The 7 Best Winter Activities in Germany

1.Rhine River Winter Cruise with Festive Music

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 676 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $28Our pick

Spend 90 minutes aboard a warm panorama boat on Cologne’s Rhine, with live festive music, table service, and views of Cologne Cathedral, Groß St. Martin, and the crane houses. Drinks, Glühwein, coffee, hot chocolate, cakes, and snacks cost extra. Depart from pier 10 by Musical Dome.

“It was s very joyful and plaesant activity. Definetely it has put us into the Christmas spirit. The river cruise was so nice, we enjoyed every moment of it.”

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2.Paddle Steamer Winter Cruise to Pillnitz

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 178 reviews · 3 hours · from $37

Spend three hours on an authentic paddle steamer sailing from Dresden's Old Town to Pillnitz Castle. You'll pass three Elbe castles, the Blue Wonder Bridge, and winter-lit river views, with German or English audio commentary and hot mulled wine available onboard.

“freundlicher Service, schöne Einrichtung, nette Erklärungen, gute Länge”

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3.Bohemia & Saxon Switzerland Winter Day Tour from Prague

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 41 reviews · 8 hours · from $154

Leave Prague early for a guided small-group trip to Germany’s Bastei Bridge and Czechia’s Pravčická brána. Expect about 10 km of moderate hiking, scenic viewpoints, an à la carte lunch, hotel pickup, and a bilingual or Spanish-speaking guide such as Jan.

“Our guide was very friendly and nice. Great experience”

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4.Ehrwald: Zugspitze Snowshoe Hiking Tour with Mountain Views

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 26 reviews · 2 hours · from $80Top rated

Join Simon or another German or English-speaking guide for a two-hour snowshoe hike from Ebne 5 near Ehrwald. Learn snow safety, wildlife, and winter gear basics, then follow a route chosen for the day’s conditions. Snowshoes are included, with crampons supplied if needed.

“This hiking tour was one of the highlights of my visit in Ehrwald. Very relaxed hike with beautiful views. There was a bit of a climb but the guide was great and really took his time so this was no problem at all.”

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5.Winter Sunday Brunch Buffet

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 16 reviews · from $40

Spend a winter Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Stuttgart’s Riverhouse near Max-Eyth-See. You’ll enjoy coffee, tea, a broad breakfast buffet, and a changing lunch spread, with time for a lakeside walk or synthetic-track curling. German and English assistance is available.

“The location was absolutely beautiful, with a direct view of the water. There was good parking, the buffet was delicious, and the restaurant was good and the atmosphere was very friendly. We thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you.”

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6.Snowshoe hike in the Allgäu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · 3h 30m · from $57

Join a certified German-speaking guide at Skiparadies Grasgehren for a 15-minute snowshoe lesson and a three-hour hike near Riedberger Horn. Equipment and a hot drink are included. Routes suit the group, from gentle plateaus to steeper summit walks.

“Such a wonderful guide supportive and flexible we were delayed arriving due to an accident and diversion on the motorway. Incredibly scenery.”

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7.Bohemia and Saxon Switzerland Winter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 8 hours · from $116

Travel by small-group van from Dresden to two remarkable borderland sights: Bastei Bridge above the Elbe and Pravčická brána in Czechia. An English or Spanish-speaking guide leads the walks, with about 8 kilometers of hiking, entrance fees, hotel pickup, and an à la carte Czech lunch included.

“Great tour guide, nice hiking trip. Would absolutely recommend the interesting experience!”

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