The best places in Germany this winter (mountain hiking, skiing and more)

Germany is the ideal destination for a winter vacation. In many places in the country you can experience the magic of winter. Not least for winter sports enthusiasts, many ski resorts open their doors in the cold season and provide fun and action. Here are 10 of the best places in Germany for unforgettable activities this winter.

The Allgäu: A ski paradise in Germany

A paradise for skiers is the Allgäu. The region, which stretches across the south of Germany, has some of the best ski resorts. The hearts of winter sports enthusiasts beat faster at names like Oberstdorf, Bad Hindelang or Balderschwang. From the valley you can reach the skiing areas Fellhorn/Kanzelwand – Oberstdorf/Riezlern, Balderschwang – Hochschelpen/Riedberger Horn, Nebelhorn – Oberstdorf or the skiing area Nesselwang – Alpspitze (Alpspitzbahn). Over 330 kilometers of slopes and more than 200 ski lifts await guests in the Allgäu from December to March. And of course, hospitality is not neglected here. Rustic huts, apres-ski bars and restaurants make the vacation here complete.

Kandahar, Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Downhill at World Cup level

The insane, 92-percent gradient of the “free fall” section of the course is the flagship of the steepest World Cup course in the world. The 63 percent gradient on the trough slope is almost a walk in the park! In Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Bavaria no downhill wishes remain unfulfilled. Of course, the ski resorts are also suitable for beginners – Kandahar is reserved for the absolute cracks. With a view of the Zugspitze, skiing enthusiasts at every level are guaranteed an unforgettable winter vacation in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Tobogganing fun for the whole family at the Hornbahn in Bad Hindelang (Allgäu)

Once again Allgäu, once again Bad Hindelang: Tobogganing fans also get their money’s worth here. The gondolas of the Hornbahn float in aft cabins at an altitude of 1320 meters. From there, tobogganing enthusiasts choose between three toboggan runs. Each of them is over 3 kilometers long – and open exclusively for sledding. Even those who do not have a sled can ride: Rental sleds can be rented at the valley station.

A leisurely winter hike: The Prinzenweg at Lake Tegernsee

A little more contemplative, but no less attractive is the Prinzenweg. The hike connects Schliersee with Tegernsee in the Bavarian Oberland and is one of the most beautiful tours in the foothills of the Alps. In winter, the deep snow-covered landscape in this beautiful area is the epitome of winter wonderland. The lakes alone are snow-covered and frozen a highlight in itself and background for beautiful vacation pictures.

The Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg

Once you have experienced it, you will gladly come back again and again. The Nuremberg Christmas Market attracts visitors from all over the world. The atmospheric atmosphere in the old town is transformed into a “little town of wood and cloth” with stalls. This way you can enjoy the pre-Christmas atmosphere in December with mulled wine, punch and Franconian bratwurst. A great souvenir from the trip is, of course, the Nuremberg gingerbread, which you can buy here fresh and in the original.
About 100 kilometers from Nuremberg, another highlight beckons: The Christmas Museum in Rothenburg ob der Tauber offers a wonderful exhibition on all topics related to Christmas, St. Nicholas, the Christ Child and Co. This is where the Christmas spirit comes alive!

Rügen in winter

Rügen in winter is a very special experience. Although the North Sea island is worth a trip all year round. However, the rough sea and the very special atmosphere in winter enchant with their own unique charm. Under appropriate weather conditions, bizarre ice formations can be marveled at on the beautiful, expansive beaches. Enjoy the icy air while walking on the beach, really let off steam while ice skating, explore cross-country ski trails in a sporty way; Rügen is a real highlight in the cold season, which should not be missing on any trip through wintry Germany.

A visit to the largest thermal spa in the world: Therme Erding

Therme Erding is the largest thermal spa in the world and is located east of Munich. Whether you like slides or are a sauna-goer, everyone will find what they are looking for here. For children there is a separate children’s area and adults feel comfortable in the wellness oasis.

Or how about a romantic winter walk through the beautiful Erding and the subsequent visit to the spa? This is a wonderful way to turn winter into a romantic getaway. If you come out of the snowy winter landscape frozen through, this is exactly the right place for you.

A day in the tropics: Tropical Islands near Berlin

Once spend a day under palm trees? Yes, this is possible in Germany. Tropical Island near Berlin takes them into a tropical world. After a stay you will feel like newborn. The wintry Berlin invites for example with a walk at the Wannsee, here is time to let the soul dangle. Or how about skating with the whole family on the ice rink at the Neptune Fountain? No matter what the decision is: The subsequent visit to Tropical Islands brings the Caribbean feeling into the winter!

Alpincenter Bottrop: Covered Winter Sports Training

If the snow is not forthcoming, there are attractive alternatives for winter sports fans to practice their sport. How about a visit to the Alpincenter Bottrop in North Rhine-Westphalia? A 640-meter long and 30-meter wide slope offers pure downhill feeling. Ski and snowboard lessons are offered as well as varied gastronomy.

Also in North Rhine-Westphalia is the Neuss ski hall. With a gradient of up to 28 percent, excellent turns, tricks and downhill maneuvers can be practiced here on the slope, which is up to 60 meters wide. A winter day that flies by? No problem in the ski halls in Germany!

A tour to the Zugspitze: The highest mountain hikes in Germany

At the end, things get sporty once again. In Germany there are numerous mountains and hiking regions that are wonderfully suitable for mountain hikes, and not only in the south of the country at the Alps. Nevertheless, the Alps and thus also the Zugspitze are naturally enticing there. At 2,962 meters, it is the highest mountain in the country. There are different climbs that can be done in either one or two days. Guided winter hikes offer alpine mountain feeling at its best in combination with the necessary safety by experienced mountain guides. The reward: a fabulous view over the snowy peaks of the Alps and memories that will last forever.