Germany · WINTER ACTIVITIES
Good winter activities fill up weeks ahead; the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Cologne’s Rhine winter cruise brings you festive skyline views, live Christmas music, and Glühwein in a cozy 1.5-hour ride.
“The staff were very friendly & the atmosphere was amazing we would definitely be doing the trip again. Thank you 😊😊😊”
2-hour festive Rhine cruise in Cologne with reserved seats, live music, twinkling lights, and a visit by St. Nicholas.
“Really good cruise but couldn't see out for all the bright lights on the boat maybe they should dim the lights down so you can see the city.”
Take a 2-hour winter cruise on the Rhine in Düsseldorf, with Christmas lights, music, and warm-on-the-inside comfort plus snacks onboard.
“Very good value for money. Bar prices reasonable, didn’t have anything to eat. Santa was friendly and came around the tables to chat.”
Cruise Dresden on a historic paddle steamer to Pillnitz Castle in winter, with audio guide and mulled wine on the Elbe.
“freundlicher Service, schöne Einrichtung, nette Erklärungen, gute Länge”
Cozy winter cruise on Bonn’s Rhein with one mug of mulled wine, heated comfort, and Christmas music views past Königswinter.
“Nicht. Mogelpackung: SCHIFF WIRKT OLL:Dürftigst adventlich geschmückt.Kalt.Kalter Tiefkühlkuchen. DIE Adventliche Hintergrundmusik, war playlist mit Popsongs, noch nicht mal die amerikanischen WeihnachtsKlassiker. Auch keinerlei Erklärungen zu dem was man sah. Muffeliger Stewart. Nette Bedienung. Guter Glühweininclusive. Bei Nachbestellung 7 Euro. BViel zu teuer. Insgesamt: Nicht empfehlensert.”
Snowshoe from Ebne 5 near Zugspitze for panoramic winter views, free shoe rental, and an expert guide, in 2 hours.
“This was a fab activity. Simon, our guide was so knowledgeable about the local area and friendly. We loved it, thank you Simon 😊”
Stuttgart winter BBQ by the Neckar river: campfire welcome drink, live-fire steaks and salmon, and a hot-and-cold buffet.
Stuttgart winter brunch at the Riverhouse with a 4-hour buffet, hot and cold favorites, and included coffee and tea by the water.
“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.”
Heated winter boat on Berlin’s Spree with mulled wine and Christmas stollen, passing top sights like Reichstag, Museum Island, and more.
“Boat wasn’t very Christmassy felt a bit left out on the outside deck drinks took an hour to arrive whilst those inside had multiple drinks and food Very disappointing”
Private Munich day trip: Zugspitze summit, Eibsee lake, and alpine towns via a luxury van with flexible guided stops.
“Stefan and Exclusive Bavaria Tours was beyond excellent. Very compromising and flexible. Amazing wealth of knowledge. Great driver. Extremely organized and punctual. Was willing to work with our family to maximize our day trip experience with him to see as much as possible. Did a similar experience in Bavaria with another private tour company 8 years ago where the tour offerings were organized around the ease and comfort of the tour guide and not the guests. Stefan and this tour company and focus was completely guest-centric and flexible. Stefan leveraged his 28 years as a tour guide to help ensure that everything went without a hitch and that we could…”
Winter Alster Steamer from Hamburg’s Jungfernstieg: a 1-hour boat loop with Glühwein, cake, and winter lights on the Alster.
“We had a very bad experience. They did not recognize our ticket information and there was no food or drinks on the boat as advertised. So we went to the boat right behind because we thought it was the wrong one and they told us it was a 2 Read more”
Small-group winter day trip from Dresden to Bastei Bridge, Neurathen Castle ruins, and Pravcicka Gate with Czech lunch and transfers.
“I suppose that the success of this tour depends very much on the weather. We were extremely lucky as, although mid-December, the weather was extremely kind. Walking over the Bastei Bridge and later in Czech Bohemia would have been difficult in heavy rain and dangerous in heavy snow. The tour itself went exactly as advertised we were picked up at our hotel in Dresden and driven to the Bastei bridge. There, our small party of three was amalgamated with a larger group of eight from Prague. The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and he and our driver from Dresden professional and solicitous. Snacks and water were included as was a…”
Sip Champagne on a rickshaw ride through winter Cologne, with a warming blanket, cathedral views, and personal guide stories.
“Thanks a lot, we're really happy about that Thanks for being our guests Warmest regards, Team Rikolonia”
Stuttgart winter sleigh ride through vineyard slopes with mulled wine, then a heated Neckar terrace meal of waffles, cake, or 3 courses.
Guided snowshoe hike in the Allgäu near Riedbergerhorn, with full gear, a hot drink, and a local guide. 3.5 hours from Skiparadies.
“Such a wonderful guide supportive and flexible we were delayed arriving due to an accident and diversion on the motorway. Incredibly scenery.”
Every kind of German day out, and the best of each.
