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 Autumn and 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 have a point!  To sum it up, dress correctly and life becomes much less miserable outside!

Autumn activities in and around Frankfurt

Walking/Hiking

Unquestionably, a much-loved and very popular activity in the Autumn months in Germany.  And with the extraordinary colours, forests and green areas around it’s no wonder.  Also, there’s no need to stop when the cold hits because it’s just as glorious in the snow, provided you are dressed appropriately of course!

Walk 1

Sachsenhausen Stadtwald

Walk 2

Großer Feldberg (Taunus)

  • Drive time from Frankfurt
    • 26km/35min
  • Park at Schardtwald Parkplatz
  • Lips-Tempel is great look out point to view the valley and Taurus below
  • Fuchstanz – makes a great spot to have some lunch, a coffee or glüwein before you head back down the mountain to your car.

Walk 3

Wildschweinroute

  • Drive time from Frankfurt
    • 39km/40min
  • Park at Spielplatz Am Sportfeld Neu-Anspach
  • Find all the animal figurines in the forest
  • Route goes in a circle, it’s 4.3 km long. It’s easy to walk with a stroller, mostly flat and partly runs through the forest.
  • Seating is available for picnics and relaxation.

Winter activities in Frankfurt and Surrounding Area

Snow Activities

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

Sledding 1

Schmitten

Sledding 2

Großer Feldberg (Taunus)

      • Drive time from Frankfurt
        • 26km/35min
      • More “off piste” take your sled and find a spot we don’t recommend this for beginners
      • Fuchstanz
      • Parking: Applauskurve, Parkplatz Hohemark

Skiing 2

SKILIFT Oberreifenberg

  • Drive time from Frankfurt
    • 26km/35min
  • Small Ski lift
  • Opening on Sat and Sunday
  • Cash only

Feldberg Schwarzwald

  • Drive time from Frankfurt
  • 3 hr 48 min (314 km

Christmas Markets

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!

Frankfurt Christmas Markets
Frankfurt Christmas markets
Best Parties in Frankfurt

Ice Skating

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.

Rhein-Main Therme

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.

Things to do in Frankfurt
Frankfurt Christmas markets
Best Parties in Frankfurt

Essential Clothing for Outdoor Winter Activities

Essential Clothing for Walking

  • Waterproof shoes with grip
  • Crampons if it’s icy
  • Coat that covers the knees
  • Scarf, hat and gloves

Essential Clothing for Kids

  • Winter boots with grip
  • Snow gear is brilliant even if it’s not snowing – keeps them warm and easy to clean
  • Layering is everything
  • Scarf, hat and gloves

Janice Henry

A little insight through a few labels life has ‘given’ me! Also, no one label is more important than another I might add. So here it goes, boy mum, wife, friend, yogi, photographer, banker, coffee addict, global citizen, travel enthusiast, entrepreneur and writer!