11 Wonderful Winter Activities in Bavaria

photo of gondolas in the Bavarian Alps

From Christmas through to early March, the stunning German state of Bavaria transforms into a magical winter wonderland, offering countless ways to make the most of the season. Whether you’re drawn to the crisp mountain air and snow-dusted landscapes or prefer cosy indoor escapes, winter activities in Bavaria promise something for everyone to enjoy.

From exhilarating outdoor adventures to relaxing retreats, Bavaria invites you to embrace its unique winter charm. Read on for our hand-picked list of 11 unforgettable winter activities in Bavaria and discover how to turn chilly days into warm, lasting memories!

Shred the slopes in style

For all the adrenaline junkies visiting Bavaria in winter, skiing in the Bavarian Alps should be at the top of your to-do list! The state has some of the best ski resorts in Germany scattered across Bavaria. From the southern Alpine ski town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen to the popular Zugspitze peak, you’ll enjoy exciting slopes and stunning alpine views. 

The best part about skiing in Bavaria (besides the gorgeous views), is that there are plenty of options for different skill levels. So, whether you’re trying it out for the first time or you’re an expert looking to conquer new slopes, this is a perfect way to spend a thrilling day in the snow.

Glide around the rinks

Nothing beats the serene feeling of gliding across ice, twirling when you feel bold or having a good laugh as you pick yourself up when you take a tumble. It’s a great activity to do alone or with friends or family.

Bavaria has plenty of places where you can go ice skating, so you can choose to enjoy some frosty fun indoors or outdoors. In Munich, a great new place is the SAP Garden in the Olympic Park. If you want to go somewhere more natural, the Nymphenburg Palace canal is the perfect magical setting for a fun day on the ice. 

photo of skaters on an ice rink to illustrate winter activities in Bavaria

Relax & enjoy aqua bliss

Spas and thermal baths are the ultimate relaxation winter activities in Bavaria. These blissful pastimes are a great way to reduce stress and relax your muscles after all the outdoor fun!  

Some popular thermal baths you can explore in Bavaria are the Therme Bad Stebe with salt-heated natural outdoor pools, the Therme Eins with many pools that vary in temperature, and Therme Erding near Munich which offers lots of water-themed fun. 

Walk a mile (or more!) in snowshoes

Love hiking? Then snowshoe hiking is one of the best winter activities in Bavaria for you! It’s a great way to explore the magical winter landscapes here and there are plenty of snowshoe tours to choose from. 

Some of the most popular tours include hiking the Ammergau Alps to the Stierkopf. Along the 4-hour tour, you’ll discover the mountain restaurant near the top where you can stop for a bite of Bavarian delicacies.

Sled the day away

If you love being outdoors, sledding is another one of the fun winter activities that Bavaria has to offer. During the snow-covered winter period, people of all ages can take part in sledding through scenic terrains from the many accessible sledding spots. This activity requires little training and allows both beginners and experienced sledders to slide down the beautiful slopes with ease. 

photo of people gliding down a snowy slope on sleds

Join the Fasching Carnival Celebration

Fasching, Bavaria’s vibrant and centuries-old carnival season, is a joyful celebration in the weeks leading up to Lent, blending ancient traditions with modern festivity. Rooted in pagan rituals marking the transition from winter to spring, Fasching in Munich is a dazzling spectacle of costumes, parades, music, and exuberant celebrations that fill both grand ballrooms and bustling city streets.

The festivities peak in the final days before Ash Wednesday, when Munich transforms into a colourful party hub. Highlights include the München Narrisch open-air carnival (February 27 to March 4, 2025), where lively performances, dancing, and entertainment take over Marienplatz and Karlsplatz-Stachus. Don’t miss the Dance of the Market Women on Shrove Tuesday at Viktualienmarkt – a playful and legendary tradition where market vendors showcase choreographed routines to folk tunes. From gala balls at historic venues to street parades led by jesters and marching bands, Fasching is a must-experience event that captures Munich’s unique charm and infectious spirit!

