5 Winter Activities in Germany to Build a Day Around

1.Rhine River Winter Cruise with Festive Music

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

Set off from pier 10 on Cologne’s Rhine waterfront for a 1.5-hour winter cruise with live festive music, table service, and views of Cologne Cathedral, Groß St. Martin, and the crane houses of Rheinau Harbour. Stay warm inside with Glühwein, coffee, hot chocolate, cake, and other drinks available to buy, or step onto the open upper deck for photos.

“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 aboard a historic paddle steamer cruising from Dresden’s Old Town to Pillnitz Castle and back. You’ll pass the Baroque Quarter, three Elbe castles, and the Blue Wonder Bridge, then enjoy winter river views with optional mulled wine. German and English audio commentary comes by announcement or app.

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

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3.Winter Sunday Brunch Buffet

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 16 reviews · from $40

Spend Sunday at Stuttgart’s Riverhouse from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a generous breakfast buffet, coffee, tea, and a changing lunch spread. Take a break for a walk around Max-Eyth-See or try curling on the venue’s synthetic tracks. German and English service 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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4.Snowshoe hike in the Allgäu

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

Meet at Skiparadies Grasgehren for a 15-minute briefing, then spend three hours snowshoeing through the Allgäu with a German-speaking guide. The route can suit your fitness level, from rolling high ground to a climb toward Riedberger Horn. Snowshoes, poles, gaiters, and a hot drink are included.

“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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5.Bohemia and Saxon Switzerland Winter Tour

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

Travel from Dresden into Saxon Switzerland and Bohemia with a small group of up to 14 people. Walk across Bastei Bridge, hike about 8 km in total to Pravčická brána, and enjoy an à la carte Czech lunch. English and Spanish guides, entrance fees, hotel pickup, and drop-off are included.

“The day trip was absolutely perfect and the sights were incredible. The driver went had was exceptional and he made a great effort to get to know us and engage us in the tour. It was so fun exploring Bohemia and Saxon Switzerland. The stopover for lunch was great, the ambiance of the restaurant allowed for us to really enjoy czech cuisine.”

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