Winter Activities in Frankfurt

So it’s safe to say that I have never considered myself a cold-weather person!  And, in fact, the mere thought of the cold sent me straight back under the covers!  Now, this was all well and good while living in India, where we lived, rarely dropped below 20 degrees!  However, after moving to Germany, I needed to choose to either embrace the cold or be miserable for all eternity!!  Honestly, for a while, I chose the latter 😂.  Anyway, my misery eventually bugged the hell out of me, so I figured I’d have to try something else!  As a result, I decided to find things to do in and around Frankfurt during Winter!

How I overcame my hate for cold weather

Well, let me begin by saying that I’ll still choose the heat over the cold! However, I’ve come to appreciate that the cold can offer things that the heat can’t!

First, let me begin with a little anecdote.   After living in Germany for some time and meeting more and more Germans, I noticed a certain pattern in my conversations each winter. In short, it went something like this: I’d moan about the cold.  And like clockwork, I’d get this response, “In Germany, we have a saying that there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” I would then nod courteously and continue with my day, paying little attention.  However, after hearing this little nugget repeated for the umpteenth time, I thought maybe perhaps they had a point!  To sum it up, dress correctly, and life becomes much less miserable outside!

Winter activities in Frankfurt and Surrounding Area

There is something magical about watching the snowfall!  Catching a cold snowflake on your tongue or hearing the crunch below your feet as you walk through the icy powder is both exhilarating and childlike in its simplicity!  Additionally, we spent many weekends skiing in the Black Forest

Undeniably, Christmas markets in Germany are immensely popular, each year attracting visitors from all around.  Also referred to as “Weihnachtsmärkte,” these festive markets captivate each season with their traditional charm.  Not only beckoning guests with twinkling lights, the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts but with the allure of gorgeous artisanal crafts and gifts to buy and take home to family and friends. In our opinion one of the best ways to embrace chilly weather and get into the holiday spirit!

Another hugely popular activity in the winter is Ice skating.  And, here are two spots worth checking out:

Skyline Winterzauber

Touting themselves as the highest ice skating rink in Germany this is worth a visit.  Sitting on the top of Skyline Plaza shopping mall overlooking Frankfurt is where you will find this gorgeous ice rink.

Eisporthalle

Also worth mentioning, is that Eisporthalle is open year-round!  And it offers not only public ice skating sessions but also ice hockey and ice dancing events.

Now if you looking for a little RnR away from the cold this may be just what the doctor ordered.  However be aware that, like many German spas, Rhein-Main Therme follows the tradition of mixed-gender and clothing-optional areas. Nudity is generally acceptable in saunas, steam rooms, and designated areas, and it’s considered a part of the German spa culture. 

Taste the Seasonal Cuisine

Without a doubt, winter walks make for hungry tummies!  So definitely try some of the local winter specialities.  For example the hearty stews, game dishes, pumpkin soup, and fresh apple and pear desserts at local restaurants and markets.  In addition, you may want to check out our list of 5 must-try Traditional German Restaurants.