Whilst Christmas itself can get you through December with magic twinkling lights, cookies and copious quantities of warming booze the rest of winter can seem a bit bland, cold and uncomfortable in comparison. Short cold days that seep into long freezing nights, leaving for work and then returning in the same pitch black can be hard on even the hardiest of people.

In talking about winter I’m also extending the definition to include March and early April too, because Spring has rarely sprung by March 1st in Germany. As is the case with much of life in Germany, your enjoyment of anything is directly correlated to the amount of preparation you put in beforehand. Winter is one of the times where a little preparation means a much more comfortable life in the long run.

The sun – Contrary to popular belief the sun does shine during the winter months, though a lot less than the rest of the year of course. When that sun is out, wrap up warm and go out and enjoy it. Most cafés will open their outdoor seating when the sun shines (and provide customers with a blanket), and with a hot chocolate or Aperol Spritz in hand you can close your eyes and pretend it’s Après-ski.

Thermal baths (and saunas) – Personally I favour a thermal bath over a sauna in any and all circumstances, dry heat and I do not mix, but Germany loves them both and I recommend everyone try both at least once. There is something utterly magical about floating around outside in warm water whilst it snows.

Considering my life choices halfway up a mountain – Photo – Alie C

Winter sports – No need to pretend if you hit the slopes and partake in some actual skiing. From the Black Forest to the Alps, Germany has some stunning ski, sledging, snowshoeing (and all the other winter sports you could dream of) opportunities. Garmisch-Partenkirchen, only an hour from Munich, is one of the best, and most popular with tourists, it is also a stunningly beautiful area to simply explore without strapping anything to your feet.

Ice hockey is surprisingly popular in Germany, not as popular as the beloved football but still well supported enough to have four Liga (leagues) throughout the country. So far the Eisbären (polar bears) of Berlin, the Pinguins (Penguins) of Bremerhaven and the Ice Tigers of Nürnberg are just a few of the teams I’ve seen in the flesh and although I don’t have a great deal to compare them to, an evening at the rink has never been boring.

Ice tigers game, Nürnberg – Photo – Alie C

Gemuütlichkeit – That comfy cosiness that you feel with friends at summer festivals and Christmas markets can still be captured and enjoyed in the quieter months. Whilst its Danish cousin Hygge can be enjoyed alone, the German version usually refers to more social interactions, though the meaning is fairly flexible, I don’t see why you couldn’t enjoy some Gemütlichkeit alone occasionally. Card and board games are hugely popular in Germany, if you’re looking for some new ideas Drecksau (dirty pig), Carcassone and Qwirkle are my current favourites.

Hibernation/Staying in – After the festive excesses the sudden quiet of January can be difficult to get used to, pay day is a long way away and social calendars are fairly empty. Saying in is the new going out. No need to wrap up in multiple layers, get rained on or do anything that involves leaving the flat for the evening. Curl up with a good book under a blanket and a steaming cup of tea in hand.

For optimum winter enjoyment make sure to –
– Dress appropriately (you and your kids)
– Get your snow tyres on
-Prepare your home, snow shovel for outside and fluffy blankets for inside
-Make your own Glühwein
-If you are lucky enough to have a Besenwirtschaft nearby, pop in
– Sleep well in the knowledge that Spring is just around the corner

-Alie