Winters in Germany can feel long and relentless. The days grow short, the skies turn steely, and the chill seems to seep into your bones. But instead of dreading the season, you may find its easier, and more enjoyable, to embrace it.
With a little planning, you can transform the winter months into a time of excitement and wonder. From a day on a floating sauna to playing Eisstockschießen to sledding with huskies, the following five experiences are not just ways to pass the time – they’re unforgettable treats that can brighten even the greyest days.
Rent a floating sauna
Imagine stepping from a cosy, wood-heated sauna onto a deck overlooking a tranquil, frost-edged lake. The air is crisp, with a bit of luck there could be snowflakes drifting down, and after a deep breath you plunge into the invigorating cold water.
Floating saunas in Germany offer panoramic windows, showers and lounging areas, so you can soak up serene views and peaceful moments while cocooned in warmth.
In Berlin, Finnfloat rents sauna rafts on Müggelsee – perfect for groups, couples or solo escapes.
The Berlin-Bootsverleih platform offers sauna rafts on lakes like Üdersee and also heated boats on the Spree and Havel rivers, with online booking tools and options for different group sizes.
For a more private retreat, Airbnb and specialist sites list unique floating sauna properties, such as the Saunainsel-Hausboot in Berlin or lakeside cottages with private saunas near Bothkamper See in Schleswig-Holstein.
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Bobsleigh and Tobogganing
If you crave adrenaline, Germany’s toboggan runs and bobsleigh tracks are a must.
The Wallberg run near Lake Tegernsee in Bavaria stretches for over six kilometres, offering breath taking Alpine views as you race downhill while the Hasenhorn run in Todtnau in Baden-Württemberg features a modern chairlift and a thrilling descent full of curves and jumps.
For the ultimate rush, try a bobsleigh ride at Königssee in Bavaria or Winterberg in North Rhine-Westphalia, where professional pilots guide you down icy tracks at speeds up to 120 kilometres per hour.
Most natural toboggan runs, like Wallberg and Hasenhorn, allow you to rent sleds on-site, with tickets available for single rides or day passes – although it’s wise to check the official website or call ahead for snow conditions and opening times.
For bobsleigh, booking is essential – reserve your “Rennbob Taxi” ride at Königssee or Veltins EisArena in Winterberg online. Take note of the age and health requirements (participants usually have to be over 16 or 18 and in good physical condition). And be sure to dress warmly with sturdy shoes.
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Try playing Eisstockschießen
Eisstockschießen (“ice stick sport”) is a popular winter pastime in parts of Germany and Austria.
Similar to curling, teams slide heavy stones across the ice, aiming for a target. It’s and easy-to-learn, social game that's perfect for groups or families. The festive atmosphere – often alongside food stalls and mulled wine – makes it an unmissable winter experience.
You’ll find Eisstockschießen in cities across Germany, both indoors and outdoors.
Popular venues include WinterdörfLE in Stuttgart, Königlicher Hirschgarten and Nockherberg in Munich, and Wintergarten St. Pauli in Hamburg.
In Berlin, the Cassiopeia Sommergarten transforms into a venue for the sport in the winter.
Most venues offer equipment rental, instructions and optional catering. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak season, and don’t forget to dress warmly!
Dog sledding with huskies
Picture yourself gliding through snowy forests, the only sounds being the swish of the sled and the eager panting of huskies.
It’s an exhilarating way to experience Germany’s winter landscapes, and the connection with the dogs makes it even more special. Whether you’re steering the sled yourself or simply enjoying the ride, it’s an adventure that will stay with you long after the snow melts.
Dog sledding is offered in regions such as the Harz Mountains, Bavaria and the Black Forest.
The Oberharz Dog Sled Adventure in Clausthal-Zellerfeld hosts annual races and offers guest rides (weather permitting).
Companies like HeyHusky operate tours in Hamburg, Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, and Bavaria, while Freizeit mit Huskies offers guided rides and hikes in the Stechlin-Ruppiner Land Nature Park north of Berlin.
Be sure to check availability and snow conditions in advance.
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Visit a Christmas market at a castle or palace
Germany has an amazing selection of castles and palaces, many of which pull out all the stops at Christmas to recreate a sense of how the festive period was celebrated in centuries gone by.
On the third weekend of Advent, Reichsburg Castle, perched high above the Moselle in Cochem (Rhineland-Palatinate), hosts ‘Christmas at the Castle’. Begin your visit with a scenic climb through the historic old town, arriving at the outer bailey where a shepherd in period costume will guide you through a real-life Nativity scene, complete with lay actors and live animals.
Tickets are available now via the official onlineshop.
Further along the Rhine, visit Arenfels Castle above Bad Hönningen on Advent weekends to watch traditional blacksmiths and turners at work. You can also savour freshly baked bread and warm your hands with a glass of mulled wine.
Or, for something even more traditional, visit Satzvey Castle in the Eifel region and see a Nativity play performed in the costumes and language of the Hohenstaufen period, with the Christmas story told in Latin and Middle High German.
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