Winter in Germany: Top Things to Do & the Best Places to Visit (2023)

In this article

Germany is a popular winter destination with the famous German Markets attracting travelersfrom around the world, along with many other great reasons to spend winter in Germany.

There are lots of opportunities for snowsports in Germany in winter, as well as festivecelebrations and the best Christmas markets in the world in cities such as Berlin,Munich, and Hamburg.

Christmas markets originated in Germany, with the first recorded Christmas market beingheld there as early as the 13th century. Since then, they have become an advent traditionaround the world but nowhere are Christmas markets better than in Germany.

There are also lots of different types of festivals, including a chocolate festival and lotsof entertainment leading up to Christmas in Germany to get people into the Christmas spirit.

Winter Climate in Germany

The winter months can get very cold in Germany with temperatures often dropping into the minusesin December and January. On average, January is the coldest month of the year in Germany, withan average temperature of -2.8°C, lows of around -6°C, and highs of around 3°C.

January averages 7 days of rain with a total of 2 inches of rainfall, while December averages8 days of rain and 2.4 inches of rainfall. The wettest month is May, with around 13 days of rainand 4.4 inches of rainfall.

Germany often sees snowfall in the winter months, which is another reason it is a magical placeto visit at Christmas. The mountainous areas in the Bavarian Alps receive the most snow, whileBerlin and Munich also see quite a lot of snow.

If you do not like the cold weather then you might prefer to visit Germany in the warmer monthsfor sightseeing instead of winter activities.

Things to Do in Germany in Winter

Due to the cold winters and frequent snow, Germany is a hotspot for snow sports during winterand you can do all types of snow-based activities from cross-country skiing, ice skating andsnowboarding to sledding.

Winter Holidays in Germany

There is lots going on over winter in Germany, including:

ChocolART Chocolate Festival, Tubingen, 29th Nov to 3rd Dec.
The ultimate festival for chocolate lovers, ChocolART takes place at the beginningof December each year, where you can buy handmade chocolates (great Christmas gifts!)and see the creative chocolate artwork.
Stollen Festival, Dresden, 3rd Dec.
One of Germany's most famous food exports, stollen, is celebrated at this festivalwhere you can buy tasty stollen products such as the famous Dresden Stollen.
Tollwood Winter Festival, Munich, 23rd Nov to 31st Dec.
The Tollwood Festival is a magnificent celebration of Christmas, featuring acrobaticshows, live music and lots of fun entertainment.
Christmas Garden, Berlin, 17th Nov to 1st Jan.
The Botanic Garden Berlin is transformed into a magical Christmas garden withimpressive light displays, food stalls and mulled wine and hot chocolate to warm you up.
Christmas markets (many locations including Berlin and Munich).
|If you arevisiting Germany in winter a visit to a Christmas market or two is the top attractionin the holiday season. Wherever you go to Germany, there will be traditional Christmasmarkets somewhere nearby.
Circus Krone, Munich, 25th Dec to 31st Jan.
Amazing entertainment for all the family awaits at Circus Krone, a traditional circuswith a long history.
Silvester NYE celebration, Berlin.
In Germany, New Year's Eve is known as Silvester and there are some exciting events aroundthe country, including a spectacular fireworks display in Berlin, with famous musicartists playing at Brandenburg Gate.

Popular Winter Sports in Germany

Due to the frequent snowfall in Germany, it is a top winter destination for winter sports such as:

Skiing
Cross country skiing
Ice skating
Snowboarding
Snowtubing and sledding
Snowshoe hiking

The Bavarian Alps and the Black Forest are the best places to find good snow, including resorts suchas Feldberg, Alpsee Grunten and Zugspitze Glacier (which has the highest peak in Germany).

Our Top 10 Places to Visit in Germany in Winter

Whether you want to explore the busiest cities or find a smaller town with fewer crowds, theseare the top places to visit in Germany in winter:

1. Berlin

The largest city and the capital of Germany, Berlin is the most popular place to visit for thefull Christmas experience. From the vast Christmas markets to soak in the festive atmosphere,to historical sites such as the Berlin Wall, there are some fun ways to spend winter days in Berlin.

2. Munich

Bavaria's capital, Munich is also a very popular destination in November and December, with stunningarchitecture such as romanesque churches and the Neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus (town hall). Top attractionsin Munich include the Nymphenburg Palace, Viktualienmarkt (farmers' market) and Marienplatz.

