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Germany

<ul><li>The majority of Germany's top ski resorts are about 1.5 hours away from the country's busiest international airports, including Munich, Innsbruck, and Salzburg.</li><li>Skiers may also want to consider driving from the UK to Germany because the trip is quicker and involves fewer tolls than driving to France.</li><li>A ski holiday in Germany offers an Alpine experience similar to Austria's, but frequently at a more affordable cost.</li><li>The undeveloped, traditionally styled mountain communities are studded with cosy restaurants and wooden farms.</li><li>Expect a relaxed, tranquil setting far from the masses and brimming with Bavarian charm.</li><li>The most well-known ski resort in Germany is Garmisch Partenkirchen, which has 60 km of slopes divided between the Classic area and a high-altitude glacier ski area on the Zugspitze, the country's highest peak.</li><li>Berchtesgaden and Oberstdorf, Germany's largest ski area, are two other popular ski areas in that country.</li><li>Skiers might profit from the nearby accessibility of additional ski terrain when they visit a smaller German ski region like Ruhpolding.</li><li>Skiing on glaciers is available in Germany at 2,962m's Garmisch Partenkirchen.</li><li>This implies that skiers can travel there all winter long and take advantage of the excellent snow cover.</li><li>Modern snow cannons have also been purchased by Germany recently, ensuring snow will fall even during drier months on the lower slopes.</li><li>There is also a good selection of contemporary, quick lifts, like the Zugspitze cable car, which can carry 580 skiers up to the highest point in Germany in an hour.</li><li>Looking for a mountain retreat in Bavaria? In Garmisch-Partenkirchen, visitors can enjoy historic hotels and the village life that flows through cobblestone streets.</li><li>With ski chalets, self-catered apartments, and hotels in our collection of ski accommodations in Germany, there is something for everyone. Our Holiday Vibes are Good Vibes Only!</li></ul>

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<ul><li>Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany's largest ski resort, is one hour south of Munich.</li><li>The two villages of Garmish and Partenkirchen combined to become the renowned ski resort for the 1936 Winter Olympics.</li><li>The Hausberg, Kreuzeck, and Alpspitze mountains make up the resort.</li><li>With a 2720m, the Zugspitze is Germany's tallest peak.</li><li>From the viewing platform, take 360-degree views of the more than 400 mountain peaks spread over four nations.</li><li>In the German Chiemgau Alps, Ruhpolding comprises three ski areas: Unternberg, Westernberg, and Maiergschwendt.</li><li>Although the ski areas are small, they provide families and beginners with an excellent winter experience.</li></ul>

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<ul><li>Each year, millions of tourists are drawn to the modern culture, historical history, and breathtaking natural beauty.</li><li>The tourist season generally lasts the entire year, but there are undoubtedly busy and slow times.</li><li>Between December and early March, the Bavarian Alps' ski resorts are packed, and the Christmas season attracts a surge of tourists to the country's major towns.</li><li>People travel to Germany in July and August for a holiday.</li><li>Munich also transforms into the world's beer capital for two weeks in October.</li><li>Up to 7 million people visit the Bavarian capital annually for extravagant Oktoberfest events.</li><li>Early spring, late autumn, and the two weeks leading up to Christmas saw the lowest numbers of visitors.</li><li>Germany is open to tourists even during transitional weather marked by protracted spells of drizzle and unpleasant temperature swings.</li><li>All year long, unique regional cuisine and brewing products are offered.</li><li>In Germany, there is never a shallow season. Germany, like other European nations, amuses throughout the year; the best time to travel relies solely on the wanted activities.</li><li>Skiing is better in the winter while exploring the country is best in the summer.</li></ul>

seasons to travel

One of Germany's most well-known ski resorts, Garmisch Partenkirchen, features a high-altitude glacial ski area on the Zugspitze Mountain and a delightfully historic city brimming with Bavarian charm. The resort has a long history of hosting essential sporting occasions, including the Winter Olympics in 1936 and the Alpine Ski World Cup in 1978 and 2011.&nbsp; Garmisch Partenkirchen, surrounded by more than 400 mountain peaks, boasts outstanding natural beauty and a lengthy snow-sure season from mid-November to April. The charming town is surrounded by tidy wooden houses and offers a wide selection of eateries to suit all preferences.

