10 Best Places to Visit During Winter in Germany [2024]

We've compiled a list of the ten best places to visit in Germany during winter. These destinations will enchant you, from the Black Forest to the Bavarian Alps! Here are ten of our favorites.

The Black Forest

The Black Forest is a magical place to visit during winter. With its snow-capped trees and fairytale villages, it's easy to see why this region is so popular with visitors worldwide. If you're looking for a winter wonderland full of activities, the Black Forest has plenty to offer. You can go skiing or snowboarding in one of the many ski resorts, ice skating on one of the many frozen lakes, or even take a sleigh ride through the picturesque villages.

The Bavarian Alps

The Bavarian Alps are some of the most beautiful mountains in Germany. They're perfect for a winter getaway if you want to do some snowboarding. There are also plenty of cozy mountain lodges where you can enjoy a warm meal or drink after a day on the slopes.

The Rhine Valley

The Rhine Valley is one of Germany's most popular tourist destinations, and for a good reason. This picturesque region is full of charming medieval towns, castles, and vineyards. The best way to explore the valley is by taking a leisurely river cruise down the Rhine River. You'll be able to take in all the sights and sounds of this beautiful region from the comfort of your ship.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen

This charming town is located in the Bavarian Alps and is a popular destination for winter sports. If you're looking for a place to go for fun activities, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the perfect place for you. There are also plenty of other activities in this picturesque town, such as ice skating, sledding, and hiking.

The best way to get around Garmisch-Partenkirchen is by taking the local bus lines or cable cars. The buses run regularly and will take you anywhere you need to go within the town.

The best time to visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen is from December to February. However, consider that accommodation prices will be higher during this time. If you want to save money, consider visiting during the shoulder season (March-April or October-November). You'll still be able to enjoy all the winter activities this town has to offer without the crowds and inflated prices.

If you're looking for a place to stay, plenty of hotels and Airbnb options are available. 

A few hostels are also located in the town center for those on a budget. During the winter months, the town comes alive with festive Christmas markets. You'll find handmade gifts, traditional foods, and warm drinks to enjoy as you stroll through the market stalls. Make sure to try some of the local specialties, such as Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Christstollen (fruitcake), and Glühwein (mulled wine).

The Harz Mountains

The Harz Mountains are a great place to visit during winter if you're looking for some adventure. With its ski resorts, hiking trails, and scenic cable cars, there's something for everyone in this beautiful region.

Oberstdorf

Oberstdorf is an excellent option for a winter getaway. This town is located in the Bavarian Alps and is home to several ski resorts in Germany. Many hotels and Airbnb options are also available, making it an excellent choice for budget-minded travelers.

While in Oberstdorf, visit the Nebelhornbahn Cable Car, which takes you to the top of Mount Nebelhorn. From here, you'll enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. You can also go hiking or cross-country skiing in the nearby national park.

Füssen

Füssen is a small town located in Bavaria, southern Germany. The best time to visit Füssen was during the winter when the snow blanketed the whole city and the Christmas markets were open. There are a few ski resorts nearby if you're looking for action-packed fun. The most popular attraction in Füssen is the Hohes Schloss, a castle on a hill overlooking the town.

Winterberg

Winterberg is a small town in the Sauerland region of Germany and is home to several ski resorts and snowfalls. The city is also home to a few other attractions, including the Kahler Asten, a mountain with an elevation of 841.9 meters, and the Winterberg Zoo.

Dresden

Dresden is a beautiful city located in eastern Germany. It's best known for its baroque architecture and stunning Christmas markets. Dresden is the perfect place to visit if you're looking for a festive winter getaway.

You can explore the city's many Christmas markets, go ice skating in front of the famous Semper Opera House, or take a stroll through the quaint old town center. Dresden is best visited during the winter when the Christmas markets are in full swing, and the city comes alive with holiday cheer.

Zugspitze

Zugspitze is a mountain in the Bavarian Alps and is the highest peak in Germany. It's best visited in the winter when the ski resorts are open and the snow is at its best. Zugspitze is also home to several restaurants and bars, making it a great place to spend a day or two.

Although the list of best places to visit during winter in Germany is quite long, you should keep a few things in mind when traveling during this time of year.

1. Make sure to pack warm clothes. The temperatures in Germany can be pretty chilly during the winter months, so it's best to pack a few friendly clothing items.

2. Be prepared for snow and icy conditions. Germany experiences some of its heaviest snowfall during winter, so it's best to be prepared for snowy conditions.

3. When traveling to ski resorts, check the snow conditions. Many ski resorts close if there is not enough snow on the ground.

4. If you're not a fan of cold weather, consider visiting Germany during the spring or summer months. The temperatures are much milder, and there is still plenty to see and do.

These are just some of Germany's best places to visit during winter. Germany is the perfect destination if you're looking for a winter getaway full of festive cheer, snow-capped mountains, and plenty of outdoor activities. With so many great places to visit, you'll never be short on things to do. So pack your bags and head to Germany for an unforgettable winter vacation.