3. Cologne (Koln)

Cologne is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, spanning the River Rhine and itwas one of the largest medieval cities. It is a great place for sightseeing and places to visitincluding the Cologne Cathedral, Museum Ludwig, and Cologne Chocolate Museum. The Cologne Christmasmarkets are also amongst the best in the world.

4. Nuremberg

The second largest city in Bavaria, Nuremberg is another fantastic place to visit in Germany inwinter. Nuremberg Castle, the Toy Museum, and the Documentation Center Nazi are popular touristattractions. Walking the city walls is also a great way to see the city.

5. Hamburg

The second largest city in Germany after Berlin, Hamburg is best known for the harbor, the Portof Hamburg and it is one of the major transportation hubs in Europe. The city has a networkof canals, beautiful architecture, and a long history to explore.

6. Fussen and Neuschwanstein Castle

Fussen lies in southwest Bavaria and is home to Neuschwanstein Castle, which is a fairytale-likecastle positioned on a hill. Many people believe that the castle inspired Disney castles and itfeatured in the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. A guided tour of the castle is one of the top daytrip choices in Bavaria.

7. Rhine Valley in Winter

If you prefer to visit somewhere with stunning views than a busy city center, Rhine Valley isthe perfect place for a winter trip. It is a popular destination for walking holidays and theRiesling vineyards are a hit with wine lovers. A cruise along the River Rhine is a fantasticway to see this region.

8. Stuttgart Winter and Christmas Markets

For a truly traditional Christmas market experience, Stuttgart is one of the largest and mostspectacular. There are great food stalls, mulled wine stalls, arts and crafts and elaboratedecorations that transform the town hall into a winter wonderland that sparkles in the dark at night.

9. Zugspitze Mountain

Whether you are keen on winter sports and other outdoor activities or you want to experience someof the most breathtaking views in Germany, the highest peak in Germany, Zugspitze Mountain is anunforgettable place to visit. It is a top destination for skiing and the perfect place to enjoya White Christmas.

10. Dresden

Another place that is famous for the Christmas markets, Dresden has loads going on over the wintermonths, including the Stollen Festival. There are also some stunning landmarks to visit, such asthe Zwinger building and gardens, Semper Opera House and the impressive Frauenkirche Dresden.

If you’re traveling from the U.S., you might want to check out our list oftop destinations in Germany for American citizens.

Travel Requirements: Visa for Germany

The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is due to come into effect in 2023,which will mean that non-European travelers who previously did not require a visa will now need toapply for an ETIAS to enter Germany.

The ETIAS system has not been launched yet but it will involve completing a short online form toprovide information so that authorities can screen your details before being approved for entry tothe Schengen Area. It is being introduced to help improve security and personal safety in Europeby monitoring visitors more comprehensively.

Before entering Germany, non-EU citizens will be required to apply for the ETIAS which willelectronically link to their passport and this will be checked by border control agents.The processing times for ETIAS applications are expected to be less than a few days, as automatedscreening checks will take place and it will be much quicker than applying for a visato visit Germany.

The ETIAS will be applicable for tourist purposes for visits of no longer than 90 days and theETIAS will be valid for three years, during which time travelers can visit the Schengen areamultiple times as a tourist, provided the linked passport is still valid.

Travelers who are citizens of countries that are not listed in the visa waiver countries and whocurrently require a visa will still need to obtain a visa to visit Germany by applying through theirGerman embassy and attending an interview.

Final Thoughts on Winter in Germany

Germany is one of the most magnificent places in Europe to visit in wintertime for those who loveChristmas. The cities and snow-filled regions of Germany make a wonderful festive setting to getinto the spirit of Christmas.

Don’t forget thatGermany is cheaper than the U.S.in some aspects like groceries and apartment renting.

However, the weather is cold from November through to February and spring with temperatures oftengoing below zero. If you are looking for a sunshine holiday, visit Germany in the summer monthsor take a trip to a winter sunshine destination.

As long as you take some warm clothes when you visit in winter, you can enjoy a fun and festivevisit to Germany, experiencing the best Christmas markets in the world or enjoying the thrillof winter sports in the Black Forest.

Germany is also renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, great food and beer.Oktoberfest (which takes place in September) is one of the major events taking place in Germanybut the winter months are just as much fun, especially if you prefer mulled wine to beer.