Garmisch Partenkirchen

The ski resort Steinplatte/ Winklmoosalm - Waidring/ Reit im Winkl is situated in the Chiemgau (Germany, Bavaria (Bayern), Upper Bavaria (Oberbayern), and Pillersee Valley (Pillerseetal) (Austria, Tyrol (Tirol), Tiroler Unterland, Kitzbüheler Alpen). Two kilometres of ski paths and 42 kilometres of slopes are accessible for skiing and snowboarding. Fourteen lifts move the passengers. Between a height of 740 and 1,860 metres, there is a winter sports area.&nbsp; The ski resort of Steinplatte/Winklmoosalm provides endless enjoyment with its slopes that resemble dreamy landscapes and come in various degrees of difficulty. The ski resort of Winklmoosalm begins in the town of Reit im Winkl near Seegatterl on the German side. The Steinplatte ski area is accessible from Waidring on the Austrian side. Modern gondola lifts transport skiers and snowboarders directly up to the ski resort from both sides. Nearly all means of transportation to the international ski resort are ultra-modern lifts. The slopes are impressive because they are broad and varied. The Steinplatte in Tyrol has both challenging slopes and easy runs, while the Winklmoosalm in Bavaria is a beginners' haven. Additional highlights include the snowpark, fun line, cosy ski huts, cross-country trails, and stunning panoramic views from the Steinplatte.

Steinplatte/Winklmoosalm – Waidring/Reit im Winkl

Arberland (Germany, Bavaria (Bayern), and the Bavarian Forest (Bayerische Wald)) is home to the ski resort Arber. 11.5 km of slopes and 5 km of ski paths are accessible for skiing and snowboarding. The guests are transported via six lifts. The winter sports area is located between elevations of 1,050 and 1,456 metres.&nbsp; The Große Arber ski resort, which has a 1,456 m elevation, is the highest peak in the Bavarian Forest and is consequently referred to as the "King of the Bavarian Forest." Skiers of all skill levels can enjoy themselves at this resort. Families feel at home between the Sonnenhang and Thurnhof lifts, while experienced skiers can enjoy the steep slopes beneath the peak up to the slopes in the middle area. With a 6-person gondola, two 6-person chairlifts, the ArBär Kinderland with four magic carpets, the ArBär Zwergenland with one magic carpet, a fun park, floodlit slopes (most with snowmaking equipment), ski rentals, a ski depot, and ski service, Arber is one of the most modern winter sports areas in Germany. You can engage in activities in the stunning winter landscape of the Bavarian Forest in addition to skiing, such as winter hiking trails, nearby cross-country trails, and a floodlit toboggan run right in the ski resort.

Arber

The ski resort Zugspitze is situated in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena (Austria, Tyrol (Tirol), Außerfern) and Zugspitzland (Germany, Bavaria (Bayern), Upper Bavaria (Oberbayern), Zugspitz Region). Twenty kilometres of slopes are available for skiing and snowboarding, and the guests are moved using ten lifts. The location of the winter sports area is between 2,000 and 2,720 metres above sea level.&nbsp; At approximately 3,000 metres, the Zugspitze is the highest mountain in Germany. The largest glacier in Germany, the Schneeferner, is where the ski resort is situated. The height ensures nearly seven months of reliable snowfall and breathtaking vistas above the clouds. From the valley towns of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Grainau, the winter sports resort is reachable. Additionally, Ehrwald and Eibsee in Grainau have cable car lifts that ascend. The ski resort offers powder snow slopes for freeriding and toboggan runs and meticulously groomed natural snow slopes for skiing and snowboarding in a high Alpine landscape made of rock and ice.

