An alternative holiday experience
Tired of Christmas, or not a fan of the holiday? Check out a variety of winter activities apart from the usual Christmas events. From fairy-tale castles in the snow to relaxing breaks at historic spas, you can enjoy Germany without the hustle and bustle of Christmas markets. Discover hidden gems and enjoy the quieter side of winter in Germany.
Relaxation instead of stress
If you prefer to use the holiday period to relax instead of plunging into the frenzy of the season, Germany’s spas and wellness oases are the perfect hideaway. Away from the chaos and gift stress, you can indulge yourself and regenerate body and soul. Many historic spas combine modern wellness with centuries-old tradition, such as the Kaiser-Friedrich Therme in Wiesbaden.
Fairy tale castles and snowy winter-walks
Castles have a very special charm in winter, especially when snow covers the landscape. Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, for example, shines with unique beauty. A walk through the nearby town of Füssen, nestled in the snowy Alpine scenery, also offers a picturesque backdrop for a visit. Don’t miss its old town, well worthwhile. To explore more castles, snow-covered Moritzburg Castle near Dresden or Hohenzollern Castle in Baden-Württemberg are perfect destinations to make visitors feel as if they’ve stepped into a fairy tale. A pleasant bonus: there are usually fewer visitors in winter, allowing you to enjoy the majestic atmosphere almost entirely by yourself.
Sporty activities in a winter wonderland
Tobogganing and skiing are fun winter activities for the whole family, and the fresh air will put a glow in your cheeks. In Bavaria, thrilling rides await at the Hirschkoblitz natural toboggan run in Ramsau near Berchtesgaden and at Germany’s longest, the 6.5-kilometer Wallberg run near Rottach-Egern. For a unique experience, try a bobsleigh taxi ride through an ice channel at Altenberg in Saxony or at Königssee in Bavaria. Here you can experience high-speed rides of up to 120km/h, piloted by experts. If you want to get on your skis and race down the slopes, you can easily do so in Germany. Numerous ski resorts in Germany offer unique and exhilarating adventures for winter sports enthusiasts.
Discover German Vineyards by torchlight
Vineyards are charming at any time of year, but winter offers a uniquely atmospheric experience, especially during torchlight walks. Not only do these guided tours offer the chance to stroll through vineyards in the evening, but they often include local wine tastings and stories about the region’s winemaking history. In areas such as the Rheingau and Baden-Württemberg, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the illuminated valleys below from higher up in the vineyards, while guides offer insights into winemaking traditions and landscapes. These walks combine natural beauty, cultural depth, and the cozy warmth of torchlight in the winter air, making them a truly special experience.
