To spend a winter in Germany can be a study in contrasts. Sometimes the weather is dazzling with crisp blue skies and snowy landscapes, but very often it's unrelentingly grey, damp and cold.
For many, the season brings both beauty and a fair number of challenges.
We asked our readers what the loved (and loathed) about German winters. Here's what they told us, along with their top tips for making through as comfortably as possible.
Who likes winter in Germany?
Opinions are divided but the majority of respondents to our survey said they actively enjoy German winters: approximately 62 percent of readers claimed to welcome the season each year with just 32 percent taking an opposite view.
That said, there dis a strong consensus that winters in Germany can be tough.
As Bruce in Leipzig put it, “The low clouds and dark days make German winters much worse than the far north where it’s cold, but the sun actually shines.”
For those who appreciate the season, it’s clear that winter offers a number of unique pleasures, from seasonal food and drink to cold-weather tourism and hobbies.
One reader, who referred to themself as a short time resident of Ruhpolding in Bavaria noted the beautiful scenery.Â
“With the sun low in the sky, the long shadows help to provide an excellent opportunity to take some marvellous photographs,” they said.
This weren’t the only respondent to our survey to note that winter in Germany can make for great photography.
Other readers highlighted Germany's seasonal cuisine.
“Eat for the season,” wrote Daphne J., a science writer living in Frankfurt, adding that she who particularly likes the “hearty stews and soups, blood oranges and dates!”
Another respondent, an American based in Munich, said that winter generally – and especially the Christmas period – provided a perfect opportunity to “explore the city sights” in Germany.
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How to enjoy the winter in comfort
When it comes to surviving the cold weather, readers are full of practical advice.
One respondent in Kassel recommended warm slippers and lots of cups of hot tea or coffee, “or even hot water at this point,” they said, adding, “I’m not joking either."
But by far and away the most common advice for enjoying the cold season in Germany revolved around clothing.
“There’s no bad weather, just inappropriate clothing choices,” as one respondent put it, alluding to a common German saying.
“Wear plenty of layers of clothing,” advised Sandy, a retiree in Rheinland-Pfalz.
"Dress for the weather - rainproof, windproof, good walking boots. Layer up and get outside every day,” said Daphne, who added that her own favourite item of winter clothing was a pair of rain pants that can be worn over jeans.
“I bought mine for playing golf in Scotland and they make surviving the German winter a breeze,” she added.
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"Dress for the prevailing weather conditions and if it's too cold, wet, or windy, stay at home," confirmed Chris, an independent software developer who lives in Cologne.
Appropriate footwear came up again and again.
Frankie, an English trainer in Berlin who stays active in winter by walking their dog, also recommended investing in spikes or crampons for the icy weather.
“They make a big difference to how comfortable I feel walking,” they said.
Staying active versus staying at home
Respondents to our survey were broadly split on the question of how much activity is the right amount during the winter months.
Fiona in North Rhine-Westphalia counselled fellow residents in Germany to “prioritise exercise.”
“Make sure you have some weatherproof ways to get a good workout in. Where possible, go outside and enjoy the cold, fresh air!” she said.
Daphne agreed, recommending, “Walking and running when surfaces allow.”
“Skiing when possible,” added Bruce, who lives in Leipzig – along with a number of other respondents who enjoy winter sports.
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But others clearly prefer taking a more restful approach to winter.
“Stay inside. Use delivery for everything,” suggested Franco Modawski in Munich.
And if all else fails, some readers recommended a change of scenery.
“Plan as many trips to the South as you can afford in the winter months,” said Bruce in Leipzig.
Another respondent, originally from the US but based in Munich, revealed that their favourite winter destination was Singapore, followed by trips to France with their French family.
Which just goes to show that whether you’re bundling up for a brisk walk, curling up with a hot drink or dreaming of sunnier destinations, there’s more than one way to survive – and even enjoy – a German winter.
Thank you so much to everyone who completed our survey! If you have another helpful tip for surviving the German winter, feel free to leave it as a comment below.
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