Zugspitze

The Oberallgäu region of Germany, Bavaria (Bayern), and Swabia (Schwaben) is home to the ski resort Nebelhorn - Oberstdorf. 0.9 km of ski paths and 12.9 km of slopes are accessible for skiing and snowboarding. The passengers are moved using six lifts. The winter sports area is located between a height of 828 and 2,224 metres.&nbsp; For the season 2021–2022, the Nebelhornbahn lift was rebuilt. Visitors may now comfortably ascend the Nebelhorn ski resort from Oberstdorf thanks to a brand-new 10-person gondola lift. Visitors can enjoy renowned 360-degree panoramic views of 400 mountain peaks from Oberstdorf's 2,224-meter mountain, also referred to as the "grandstand of the Alps." The highest ski resort in the Allgäu area offers a wide range of slopes for skiers of all skill levels, the longest artificial snow-covered valley run in Germany, and consistent snow until spring. Typically, you may snowboard and ski here until the beginning of May. The winter sports complex also boasts a vast network of cross-country and winter walking routes. A toboggan line connects the Seealpe to the base station and the NTC Park, where visitors can engage in unusual winter activities like snow-biking and ski-biking. On the top, a brand-new culinary highlight has debuted: high above Oberstdorf, guests may take in panoramic views at the warm "Nebelhorn 2224" summit restaurant. As you circle the Nebelhorn's peak on the "Nordwandsteig" peak walkway, you'll be treated to breathtaking views in the distance and below the valley. A stay at the 2,000-meter Eishotel Iglu Lodge is a singular experience.

Nebelhorn – Oberstdorf

The friendliness of this small ski area, which has 10 km of slopes, earns it a spot on the list. All of the slopes are appropriate for beginners to learn how to ski. For a novice skier, even the red run is manageable. Practise lifts with gentle slopes are available at the base station if you only want to start out a little. The absence of challenging runs or freeride terrain is good to know. Ochsenkopf might be the perfect place for you if you live nearby and want to learn to ski.

Ochsenkopf

ski resorts

In one of the most significant towns in the Bavarian Alps, experience ski holidays. The stunning architecture and varied culture of Ruhpolding, a picturesque mountain community, reflect its rich Bavarian past. Every type of snow enthusiast is catered to in Ruhpolding. Many types of skiing are available, including horse-drawn carriage tours, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and hiking. The resort also has indoor swimming pools, climbing walls, tennis courts, and ice-skating rinks. There are three local ski resorts in Ruhpolding: Unternberg, Westernberg, and Maiergschwendt. These ski areas are small, making them best suited for beginners and families with young children. Even night skiing is accessible in Unternberg. Skiers with more experience will favour the variety offered by the 44km of slopes in the Winklmoos and Steinplatte ski resorts. There is a quick bus journey from Ruhpolding to Winklmoos and Steinplatte. Ruhpolding's closest airport is in Salzburg, which can be reached in just over an hour by transfer. You can pick up your reserved ski or snowboard equipment from many retailers. You can choose which store to visit depending on where you are staying in Ruhpolding.&nbsp;

Ruhpolding

In Germany's Saxony region, in the German Ore Mountains (Deutsches Erzgebirge), is the ski resort of Fichtelberg-Oberwiesenthal. There is 15.5 km of ski and snowboard slopes accessible, and the visitors are moved using 6 lifts. The winter sports area's location is between 911 and 1,215 meters. Oberwiesenthal, a spa town, is one of the most snow-reliable winter sports locations in the Ore Mountains and is situated right on the German-Czech Republic border.

Fichtelberg – Oberwiesenthal

The Hörnerdörfer (Germany, Bavaria (Bayern), Swabia (Schwaben), and Oberallgäu) is home to the ski resort Ofterschwang/ Gunzesried - Ofterschwanger Horn. There are 16.5 km of slopes and 1.5 km of ski paths available for skiing and snowboarding. The visitors are moved using 7 lifts. The location of the winter sports area is between a height of 880 and 1,405 metres.&nbsp; Modern chairlifts and cable car lift at the Ofterschwang/Gunzesried ski resort transport visitors from the picturesque towns to the winter sports resort on the Ofterschwanger Horn. Families and beginners will discover milder slopes above the middle station, practise lifts at the base, and several children's zones throughout the resort. Expert skiers enjoy themselves on the World Cup slope to Ofterschwang and in the fun park at the lift to the top. Skiers of all skill levels will enjoy the variety of slopes available here. After that, you can treat yourself to local specialities in one of the many huts. Speedy toboggan slopes, lovely winter hiking trails, and an extensive cross-country skiing network are available at the winter sports complex.