Take Part in the Biathlon Course

Outdoor activity enthusiasts travelling to Bavaria during winter can take part in the fun Biathlon course. This course combines two thrilling outdoor activities, shooting and skiing, into one sport to give adventurers a fun-filled learning experience. 

The Biathlon course includes an introduction to the sport for beginners with informative workshops, as well as training on different weapons and skating techniques. In addition to training by professional instructors, this course includes a guided tour of the Hohenzollern ski stadium, Bavaria’s centre for international Biathlon and cross-country skiing competitions.

Climb to the top of St Peter’s Church

photo of the spire of St Peter's Church towering over Munich

Scenic climbing is a fun activity anyone can do in Bavaria during winter. When it comes to sightseeing climbs, one place you shouldn’t miss is St. Peter’s Church, located in the heart of Munich near Marienplatz. 

St. Peter’s, which is the oldest recorded parish church in Munich, has a 91-meter high tower. The climb to the dizzying top of the church via the spiral staircase is well worth it for the birds eye view of the city. The view from this tower is particularly striking in winter as you look out over the snow-covered rooftops and mesmerising spires.

Ice Bathing in the Isar

Ice bathing is a centuries-old tradition believed to strengthen the immune system and invigorate the body by immersing oneself in freezing cold water. In Bavaria, the Isar River – a stunning waterway stretching 14 kilometres through Munich from south to north – has become a favourite spot for this exhilarating winter activity.

As ice bathing gains popularity, both locals and adventurous visitors flock to the Isar during Bavaria’s winter months to experience the thrill of a chilling dip. While it may seem counterintuitive to plunge into icy waters when temperatures drop, many find the practice surprisingly refreshing and energising – a true Bavarian winter experience unlike any other!

Enjoy Bar Hopping

There are few better ways to warm up during chilly winters than drinking a nice glass of beer in a bar filled with warm chatter and hearty conversations. The Bavarian region is well-known for its beer-drinking culture and has countless taverns you can visit for a great night out. 

A bar tour is a fun way to go around sightseeing in places like the Glockenbachveirtel, Schlachthofviertel and Giesing districts of Munich. The numerous bars in these areas offer a wide range of themes from the popular cultural German craft beers to the more modern cocktails, in addition to offering other forms of entertainment.

Visit the Botanical Garden

photo of the Botanical Garden in Munich

When you need a reprieve from the snow, a visit to the Botanischer Garten (pictured above) offers a serene escape into a world of colour. The thousands of plant species in the garden, along with the beautiful butterfly exhibition in the greenhouse create an atmosphere of summer even in the middle of winter. 

Final Word: Winter Activities in Bavaria

Winter in Bavaria is a delightful mix of thrilling adventures. No matter what kind of activities you’re into, this beautiful region offers countless ways to experience the magic of the season. From gliding down a ski slope to bar-hopping, there’s so much to enjoy. So bundle up, embrace the chill, and make unforgettable memories in Bavaria this winter!

* Now read: 10 of the Best Day Trips by Train from Munich

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Winters in Bavaria herald one of the most wonderful times of the year – Christmas! And what better way to celebrate this joyful season than with a trip to the enchanting Bavarian Christmas markets?

From Munich to Nuremberg (pictured below), and many other towns, the state of Bavaria comes alive with warm glowing lights and traditional festive treats like Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and Glühwein (mulled wine). These markets are just the place to get into the Christmas spirit and discover exciting Bavarian food while you pick out cute gifts for your loved ones!

photo of Nuremberg Christmas Market from above

Pancakes are a favourite among many families and Café Reitschule is a pancake paradise with some of the best you’ll find in Munich! Located in between the famous English Garden and Leopoldstrasse, Cafe. 

The menu features a variety of desserts and you can enjoy a brunch buffet too. Opening hours are from 11:30 am to 11 pm from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 11 pm on Saturdays, and 9 am to 7 pm on Sundays.