small stands makes you feel the Christmas spirit to the fullest. For example, the Cathedral market has more than a hundred stands selling everything from traditional Christmas treats and beverages to wood carvings and handicrafts. So if you are one of those who love the Christmassy spirit, the Christmas market is something you can’t miss.
Winter Vocabulary In German
Are you looking to talk about your holiday experience using German? Take note of these simple words to add some kick to your conversations.
| English | German |
| The winter | Der Winter |
| The snow | Der Schnee |
| Cold | Kalt |
| Fog | Nebel |
| Hail | Hagel |
| Heating | Heizung |
| Coat | Mantel |
| Gloves | Handschuhe |
| Skiing | Skifahren |
| It is cold | Es ist kalt |
| It is snowing | Es schneit |
| Christmas dinner | Weihnachtsessen |
| Mulled wine | Glühwein |
| Christmas present | Weihnachtsgeschenk |
| Ice skating | Schlittschuhlaufen |
| The new year | Das neue Jahr |
Ready For Your Winter Getaway?
The holiday season is a time looked forward to by most people. It’s an opportunity to spend time with family, friends, and loved ones. Sharing a vacation is an unforgettable experience, and Germany offers wonderful locations to create memories that will last forever.
Language is an important factor to consider when planning a vacation. You will find English speakers in most major cities, but this is not always the case. Therefore, it is recommended that you learn at least a few greetings and basic phrases to make it easier for you to communicate with the locals to enjoy your vacation 100%.
Learn German With Ling
Learning German can be fun, especially if you combine your study plan with engaging activities that will strengthen your knowledge of the German language. With the Ling app, you can access multiple exercises that will help you improve your language skills. And the best thing is that you can download it for free. Go to the App Store or Play Store and speak German today! Tschüss!
