How to Dress for Winter in Germany

The weather in Germany in the wintertime is fickle. During winter, there can be quite a stark difference between the weather in northern and southern Germany. For instance, in Berlin, you can wake up to bright, sunny skies while Freiburg can be colder with dense fog during the day and freezing temperatures at night. Packing for the winter months can prove to be a challenging endeavor depending on where you are going and your length of stay. But one thing for sure is that, during winter, be prepared for some bone-chilling, sub-zero temperatures no matter where you stay in Germany.

Although dressing for winter in Germany can be a little tough, the good news is it doesn’t have to be. Your trip can get pretty miserable if you don’t pack the right clothes and through this guide, we will fill you in on everything you need to know for braving the winters in Germany.

1. Thermals

Layers, layers, layers are the key to staying warm during the unforgiving winters. Thermals are specifically designed to be worn under the normal clothes and can prove to be a life-saver if you’re looking to keep the cold away. Make sure to opt for the ones made out of wool as it’s a natural thermal insulator and helps keep the body warm and cozy.

2. Hat

A good woolen hat not only doubles up as a but can also help during the cold winter as most of your body heat is lost through your head. Get ones with flaps that cover your ears as you won't need to pack ear muffs while helping keep you extra warm.

3. Mittens/Gloves

A nice pair of gloves will always come handy on a chilly day. Unless you want your fingers to stay open and get frosty, packing or investing in a good pair of gloves is a must. Moreover, try getting mittens as they prove to be far more efficient in keeping your fingers warm.

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4. Scarf

A chic looking scarf can extend beyond just keeping you warm while also complementing your outfits. Additionally, they are several thousands of styles/materials to choose from so get one that feels and looks good.

5. Boots/Socks

A pair of good quality walking boots is a necessity as German winters can be more rainy than snowy. Further, when it snows, walking around can prove to be cumbersome as snow can be quite slippery especially when it starts to melt. Cobblestone layered streets are quite common in this part of the world and traversing through them can prove to be tricky if you don’t have a good pair of sturdy boots which are warm, water resistant and have enough grip. You should also ideally invest in a pair of insulating inlay soles to put into them as they make a lot of difference. Get a pair of woolen socks in addition to your normal socks underneath as they help keep the wetness at bay.

6. Winter Jackets

This is probably the most important thing you should carry along; a good, thick winter jacket which also protects you from light rain. If you’re already wearing thermals, there's probably no need to get a big, bulky jacket but do get a thick jacket which is waterproof and has thermal properties.