We r planning a Christmas market cruise in early Dec ‘26. Would like to fly into Frankfurt or Munich a week early and rent a car driving to Rothenburg, Fussen to see Neuschwanstein, and maybe some of the Black forrest before the cruise? Curious about the weather for driving in that part of Germany in December? Is it doable or does the weather ie rainy, cloudy make it amenable to pick a different time of year to plan a road trip? Thanks for any helpful input!
Posted by
Adams Basin
720 posts
I have often rented a car and driven in Germany in the winter months. I never found it to be particularly difficult except for once in 1980/81. Our company was in the habit of renting economy cars and the rented me a Le Car. It was Le Dog. I drove it from Frankfurt to Salzgitter in very snowy conditions and had an impossible time keeping the windshield clear.
On another trip around that same time we were nearly snowed in at the Bosch Salzgitter plant. Roads were being closed, large trucks were getting off the highway and parking in the Bosch lots, employees were spending the night due to road closures. We escaped in time to make it to our hotel and the bar.
Other than that, winter travel is very manageable. I've driven all over in the regions South, East and West of Munich without any trouble.
As long as you are not in a hurry, winter is a nice time to visit.
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
2482 posts
It really depends. The last two years we have had snow early, in November, but it's been mostly gone by Thanksgiving. But that was followed by cold, grey, days with the highs rarely getting into the 30's. Frost and ice were the problem (and still are this year). You must have winter tires on the car, make sure this is done. If not you will be considered at fault should something happen. For you're planned places to hit I'd fly into Munich. RodT is okay to get to, although Nuremberg or Ansbach would be better if the weather isn't really clear. But there's a lot to do around Munich too. Neuschwanstein is really only good when it's clear, it's not fun, or attractive, in bad weather.
I'm not sure where you're cruise is going to take you, but If i had a week I'd look at flying into Frankfurt and seeing the area around there. You can easily "do" Heidelberg, Mainz, Baden-Baden, Freiburg (these latter two the north and south ends of the Black Forest, and good Christmas markets), even Strasbourg or parts of the wine route. Or smaller places like Bad Homburg or Wiesbaden, both of which are very nice. `
Posted by
Schwerin
4386 posts
During summer the areas look nicer. That is the basic difference.
Millions of Germans drive every day with their car in December, so I guess you can make it. Winter tires are mandatory by law if snowy / icy / cold conditions can be expected (situation duty, not months related). During a typical winter the middle latitude countries of Europe see 3-5 heavy winter storms, first normally around November 18-28 (rule of thumb).
Details on snow / ice conditions around Christmas and on more winter in Germany details you can find in this thread:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/germany/snow-on-christmas-in-germany-a-probability-view-based-on-long-term-average
Posted by
Munich
50 posts
If you live in Norway, as your name indicates, then you have experience with driving in snow, mist, with black ice on the road during short days?
But you also can do everything you wrote by going by train.
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Thanks to Mack, KGC, Mark, and rei.beate for your quick responses. I am on Norwegian descent, but grew and reside in Minnesota, so have driven in snow, ice and winter conditions. The requirement for snow tires I would not be aware of. The weather recommendations were great as well . I appreciate all of your input. KF bluenorway