Ofterschwang/Gunzesried – Ofterschwanger Horn

The Oberallgäu (Germany, Bavaria (Bayern), Swabia (Schwaben), and Kleinwalsertal) are home to the ski resort Fellhorn/ Kanzelwand - Oberstdorf/ Riezlern (Austria, Vorarlberg, Bregenz). There are 34 km of slopes and 2 km of ski paths available for skiing and snowboarding. The visitors are moved using 14 lifts. The winter sports region is between 920 and 1,967 metres above sea level.&nbsp; The lifts in Faistenoy lead up to the Fellhorn and toward the Kanzelwand, both of which are located about 6 km from Oberstdorf. The Kleinwalser Valley also offers access to the ski area. The 33 km of runs at the cross-country ski resort are all open.

Fellhorn/Kanzelwand – Oberstdorf/Riezlern

The Alpine Region Tegernsee-Schliersee (Germany, Bavaria (Bayern), Upper Bavaria (Oberbayern)) is home to the ski resort Sudelfeld - Bayrischzell. 31.2 km of slopes and 1.9 km of ski paths accessible for skiing and snowboarding. The visitors are moved using 12 lifts. The location of the winter sports area is between 850 and 1,563 metres above sea level.&nbsp; The ski area stretches from the Bayrischzell town up to the 1,563-meter-high Vogelsang and the Sudelfeld, from whence it derives its name. The winter sports resort in the Mangfall Mountains offers stunning panoramic views of the Bavarian Alps and toward the Inn Valley (Inntal) and Kaiser Mountains, thanks to its primarily comprehensive and extended courses. A Sudelfeld investment offensive took place over the winter of 2014–2015. The original focus of this was the development of the Waldkopf 6-person chairlift, which would also have a rental facility and a heated ski depot on the Unteres Sudelfeld. The ski resort later expanded its artificial snowmaking infrastructure, adding a new reservoir, freeride cross-section, and a snowpark. The Mittleres Sudelfeld's subsequent significant development was put into place for the 2017–18 ski season: a new 8-person Sudelfeldkopf chairlift, one of the quickest in Germany, now connects the Grafenherberg region straight to the Sudelfeldkopf at 1,436 metres. Both inexperienced skiers and experienced skiers can benefit from Sudelfeld's ski resort. The nearby winter sports resort, with its kid-friendly beginner slopes and kids' areas, is especially beloved by families. Mountain inns and cosy huts round out the selection.

Sudelfeld – Bayrischzell

The Oberallgäu region of Germany, Bavaria (Bayern), and Swabia (Schwaben) is home to the ski resort Oberjoch (Bad Hindelang) - Iseler. There are 32 km of slopes and 6 km of ski routes accessible for skiing and snowboarding. The visitors are moved using 5 lifts. The location of the winter sports area is between 1,130 and 1,559 metres above sea level.&nbsp; Access to the slopes around the Oberjoch Pass is now possible thanks to brand-new, contemporary chairlifts. The Iseler ski resort had a comprehensive modernisation in 2015, and guests may now use 4 chairlifts with weather guards. They also made significant investments in snowmaking machinery so that you may ski on extensive, snow-reliable slopes here. The ski area is situated inside Oberjoch, and the municipality of Bad Hindelang is home to the highest mountain and ski resort in all of Germany. The ski resort is ideal for families and offers the Schneekinderland and other kid-friendly areas in addition to being very family-friendly. Under the Iseler, this resort offers miles of cross-country ski trails.

Oberjoch (Bad Hindelang) – Iseler

In Germany, Bavaria (Bayern), Swabia (Schwaben), and Oberallgäu are the Hörnerdörfer, where the ski resort Hörnerbahn - Bolsterlang is situated. There are 17 km of slopes and 3 km of ski paths available for skiing and snowboarding. The visitors are moved using 5 lifts. The location of the winter sports area is between a height of 894 and 1,665 metres.&nbsp; About 7 kilometres are needed to get to Oberstdorf from the ski resort of Bolsterlang. From an elevation of almost 1,700 metres, slopes of varying degrees of difficulty descend, with athletic difficulties waiting at the very top. With the Hörnerbahn lift, you may start skiing early in Bolsterlang and take advantage of the Allgäu's morning sun. The charming winter sports destination is perfect for all skiers, snowboarders, tourers and families who value quiet skiing. With Hörni's Kinderland and two other ski school children's areas, the base area is incredibly well-suited for kids and beginners.

