Marketplace in Goslar ©Shutterstock (Sina Ettmer Photography)

Inspiring Germany

City breaks in winter: 6 hot tips for cold days

City breaks are only for the warmer months? Not at all! With frosty old town streets, cosy cafés and atmospheric museums, Germany's cities have their own unique charm in winter. These six examples prove it!

Goslar/Quedlinburg: Welcome to the Harz Mountains

Nachtaufnahme im Winter in Quedlinburg. Es zeigt traditionelle Fachwerkhäuser, die von Straßenlaternen und Lichterketten beleuchtet werden. Im Vordergrund ist die kopfsteingepflasterte Straße zu sehen. Quedlinburg: Historic old town by night in winter ©Adobe Stock (Ralf Geithe)

The Harz Mountains are one of Germany's most popular winter destinations, with ski slopes, toboggan runs, around 500 kilometres of cross-country trails and numerous winter hiking trails. The neighbouring towns are much more than just places to stay overnight. Goslar impresses with its historic old town, the Imperial Palace and the Rammelsberg ore mine, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Quedlinburg also delights visitors with its exceptionally well-preserved medieval townscape and its UNESCO status.

Saarbrücken: Winter magic on the border

Die Ludwigskirche in Saarbrücken, Saarland, ist mit Schnee bedeckt. Die Kirche hat große Fenster und Statuen auf dem Dach. Im Vordergrund ist ein Steinornament mit Schnee darauf zu sehen. Der Boden und die umliegenden Gebäude sind ebenfalls mit Schnee bedeckt. Der Himmel ist klar mit einigen Wolken. Saarbrücken: Ludwigskirche in the snow ©Adobe Stock (Petair)

The capital of Saarland has a pleasantly unhurried atmosphere. This is especially true in winter, when the banks of the Saar glisten with frost outside and the smell of tarte flambée and pastries wafts through the air inside. The baroque Ludwigskirche church rises impressively as the centerpiece of the “Place Royale” architecture against the winter sky, and between St. Johanner Markt and Alter Brücke there is always a cozy “borderland flair.” France is close by, and the Modern Art Gallery and cafés in the lively Nauwieser district are even closer.

Regensburg: History and coziness

In Regensburg, Bayern, führt die steinerne Brücke über einen Fluss, der in die Altstadt führt. Der Dom St. Peter steht hoch und beleuchtet im Hintergrund. Die Gebäude entlang des Flussufers sind mit Schnee bedeckt, der sich im ruhigen Wasser spiegelt. Der Himmel weist rote und blaue Farbtöne auf, was darauf hindeutet, dass es entweder Morgengrauen oder Abenddämmerung ist. Der schneebedeckte Boden und die beleuchteten Fenster der Gebäude tragen zu der heiteren Atmosphäre bei. Regensburg: View of the old town, the stone bridge and St. Peter`s Cathedral ©AdobeStock (Thomas)

When the streets seem quieter in winter, this important medieval ensemble exudes a unique charm. This is particularly noticeable on the Stone Bridge, on the banks of the Danube, and in front of St. Peter's Cathedral. After strolling through the city, the Historical Museum or the House of Bavarian History offer soothing warmth. Numerous taverns provide winter coziness with mulled wine, sweet specialties, or hearty dishes.

Bremen/Bremerhaven: A maritime duo full of contrasts

Neuer Hafen in Bremerhaven im Winter mit dem Klimahaus und Segelbooten. Die Uferpromenade ist schneebedeckt, und im Wasser spiegeln sich die Gebäude und Boote. Der Himmel zeigt die Pastellfarben des Sonnenaufgangs oder Sonnenuntergangs. Bremerhaven: New port with the Klimahaus and sailing ships in winter ©Adobe Stock (Steffen)

River or sea? Both! In Bremen, the Weser River sparkles in the frosty light, as do the Roland statue and the gables on the market square, while cafés in the Schnoorviertel district invite you to linger with cocoa and Bremer Klaben. More in the mood for sea air? Then head to nearby Bremerhaven, where you can feel the winter tranquility of the sea on the Havenwelten promenade and warm your hands with hot fish sandwiches and Labskaus. The German Emigration Center and the Climate House are also highly recommended.

Eisenach: Wartburg Castle, forest trails, and miracle musicians

Die Wartburg in Eisenach ist im Winter bei leichtem Schneefall zu sehen. Eisenach: Wartburg Castle in winter ©Adobe Stock (Jan Schumann)

In winter, the nearly 1,000-year-old Wartburg Castle towers over the Thuringian Forest like a warmly glowing sentinel. At the foot of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Luther translated the New Testament into German in 1521, there are exciting (winter) hiking trails, such as through the Dragon Gorge, and on the other hand, the alleys of Eisenach's old town. There, numerous cafés tempt visitors with stollen, and the Luther House, the Automobile Museum, and the impressive Bach House offer entertaining and informative history.

Nuremberg: Between the Imperial Castle and the Museum of the Future

Die schneebedeckten Dächer der Nürnberger Altstadt mit ihren mittelalterlichen Gebäuden und Kirchtürmen. Nuremberg: View over the old town in winter ©DZT (Gerhard Illig)

Of course, the Christkindlesmarkt is world-famous, but the Franconian metropolis has much more to offer in winter, above all a beautiful medieval flair at the foot of the Imperial Castle. And there is always the smell of gingerbread in the air! Body and soul find peace during a visit to the Deutsches Museum or the Dürer House, while history comes alive in the Germanisches Nationalmuseum. In the evening, it's worth taking a detour to the illuminated Pegnitz promenade or the historic bratwurst taverns.

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