It's cold and looks set to stay that way for a while longer. To help thaw your pessimistically polar disposition, The Local reminds you with these photos just how magical a German winter can be.

The German Weather Service (DWD) predicted on Thursday freezing temperatures, black ice and snow for Friday as well as a weekend of more snowfall, mainly in the east and south.

But while for some such a prognoses might sound disheartening, just remember that there's a beautiful side to all that slippery ice and muddy snow.

GALLERY: Walking in a German winter wonderland