Besenwirtschaft
A different type of Gemütlichkeit awaits you at Besen. It is a wonderful way to meet up with friends. A Besenwirtschaft, also known as a
February in Germany brings a blend of cosy winter days and the excitement of pre-spring festivals. From vibrant Karneval parades filling the streets with colourful costumes and music, to scenic winter landscapes perfect for peaceful walks or snowy adventures, there’s something for everyone. Indulge in seasonal treats, enjoy the warmth of traditional German dishes, and discover why February is a time to celebrate both winter’s beauty and the lively spirit of the coming spring!
Time Zone
During Central European Time (CET) in winter, Germany is one hour behind South Africa. This time difference remains until the last Sunday in March when daylight saving time (Summertime) begins.
Season
Winter.
February in Germany remains firmly in winter’s grip, with cold temperatures often hovering around freezing. The days slowly grow longer, bringing a touch of brightness to the lingering winter landscape. On average, there are about 2.7 hours of sunshine per day.
Weather
Snowfall is still possible, especially in southern and mountainous regions, while rain and overcast skies are common in other areas. Temperatures in February typically range from -2.4°C to 3.5°C but can drop significantly colder depending on the region.
Festivals
Valentine’s Day
Unlike the passionate celebrations of Valentine’s Day in South Africa, where romantic dinners, gift exchanges, and thoughtful surprises take centre stage, Germany approaches the day with a quieter charm. While some shops offer Valentine’s Day deals, it’s rare to find special promotions or themed menus at restaurants and hotels.
So, if you’re interested in celebrating this day of love in Germany, you might have to be a little creative in planning your celebrations. Nonetheless, with your loved ones by your side, any day can turn out to be a special day filled with love, happiness, and cherished memories.
Carnival
It is an exciting time in Germany as the Carnival season, also known as the fifth season, is in full swing. This time of year is marked by colourful parades, lively music, and elaborate costumes. People from all over Germany come together to celebrate in a joyous atmosphere and things can get a bit “Narrisch”. This playful German word loosely translates to crazy or chaotic, and it is a testament to the spirited nature of Carnival season.
Carnival is a celebration of excess and includes parades, floats, dancing, formal balls, wearing costumes, noise and a lot of partying. It is the period before Lent, that starts on Ash Wednesday.
Lent is a time of repentance and abstinence in preparation for Easter.
So what is Carnival, Fastnacht and Faching?
These are basically regional names for Carnival.
- Fasching – Austria, Bavaria, Berlin, Brandenburg, Sachsen
- Fastnacht – Baden, Franconia, Hesse, Saarland, Mainz, Swabenland, Switzerland and Luxumbourg
- Karneval – Rhineland: Aachen, Bonn, Köln and Düsseldorf
Narrenzunft
This is yet another version of Carnival.
The local carnival clubs of the Swabian-Alemannic and some of the Rhenish clubs describe themselves as fools’ guilds. These guilds are mostly organised in the legal form of a registered association (Verein).
You can find the “Zunfttermine” here.
You can find a list of the associations / Vereine here.
Fun Activities
- It will most likely snow in the mountains and towns with a higher altitude.
- Spend a weekend in a cosy cabin and enjoy the winter scenery.
- Go for walks outside, learn a winter sport and keep warm with hearty food.
- Visit a Besen or Strauss - Restaurants that are open only during certain times of the year, usually at a winery (Weingut)
- Play indoor sports.
- Visit a wellness hotel / Spa.
- Visit museums.
- Go to indoor concerts and shows.
- Learn a winter sport like skiing.
- Try sledging (Rodel) at a Rodelbahn
Snow Info
Holidays and events
| Holiday | Date | Information |
|---|---|---|
| Public Holidays | ||
| None | ||
| Observations | ||
| Valentines Day | 14 February | |
| Women’s Carnival / Weiberfastnacht | 27.02.2025 | Weiberfastnach |
| Fastnachtssamstag | 01.03.2025 | In 2025 it will take place in March |
| Fastnachtssonntag | 02.03.2025 | |
| Rose Monday / Rosenmontag | 03.03.2025 | Rosenmontag |
| Fastnacht / Carnival | 04.03.2025 | |
| Ash Wednesday/ Aschermittwoch | 05.03.2025 | A Christian holy day of prayer and fasting, and the first day of Lent Ash Wednesday |
Grünkohl is a leafy, green vegetable that is often enjoyed during the colder months of the year. This delicious vegetable is typically served alongside a variety of hearty meats, including Speck, Wurst, or Kasseler. These savoury flavours come together to create a satisfying meal that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.
The chilly weather outside can be tough to deal with. One of the best ways to combat the cold is to indulge in some delicious and hearty food. You won’t regret giving Kohlroladen a try, if that doesn’t tantalize your taste buds, you can also opt for some warm and nourishing stews and soups.
Indulge in the sweet allure of chocolate, the timeless symbol of love and affection, which takes centre stage on Valentine’s Day in Germany. Like in many other countries, chocolates are a go-to gift for expressing heartfelt emotions. So go ahead, delight in the richness of German chocolate and let its sweetness make the day even more special!
Schlachtplatte is a traditional German dish that is beloved for its hearty, robust flavours and rustic charm. This flavorful meal is made using a combination of Leberwurst, Blutwurst, and Kesselfleisch, which are all sourced from high-quality ingredients and carefully prepared to ensure maximum flavour and tenderness. The dish is then served with a generous portion of Sauerkraut, which perfectly complements the rich flavours and textures of the meats.
If you’re looking to tantalize your taste buds with a rich and satisfying meal, then there’s no better pairing for your venison than some beautifully cooked red cabbage. This perfect combination of sweet and savoury is sure to delight your senses, leaving you feeling completely satisfied.
These are deep-fried doughnuts, often filled with jam or cream and dusted with powdered sugar. They are a staple during Karneval and are often enjoyed at street festivals and parties.
Vocabulary
| English | German |
|---|---|
| Winter | der Winter |
| Snow | der Schnee |
| Cold | die Kälte |
| Ice | das Eis |
| Carnival | der Karneval |
| Valentine’s Day | der Valentinstag |
| Frost | der Frost |
| Sledding | das Schlittenfahren |
| Snowman | der Schneemann |
| February | der Februar |
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