Hörnerbahn – Bolsterlang

In Germany's Tölzer Land (Bavaria (Bayern), Upper Bavaria (Oberbayern), the ski resort Brauneck - Lenggries/Wiederscheid is situated. 31.6 km of slopes accessible for skiing and snowboarding, and 15 lifts move the passengers. The winter sports area is between a height of 700 and 1,712 metres.&nbsp; One of Bavaria's most well-known winter sports destinations is Lenggries and Wegscheid. Only 60 kilometres separate Munich and the tourist hamlet steeped in history. On the various and expertly groomed slopes, you may ski or snowboard while taking in the white peaks of the Karwendel Mountains and the Bavarian Alpine foothills. You can then take a break in one of the many quaint ski huts serving Bavarian specialities. Brauneck is a sophisticated winter sports destination that has kept up with the time's thanks to ongoing investment in the ski resort. The Milchhäuslexpress 6-person chairlift was the first significant step in modernising the lift facilities. In the winter of 2019–20, the Schrödelsteinbahn lift will be introduced. The resort has invested in expanding its snowmaking capabilities and enhancing the comfort of its lifts to ensure snow dependability on the Weltcupabfahrt (World Cup slope), Familieabfahrt (family slope), as well as on the Waxensteinabfahrt run down to the valley.

Brauneck – Lenggries/Wegscheid

The Ostallgäu region of Germany, Bavaria (Bayern), and Swabia (Schwaben) is home to the ski resort Nesselwang - Alpspitze (Alpspitzbahn). There are 8 km of slopes and 0.7 km of ski paths available for skiing and snowboarding. The visitors are moved using 6 lifts. The location of the winter sports area is between 900 and 1,463 metres above sea level.&nbsp; Nesselwang is a classic winter sports destination with almost a century of ski history. The Alpspitze is where the runs are situated (1,575 metres). They have artificial snowmaking equipment and are reached by two combined installations with 8-person gondolas and 4-person chairlifts. The ski resort features children's slopes in addition to family-friendly slopes. A popular destination for freestylers is the fun park. The slopes and snowpark at the ski resort of Nesselwang, which features kickers, rails, and jumps, are open in the evening thanks to a floodlight system. For beginners, experts, and recreational skiers, the winter sports resort beneath the Alpspitze offers a variety of skiing and snowboarding facilities.

Nesselwang – Alpspitze

The Feldberg-Seebuck-Grafenmatt-Fahl ski resort is situated in Todtnau (Germany, Baden-Württemberg, Freiburg (region), Hochschwarzwald). 30 kilometres of slopes are accessible for skiing and snowboarding. Fourteen lifts move the passengers. The winter sports area is between 950 and 1,450 metres above sea level.&nbsp; The largest connected ski area in the Black Forest is situated between Seebuck and Grafenmatt, just below the Feldberg. At 1448 m, the ski resort's highest point, visitors can take in a stunning view of the Black Forest and, with any luck, the Alps. There is something for everyone on the Feldberg with its sloping hillsides, cosy forest runs, freeride runs, FIS World Cup run, and sizable snowpark in the lovely forest setting.

Feldberg – Seebuck/Grafenmatt/Fahl

The Alpine Region Tegernsee-Schliersee (Germany, Bavaria (Bayern), Upper Bavaria (Oberbayern)) is home to the ski resort Spitzingsee-Tegernsee. There is 14.7 km of ski and snowboard slopes accessible, and the visitors are moved using ten lifts. The winter sports area's location is between 980 and 1,580 metres.&nbsp; Spitzingsee-Tegernsee is a ski resort about an hour's drive from Munich. It boasts effective lifts and contemporary snowmaking machinery. Many inviting mountain inns and chalets encourage you to relax. There is a diverse selection of beginner and intermediate slopes on the Stümpfling (1,484 m). With its challenging slopes, the Roßkopf (1,580 m) will appeal to experts. The snowpark at the ski resort of Spitzingsee-Tegernsee, which primarily draws younger winter sports enthusiasts, is a natural attraction. At the Stümpfling run, the lights are turned on weekly for floodlit skiing. For this, the slope has just been groomed. Skiers and snowboarders can travel to the ski resort from the Schliersee and Neuhaus railway stations on a free night ski bus and back. In addition to skiing, the Spitzingsee-Tegernsee winter sports area also boasts many cross-country paths and the well-liked toboggan run to the Firstalm. On the other side of the lake, where winter lift operation has been suspended since the 2015–2016 season, tourists enjoy the slopes at Taubenstein.

