What’re winters like in Germany?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 14:53:05 -0500

I’m curious as to what it’s like, does it snow a bunch or just a couple inches?

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Dec 3 at 2019 2:58 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 14:58:36 -0500

I was stationed at Pirmasens, Germany. It snowed; and, was very cold. PFC Private RallyPoint Member

Response by SrA John Monette made Dec 3 at 2019 3:13 PM

SrA John Monette — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 15:13:52 -0500

2 winters at Sembach Air Base, just outside of Kaiserlauten. Very cold. Windy. Lots of snow. Hella fun!!!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2019 3:18 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 15:18:24 -0500

It depends on where you go. but its not like your going to ft drum or anything. You will get a couple of snowstorms, but not a whole bunch. I spent 10 years over there, my most recent time i left in July 2018, in those 10 yrs, i think the most i ever saw at one time was about 6 inches. no big deal. But it will get cold, very cold.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Dec 3 at 2019 3:35 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 15:35:14 -0500

It gets very good, many areas have a lot of snow, my dad damn near froze to death in 44

Response by SPC Stewart Smith made Dec 3 at 2019 4:17 PM

SPC Stewart Smith — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 16:17:09 -0500

I spent two years in Manheim. The winters weren't bad. There were a couple storms, but the roads were cleared rather quickly. We did most of our field exercises in Grafenwöhr and it was FREEZING cold. Really cold.
One thing to note is there is not much on street parking in Germany so it's more preferred to use the Strauss(train) for transportation.
Germany is beautiful. Lots of castles. Excellent location to visit the rest of europe. The people are friendly and they speak english. I tried to learn as much German as I could to communicate with them better though.
While I was there there was a "Turk" problem. They didn't like the soldiers and there were frequent fights. Stay away from them and there's no issue.
If you're ever in Manheim or Heidelberg check out O'Reillys bar. I have my name on a plaque at both locations for drinking 100 pints in 2 weeks.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2019 5:32 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 17:32:42 -0500

I think it depends on the region. At Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, the winters weren't all that bad when I was there. When it snowed, it was usually 3-4 inches

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2019 6:16 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 18:16:46 -0500

The snow has an accent and a propensity to invade France

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2019 7:26 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 19:26:11 -0500

The last couple winters in Wiesbaden have been pretty mild. There is a few inches of snow every now and then, but I am able to run outside all winter without it being too painful.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Dec 3 at 2019 9:31 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 21:31:30 -0500

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The Bavarian Alps have some of the highest mountains in the world. There a glaciers there. 12 foot high snow on flat ground. Third floor have door opening out into the air in case they have to get out to ski. here's a selection from various locations.
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Response by SGT Matthew S. made Dec 3 at 2019 10:09 PM

SGT Matthew S. — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 22:09:11 -0500

I didn't find the winters while I was there unbearable; I considered them comparable to what I grew up with in Montana.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2019 9:04 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 09:04:27 -0500

More rain than snow.
But that rain is cold and miserable. Plan accordingly to stay dry, or field exercises can really suck.

Response by SGT Patrick Reno made Dec 4 at 2019 11:33 AM

SGT Patrick Reno — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 11:33:38 -0500

two years in Berlin, Not as bad as where I live in North Idaho. Cold wet, Some snow that didn't last to long. Mostly that wet-cold that just chills you to the bone when your out training.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Dec 4 at 2019 11:38 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 11:38:18 -0500

Where in Germany? It matters for the response. Heidelberg/Mannheim got lighter snows. Villsek, Graf, Baumholder, K Town saw more. If you are in Northern Germany supporting a NATO op, could be worse.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Dec 4 at 2019 3:23 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 15:23:12 -0500

Growing up in KS, I found the winters quite bearable. Now Korea was another thing.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 4 at 2019 5:54 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 17:54:45 -0500

When I think of winters in Germany, I think about the poor soldiers in the Battle of the Bulge.

Response by SPC William Carter made Dec 6 at 2019 3:42 PM

SPC William Carter — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 15:42:03 -0500

It snowed just about everyday during winter. It was a lot. It snows more in southern Germany.

Response by PV2 Patrick Meenan made Jan 10 at 2023 2:01 PM

PV2 Patrick Meenan — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 14:01:31 -0500

1973 stationed at Grafenwohr was very cold lot of snow and was a very active base 24/7 , was on a hawk missile base on the check border graf was home base

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jan 10 at 2023 3:24 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 15:24:03 -0500

The likelihood of you being stationed at Garmisch in the Alps. Well that is 26 out of roughly 200000 to one, really they are none to none.

Now is Germany Cold, look at the lowlands of Washington State or Minnesota, Wisconsin etc. yes the UP of Michigan at times. Cold.

Having said that it is an amazing assignment living in an amazing culture. To top it off you are I the midst of multiple other coteries that are a days drive, souther Italy in two, the former eastern block on the Med Sea etc.
it is great, just get a Urail pass and go, take a battle buddy.