Germany in winter?

Question

Ok, so I'm obsessed with Germany, and I'll go anytime I can. I just so happens that I can this January, so I bought a ticket. But everyone is saying/worried that I'll be miserable and cold, and have a horrible time. What do you think? How bad is the winter in Germany?

Also, I don't plan on skiing. I just want to visit cities, go hiking, etc... I'm going to rent a very small car for a few days to tour parts of the country. Will I have trouble driving because of snow or not?

Answer 1

I agree with what was said, winter can be pretty cold, but it is also a nice time.

About renting a car: make sure they give you a car with "winter tires". Ask specifically for them. You definitely don't want to drive a car with summer tires when it's snowing!!

http://www.inside-munich.com/munich-weat...

Answer 2

1.  Germany can be absolutely freezing in January, it's true.

2.  But Germans are really great at handling the winter:  the food and drink and entertainment are geared toward winter and it's a great time to visit.  Also, the country has great public services, so if there is bad weather, the roads are sorted our quickly.

3.  Are you sure you need a car?  Public transportation (trains and buses) work great, are far cheaper, and offer a far more interesting experience of Germany.

Have a great trip!

Answer 3

Winter is the best time to visit Germany. Have a good trip.

Answer 4

I recently moved from Germany and i believe the winter is the best time to go. All the festivals and markets they have in the winter are pretty exciting and amusing. Yes, it might be hard to get around on icy/snowy roads expecially on the back roads. You won't be misserable. The winters haven't been that bad lately.Think positive.. Im sure your gonna have a great time, i sure did!

Answer 5

I would visit the lovely town of Oldenburg, then go to the bavarian region deffinetely try the munk brewed beer. Hamburg is awesome. Snow is not a big deal there, they handle it qick and fast. Of course it will be cold, but meeting people and hiking and all that other stuff is fine.

Answer 6

well, it's going to be dang cold but that doesn't mean you won't have a good time.  just bring plenty of warm and comfortable clothes.  i know someone who went in winter and had a fabulous time.  oh yeah,and they were cold ;-)

Answer 7

You are very very lucky to be going to Germany!!!!!! I am fanatical about Germany! I would love to be there in the winter time!!!  I hate tropical climates!!!! Take care if you are going to be driving.  Make sure your car is equipped to deal with heavy snow conditions especially if it's a small car.

Good Luck and have a safe trip.

Answer 8

A fellow Deutsch-phile, I have enjoyed the cold in winter in Hamburg and in southern Germany. It is similar to the northeastern US during winter.

Let's face it, climate changes could bode for mild winters globally in nothern regions of the world and it isn't as though you are going to be visiting Sweden/Finland/Norway which could be uncomfortably cold. Just make sure you have decent temperature-rated hiking gear and carry a GPS. You should be fine.