Spitzingsee-Tegernsee

The Sauerland (Germany, German Mittelgebirge), where the ski resort Winterberg (Skiliftkarussell) is situated, is a region of the Central Uplands of Germany. 27.5 km of slopes are available for skiing and snowboarding, and the visitors are moved using 24 lifts. The winter sports region is between 630 and 820 metres above sea level.&nbsp; The best ski resort in the world. Modern drag lifts, chair lifts, and conveyor belts transport skiers of all skill levels to the 34 lines in the region. Seven interconnected mountains comprise the varied ski area, with two lifts specifically for tobogganing. Snow is guaranteed on 28 pistes thanks to high-performance snowmaking technology. On Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, night skiing and après-ski activities are possible thanks to the 14 pistes with floodlights. Nine snowcats get to work at night to guarantee that the conditions will be ideal when you wake up. Enjoy a supper in one of the resort's cosy traditional lodges after all the action. Depending on the weather, the ski season in our region starts in the middle of December and typically lasts until the middle of March.

Winterberg (Skiliftkarussell)

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Weihnachtsmarkt Am Kölner Dom, the largest and most well-known Christmas market in Cologne, is situated in front of the gothic Cologne Cathedral and beneath a giant Christmas tree in the entire Rhine. Discover its gleaming wooden pavilions to find handmade goods like soaps, carvings for trees, and holiday decorations. This location is ideal for foodies on the go, with a focus on local organic foods. Before engaging in the celebrations with song and dance in the streets, grab a mug and fill it up with gluhwein. All ages can enjoy the entertainment, including the young ones, who can spin a vintage merry-go-round or try their luck on the wheel of fortune. You can discover the Angel's Christmas Market, known as Cologne's oldest, somewhere in the city. The shopping district is filled with mulled wine booths and numerous craft stalls, and there is a dash of magic added by angels who scatter glitter along the narrow lanes. With any luck, you could even glimpse Santa Claus galloping around on a horse. Along with the Harbour Christmas Market near the chocolate factory, other markets worth visiting include the lovely Old Market Christmas at the front of the town hall.

Weihnachtsmarkt Am Kölner Dom, Cologne

The Dresden Striezelmarkt creates a joyful mood with a blaze of lights glinting over the river, the aroma of mulled wine permeating the air, the sound of Christmas music, and the whirling of carousels.&nbsp; In addition to being the oldest Christmas market in Germany, it also hosted the 14.62-meter-tall Christmas pyramid that made history in 1999. At 20 metres, the most recent record was set at the Berlin Christmas Market. While perusing the stalls, watch the Dresden Pflaumentoffel, a miniature chimney sweep made of dates, and the market's famous handcrafted nutcrackers. Visitors can also indulge in the traditional German stollen fruit loaf and miniature statues.

Dresden Striezelmarkt, Dresden

Gendarmenmarkt, regarded as Berlin's most attractive plaza, is incredibly stunning during the holiday season. Browse while dressmakers weave in their booths and woodworkers meticulously carve gifts. Expect everything from jugglers and fire-eaters to a range of musical performances; it is also a well-liked place for artists to assemble and display their work.&nbsp; Close to the city centre, the 18th Fairy-Tale Christmas Market at Jagdschloss Grunewald provides for a beautiful day trip. On weekends leading up to Advent, market stalls open in the courtyard of Berlin's oldest palace, where figures from fairy tales like Hansel and Gretel welcome guests.

