Photo by: Adrian Infernus ()
Whether you love or despise the chilly weather, winter has finally arrived! With all the rain that has been dousing the region, it’s sometimes easy to forget that it is indeed January in Germany. That being said, preparation for the cold days and nights ahead can make a big difference. Here’s what you have to look forward to (or dread) in the upcoming days.
The Munich area will have a high of around 28 degrees on Thursday, with temperatures cooling down a little for the weekend, according to accuweather.com. Friday will be cloudy, Saturday will be partly cloudy and Sunday could see some rain or snow in the morning. Evening temperatures will drop as low as 19 degrees. Temperatures will stay in the low 30s throughout next week with chances of snow. The cooler weather will close out the month and bring us into February.
The Stuttgart region will enjoy a partly sunny weekend with highs of 39 degrees on Saturday. However, Sunday will bring the chance for rain or snow with the clouds. January will come to an end with temperatures reaching around 40 degrees.
Knowing that sunny and 70 degrees is nowhere in sight, now is the time to bust out those base layers and have some outdoor winter fun. Dressing appropriately can make all the difference in your enjoyment of the great outdoors. Don’t forget the essentials like waterproof gloves, boots, snow pants, jackets, scarves and even a face mask (like a balaclava). Remember that winter clothing is usually rated for certain temperatures, which can make a huge difference! If you are dressed appropriately, the chilly weather won’t bother you as much.
Once you’ve geared up and are likely sweating while standing inside, head out for some fun in the snow. A simple snowball fight can be fun for the whole family, or you could build a snowman. If you’re willing to travel, a great place for outdoor activities is in the Zugspitze area in Austria. Consider night sledding at Ehrwalder Alm. Every Tuesday and Friday the slopes are illuminated while sledders race toward the bottom of the hill. Opening times are 6:30 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. Tickets are 24 euros for adults or 18 euros with a valid ski pass. Children ages 6-15 years are 14 euros or 11 euros with a valid ski pass. Other night sledding locations include Berwang, Biberwier and Bichlbach, as well as tobogganing in Grubigstein (each has their own hours and pricing).
After a little fresh air, come inside to warm up with a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Nothing warms us to the core like a nice hot drink. Of course tea, coffee and glühwein are also great options! No matter the temperatures, if you prepare in advance and make plans accordingly, you can enjoy the cooler weather just as much as the summer. I personally love the cold, because you can always add more layers, but you can’t always take more off!
