My husband and I are considering a trip to Germany in late February or early March before our baby arrives. I know the weather can be quite cold and it gets dark early but I'm wondering if it would be worth it that time of year? We had talked about northern Germany as there are a few places such as Berlin and Cologne that we would like to see. Are there any places in Northern Germany that you would say is a must see that time of year? Are there places we should avoid because they will be closed for the season? We will be traveling by train so everything would have to be accesiable that way. Thanks!
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
"Are there places we should avoid because they will be closed for the season?" The only attractions that would close are those that are dependent on warm temperatures (water sports), some river excursions and maybe some formal gardens. "I know the weather can be quite cold and it gets dark early." It will be colder and the daylight hours will be shorter than Atlanta, but temperatures in most of NW Germany are surprisingly mild throughout the winter. Sunlight will not be abundant, but daylight hours are quite a bit longer than earlier in the winter.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9249 posts
In northern Germany, you might consider Hamburg, a great port city with tons of stuff to see and do, though it might be windier up there. For smaller cities or towns, visit Quedlinburg or Lübeck as well as the biggest city of all, Berlin. March can be lovely as well as rainy. No one ever knows. Best is to have various plans for sunny days and rainy days.
Posted by
Lawrenceville, Georgia
693 posts
I think at that time of the year you'd have a better time in a big city than in the countryside. I consider Cologne and Berlin excellent choices - maybe I'd throw in Dresden, as well. These cities are full of museums, theaters, concert halls, cathedrals and historic sites. You can get excellent meals in restaurants, cafes and snack bars when you get hungry or just want to relax for a while over a cup of coffee and a nice piece of cake or pastry. If you get some days with great weather (yes, it's possible) and want to spend some time outdoors, you can always go for a stroll in a picturesque neighborhood or wander around a park or a zoo or take a river cruise right in downtown Berlin. I'd say go for it and when you get home, it'll be almost time for azaleas and dogwoods in Atlanta. Also, Karen, go to the cities' websites. There usually is a site in English that let's you order written tourist info (comes in several languages), which they'll mail out to you practically right away. That's what I've done in the past. By the way, there's an Atlanta area meeting this coming Saturday, Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. at Panera on Druid Hills Road.
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