Enjoy the Great Outdoors in Winter: 9 Nature Activities

Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing: Between Alpine Peaks and Black Forest Heights

Inzell: Snowshoeing in the Chiemgau region ©Inzeller Touristik GmbH (Sepp Niederbuchner)

Snow crunches beneath your boots as mountain peaks glisten ahead. Around Oberstdorf in Bavaria, more than 140 kilometres of maintained and prepared winter hiking trails open up the mountain scenery of the Allgäu. One destination worth exploring is the Stillach Valley, with views of the main Allgäu mountain ridge. Along the way, take time to admire the shapes of the mountains and pause in sunny spots.

In the Upper Black Forest in Baden-Württemberg, snowshoes are the way to go. Signposted trails lead through the winter landscape, while equipment rental and guided tours make it easy to get started. You'll find suitable options around Feldberg and Hinterzarten. Snowshoes allow you to explore the snowy scenery along marked routes.

Cross-Country Skiing: Gliding Across Alpine Pastures and the Ore Mountains

Schlegel-Alm: Woman hiking with snowshoes in front of mountain hut at Predigtstuhl ©Bad Reichenhall Tourismus & Stadtmarketing GmbH (Kujat)

Push off rhythmically, breathe deeply and watch the scenery glide by. In Reit im Winkl in Bavaria's Chiemgau region, cross-country ski trails wind through the valley and across the Hemmersuppenalm and Winklmoos-Alm alpine pastures. You can choose between classic cross-country skiing and skating. Children can take their first steps on skis along the 300-metre Bärenloipe trail, while experienced skiers can tackle the Nordic Plus circuit, which stretches for up to 50 kilometres.

In Saxony, the Kammloipe trail runs from Johanngeorgenstadt in the Ore Mountains to Schöneck in the Vogtland region. The 36-kilometre route follows the mountain ridge through the Ore Mountains/Vogtland Nature Park.

Skiing and Snowboarding: From Gentle Slopes to Steep Descents

Feldberg: Skiers on the ski slopes in the Black Forest ©gettyimages (Annika Foelster / EyeEm)

Make your first turns, pick up speed and stop for a break at a mountain hut. In the Sauerland region of North Rhine-Westphalia, the Skiliftkarussell Winterberg ski resort offers a variety of slopes for different ability levels. Ski schools and equipment rental facilities make it easy for beginners to get started. Snowboarders will also find a fun park at Postwiese in Neuastenberg. If you'd like to extend your day on the slopes, you can continue skiing or snowboarding on illuminated runs at selected times.

Oberwiesenthal in Saxony's Ore Mountains also combines winter sports with panoramic views. On the Fichtelberg mountain, gentle slopes alternate with more challenging descents and a black run. Families will find practice areas and ski schools. Beginners can take their first turns at their own pace, while experienced winter sports enthusiasts can choose a more demanding run.

For more inspiration for your next skiing holiday, take a look at our article on ski regions in Germany.

Tobogganing: From the Sauerland to Wallberg

All smiles on sledges ©gettyimages (Fuse)

A brief pause before setting off, then the sledge begins to pick up speed. In Neuastenberg near Winterberg in North Rhine-Westphalia, a 450-metre toboggan run with banked turns and several route options leads down into the valley. The two intermediate runs require some experience in steering and braking. Afterwards, the toboggan lift takes you back to the top, ready for another ride.

The descent on Wallberg in Bavaria is considerably longer. The natural toboggan run stretches for 6.5 kilometres through forests and across meadows. According to the operator, the ride takes around half an hour. Its length and gradient make it a challenging route for experienced tobogganers, and it is not suitable for very young children. Check the current operating status before travelling.

Ice Skating: Winter Fun on a Natural Ice Pond

ice skating ©DZT (sibstock)

The first steps are cautious, but soon the blades glide more smoothly across the ice. In Hinterzarten in Baden-Württemberg, a picturesque natural ice pond invites visitors to skate outdoors when conditions allow. It's a lovely way to combine a trip to the Upper Black Forest with a little ice skating. Bring your own skates, as there is no equipment rental on site.

Seaside Walks: North Sea Air and Baltic Sea Waves

A wide horizon, crisp air and the steady sound of the sea: in St. Peter-Ording in Schleswig-Holstein, winter takes on a maritime character. A long walk along the beach gives you time to reflect and watch the changing light. Early risers can start their day in the morning light, followed by a cosy break somewhere warm.

On the Baltic Sea island of Fehmarn, wind, water and expansive beaches accompany you along the way. The island is ideal for long coastal walks in autumn and winter. Keep an eye out for migratory birds and waterbirds resting along the coast. Perhaps your planned short stroll will turn into a longer excursion – until the thought of a hot cup of tea draws you into a café.

Wildlife Watching: Seal Pups and Winter Birds

Grey seals give birth to their pups between November and January on the island of Düne near Heligoland in Schleswig-Holstein. From the winter nature trail and its viewing platforms, you can observe the animals from a safe distance. Binoculars offer a glimpse into the seals' nursery, while the rangers' advice helps ensure that mothers and pups are left undisturbed.

On the island of Bislich near Xanten in North Rhine-Westphalia, Arctic geese and other waterbirds attract visitors' attention. Observation hides offer views of the floodplain landscape. At Neuhaus Wildlife Park in the Solling hills of Lower Saxony, you can discover native wildlife in naturalistic enclosures. Many animals can be seen near the feeding areas, wrapped in their thick winter coats. A walk through the wildlife park's forest combines outdoor activity with animal watching.

Treetop Walks: Above the Winter Forest

Treetop path in Beelitz ©TMB Tourismus-Marketing Brandenburg GmbH (Steffen Lehmann)

Historic buildings appear between bare branches: at the Beelitz-Heilstätten treetop walk in Brandenburg, nature and history come together. The walkway leads over the ruins of the Alpenhaus, where trees now grow on the roof. In winter, the leafless branches reveal particularly striking views of the former sanatorium complex.

In Hainich National Park in Thuringia, the forest itself takes centre stage. The 540-metre treetop walkway takes you between the crowns of towering deciduous trees. From the observation tower, you can enjoy sweeping views of the winter forest. Afterwards, a visit to the national park centre offers an opportunity to learn more about what you've seen.

Ice Swimming: Taking the Plunge Together in Winter

Warnemünde: Family doing ice bathing on Warnemünde beach ©TMV (Gross)

Crisp air, sparkling water and a towel close at hand: ice swimming offers a different perspective on Germany's winter landscapes. Winter swimming is a tradition along the Baltic Sea coast, in places such as Warnemünde and Zinnowitz in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, as well as at Lake Gelterswoog near Kaiserslautern in Rhineland-Palatinate. Taking the plunge together turns it into a social experience, whether at the traditional ice swimming event in Zinnowitz or the Three Kings' Day swim at Lake Gelterswoog. At Waldseebad Hasselfelde in the Harz Mountains of Saxony-Anhalt, the carnival swim combines a refreshing winter dip with a festive atmosphere. The local Hasselfelder Eisperlen und Eisvögel group invites visitors to join in.