Travel in and around Germany in Winter

Winter in Germany, in spite of being absolutely frigid, is a guiltless and worthwhile opportunity to explore the country while it is still blanketed in snow and the holiday spirit. The snow, the festive lights and the steep slopes of the countryside make Germany and the Bavarian Alps quite the landscape. Fulfilling and exciting, for all the adrenaline junkies amongst us.

Unaware of how to spend the dark, uneventful days of winter holidays? In a time when the chances of waking up to sunlight is bleak, take a break from walking to Nordmetall for meals and pack up and take off! Here’s a guide to some pocket-friendly, picturesque locations that Germany and its surroundings have to offer in winter:

Neuschwanstein Castle

Located near the Bavarian town of Füssen in Southwest Germany, Neuschwanstein castle is a European treat for the eyes. It was constructed in the 19th century after being commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria. Although absolutely gorgeous throughout the year, in winter this castle looks straight out of all our favourite Disney movies (in fact, it is said to have inspired Sleeping Beauty’s castle at Disneyland). Stay in Füssen and take a bus up to the village at the foot of the castle, Hohenschwangau and then walk to the castle for a closer look and a tour of the interiors. Marienbrucke (Mary’s Bridge) is the perfect place to get an ethereal view of this Romanesque revival architecture.

Oberstdorf

Oberstdorf, situated in the Allgau region of the Bavarian Alps is a municipality town that is known for its skiing and hiking trails. With Fir trees and mountain tops capped with glittering snow, Oberstdorf is a winter wonderland. It sports 130 kms of slopes, 76 miles of cross-country ski tracks for passionate skiers and panoramic views for those prefer walking. Don’t forget to enjoy the local delicacies while sunbathing in the winter sun!

Harz Mountains

Photos by Bikram Bahadur Singh (Nepal) | BSc Earth and Environmental Sciences, Class of 2020

The Harz mountains, extending across Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia, is the highest elevation in Northern Germany. These mountains, with their rugged geography, have often served as a setting for the Brothers Grimm fairy tales. Bike or hike on the trails over the hills and stop by the UNESCO world heritage site that is the town of Goslar. In winter, Goslar also features a fabulous Christmas Market at its heart.

Take a train to Hannover with the semester ticket and then head to the gorgeous Harz mountains by car or bus.

Mt. Zugspitze

Another Bavarian beauty, Mt. Zugspitze is the highest mountain in Germany at 2962 m above sea level. While Mt. Zugspitze lies to the south of the town Garmisch-Partenkirchen, to the west of the mountain is the Austria-Germany border. The mountain is home to three glaciers and Germany’s highest ski resort.

At the top, Mt. Zugspitze allows for a 360º panoramic view of nearly 400 mountain peaks in 4 countries. It is also a skier’s delight: six months of deep covering of snow perfect for skiing and snowboarding.

Christmas Markets

There’s nothing more aesthetically fulfilling and enjoyable than an evening in Germany’s gorgeous Christmas Markets.

Decked with warm fairy lights, Christmas decorations and the holiday spirit, these markets are a must-see and must-do in winter. Add to your Christmas Market collection by visiting some of the country’s best in Munich, Cologne, Berlin, Dresden and Nuremberg! And of course, Bremen.

Christmas Markets are where age-old traditions converge, giving its visitors a glimpse into the culture of Germany, right at the centre of the city. Stroll down the paths between the stalls, browse and buy trinkets/Christmas decorations and local gifts and indulge in the tastiest of food and Glühwein!

Hallstatt, Austria

Yes, Hallstatt is not in Germany. But you can’t miss this picture-perfect town, more so in winter! Located on the steep slopes of the Dachstein mountains in Austria, Hallstatt is known for its production of salt. Explore the salt mines, the woodwork shops and the quiet alleyways of this UNESCO world heritage site or just enjoy peace by the lake. In winter, Hallstatt looks even more romantic and idyllic than it already is.