We are planning a trip for about 10 days (including travel days from/to Phoenix) during 2016 winter break, 2 not so young adults. We miss winter and love Europe. We have never been to Germany or Poland and wonder if those are good options. And can't decide how to best use the time...one city in each country ie Berlin and Kraków, or the whole time in one area. Greatest concern is time lost due to Christmas closings. Any thoughts or suggestions?
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
You'll get more responses if you give us some more information about your tastes. I would go for somewhere further south in Germany - Berlin is punishingly cold in winter, even for people used to colder climates.
Posted by
OP
150 posts
If it helps to get a better idea of our tastes, we loved Prague and Budapest but weren't as enamored with Vienna (our recent Christmas trip itinerary)...the architecture, history, churches and synagogues, museums, both Jewish quarters, the amazing food, wine, grittiness and just the feel of both cities were among the reasons. I think the history of Berlin alone would be enough to justify a visit there? We aren't intimidated by weather so that's not really a concern. After researching a bit more we are thinking we'd go to Berlin and then visit Poland. Since we have a limited amount of time we just weren't sure we could fit it all in adequately. Can we get a good feel for Berlin in 4 days?
Posted by
Calgary
2297 posts
We loved Berlin in December and yes it was cold. The advantage is that you do not have to spend all day long in the outdoors with so many world class museums at hand. Just check out holiday closings ahead of time and you will find something for each day. Mix it up, use the cold days for museums and a warmer day to go out to Potsdam. Not all parts of the chateaus will be open but you can still see quite a bit. It has a very different kind of atmosphere in winter and none of the crowds. Here is my favourite photo:
http://tinyurl.com/jpcxz83
Posted by
OP
150 posts
Thank you for all the suggestions and encouragement! We have lots of time to do our homework but I am feeling good about the possibilities. I am sure I will have more questions in the months to come. I appreciate what you all are saying about the extreme cold. We have a different take on it. We bought all kinds of winter weather gear for our trip a couple months ago (it got down to the 20s and snowed in Budapest) and we will be happy to put it all to good use again in Berlin. It's already 90 in Phoenix. We get no winter at all.
Posted by
3 posts
December in Germany is cold. No matter where you go. I'd say that if it's already cold it's best to be where it's more alive and colorful and that's no doubt - Berlin.