Berlin's Christmas markets, Berlin

It's not surprising that the Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt is recognised as one of Europe's most beautiful markets with its nearly 300 elaborately adorned stalls and awards given for the finest. Enjoy a stroll through mediaeval times as the New Castle, Old Castle, and Collegiate Church serve as an imposing background. Enjoy the choirs' charms, load up on regional specialities, and then slip and slide at the ice rink.&nbsp; The nearby Esslingen Medieval Market will have 100 stalls filled with lovely Christmas decorations, mediaeval merchants, and sweets. Hot tubs and artist stages are among the popular stalls that will not be there this year due to the pandemic, but there will still be plenty of fun on the carousel and at the candle workshops.

Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt, Stuttgart

The Leipziger Weihnachtsmarkt, the second-oldest in Germany, dating back to 1458, is centred around the famed Marketplatz and features over 300 stalls dwarfed by the size of the Old Town Hall. A barrage of lights, music, and parades streams through the market as it thins out along the neighbouring streets. "Have you heard? Leipzig is where "Silent Night," a well-known Christmas song, originally gained popularity. For a month, the Strasser siblings—four peasant kids—walked into Leipzig to sell gloves. They began singing "Silent Night" after that plan fell through.

Leipziger Weihnachtsmarkt, Leipzig

The grounds in front of the brightly lit Aachen Cathedral and Town Hall are converted into an actual Christmas village each winter, attracting prominent people for the Aachener Weihnachtsmarkt. Meet the six-meter tall Printen gingerbread man mascot and enjoy a famous Aachen Printen. Fill everyone's stockings with gifts ranging from the very traditional to the exceptionally special, and take some time to enjoy the skillfully constructed fair that locals and visitors cherish

Aachener Weihnachtsmarkt, Aachen

The Old Town's gold-hued Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is jam-packed with tradition and history. Attend the opening ceremony outside the church, and as you listen to the celebratory prologue being blared out amid a flare of trumpets, look up at the balcony. Order a Nuremberg Brahurst or the renowned Lebkuchen while perusing the kiosks for trinkets from all over the world, like French marmalade and Czech wooden angels. Presenting your desires to the Christkind in their crowned and gilded attire. To see the red and white booths on the streets below, climb to the top of the Church of Our Lady.

Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg

The Marienplatz is where Munich's primary and most well-known market, the Münchner Christkindlmarkt, erupts, winding its way up to the Richard Strauss Fountain. A sizable Christmas tree in front of the town hall illuminates the booths, and there will be hand-painted glass balls and locally brewed Beerenglühwein as part of the traditional Bavarian extravaganza

Münchner Christkindlmarkt, Munich

The main square in Hamburg is where the storied Hamburger Weihnachtsmarkt is held, with over 80 traders setting up shop in front of the gleaming town hall. You'll soon put your phone away as you stroll through these historic streets and be charmed by the unique products on sale. This Glühwein is a must-try; it was created by a small winemaker, especially for the Hamburg market and cannot be found anywhere else. Children have previously enjoyed rides on a sizable model railroad through the toy lanes, where they could see Father Christmas arriving on his reindeer-drawn sleigh and exclaiming, "Ho, ho, ho!"

Hamburger Weihnachtsmarkt, Hamburg

The Weihnachtsmarkt Schloss Guteneck held on the grounds of the pastel-yellow Schloss (castle), transports visitors back to the Middle Ages with its illuminated trees and roaring fires. Brass bands, performances in the barn, and baroque flautists will all play music throughout the celebrations. The air is filled with the scent of mulled wine and flame-roasted almonds, while the fair's more unusual food offerings include fried doughnuts and Langosch.

Weihnachtsmarkt Schloss Guteneck, Guteneck

winter markets

German Alpine cuisine focuses on warming, traditional dishes that will fill you up for a day in the mountains and keep you warm. Enjoy a large refreshing Stein beer while indulging in the ultimate winter sports classic, shnitzel and chips. There will be plenty of locally sourced food served in the cosy wooden restaurants, including meat cuts, Weisswurst veal sausages, and plenty of sauerkraut and potato dumplings.

Food in Germany

eats and treats

Winter is the ideal time to treat oneself, and what better way to do that than by booking a spa appointment or visiting the sauna? In spas all around Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, you can get soothing winter treatments, and some of them even have outdoor pools where you can warm yourself while taking in the snow-covered surroundings. It will always be a truly magical experience.

Winter spas

You probably know that many people who enjoy winter sports enjoy skiing and snowboarding as leisure. But have you ever heard of tobogganing? It involves riding a wooden sledge swiftly down a hill. Although it is kid-friendly, toboggan runs are equally enjoyable for adults. A particularly stunning one is the run in Switzerland's Grisons region between Preda and Bergrün. This charming four-mile run has an altitude loss of 400 metres along the way, is floodlit at night, and is sure to be a memorable experience for the whole family.

Tobogganing

At least once in a person's lifetime, they should try paragliding. A feeling that will never be forgotten is looking down at beautiful nature while feeling the wind in your face like a bird. The Zugspitze in Bavaria, for instance, is Germany's tallest mountain and a popular location for paragliding. Paragliding in the Alps in the winter is incredibly incredible. Make sure to reserve early because the views are breathtaking.

Paragliding at Zugspitze

Wintertime at Neuschwanstein Castle is the best time to visit if you enjoy fairy tales and want to experience magic in its most authentic form. In southwest Bavaria, Germany, above the settlement of Hohenschwangau, close to Füssen, sits the castle, a well-known mansion from the 19th century. The castle, built by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat and in recognition of Richard Wagner, has become one of Germany's top tourist attractions. It will make you gasp when the snow covers its enchanting towers in the winter.

Neuschwanstein Castle in winter

Going to a Christmas market is necessary for a complete trip to Germany, Austria, or Switzerland. Additionally, there is a wide variety because almost every city and small town in the area hosts its own Christmas market. However, the Reeperbahn Christmas market in Hamburg is a unique suggestion for you. Since several years ago, the market in Hamburg's red-light district has drawn tourists from near and far with its alternative flair, characterised by strip shows, erotic gifts, and tasty mulled wine. Chalet chill Why not reserve a cosy chalet this winter for a restful week's holiday in Switzerland? We can assure you that the most excellent sensation ever is unwinding and warming up in front of the fireplace after spending the entire day playing in the snow. We advise indulging in classic cheese fondue and some delectable wine to give it a festive feel.

Alternative Christmas market

Cross-country skiing is another enjoyable activity to try this winter. Skiing isn't limited to semi-vertical terrain, after all. The DACH region has been swept up in the cross-country adventure trend for a good cause. Its advantages include a full-body workout, lots of calorie burning, improved cardiovascular endurance, and stress reduction. It offers the ability to truly appreciate beautiful winter landscapes at their best and a healthy, generally safe pastime that both young and older people can enjoy.

Cross-country skiing

The renowned Four Hills Tournament is the place to go if you want a unique party. Since 1953, four World Cup competitions have been held in Germany and Austria as part of the Four Hills Tournament, often known as the German-Austrian Ski Jumping Week. The energy in the crowd is legendary, and you can also marvel at the best ski jumpers in the world. Expect great music, plenty of alcohol, and delicious food for a fun party set against a beautiful mountain backdrop.

Four Hills Tournament

If you enjoy trekking, you should visit the Saxon Switzerland National Park in Germany's Saxony region, a steep climbing region centred on the Elbe valley to the southeast of Dresden. One thousand climbing peaks, various hollows, and the well-known Bastei rock formation are all present. In the winter, it is a location that calls for breathtaking panoramic vistas and unheard-of, snow-covered trekking trails.

Saxon Switzerland National Park

Try ice skating if you're looking for a fun winter activity you can do in the city. In the winter and around Christmas, most cities in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland have fantastic ice rinks. If this is your first time doing it, sign up for an introductory lesson or bring a friend who can show you the ropes. But most importantly, enjoy yourself and the unique winter atmosphere!

Ice-skating around the clock

entertainments

<ul><li>The 1936 Winter Olympics took place in Garmish-Partenkirchen, home to the famous Zugspitze Mountain and Kandahar downhill line.</li><li>This was the first-time alpine ski sports had been introduced to the cross-country and ski-jumping competitions.</li><li>Oberstdorf, which hosted the World Nordic Championships in February 2005, has ties to Austrian skiing since, interestingly, Kleinwalsertal, next to Oberstdorf, is located in Austria but encircled by Germany.</li><li>Excellent downhill skiing is available in Garmisch, Oberstdorf, and Reit im Winkl, as well as smaller resorts near Lake Constance like Mittenwald and Oberstaufen.</li></ul>

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