Winter fun off the slopes: Tips for Rhineland-Palatinate - Rhineland-Palatinate’s quirky winter adventures blend reindeer hikes and icy fun
Rhineland-Palatinate is offering a mix of unusual winter activities this season. From reindeer hikes to snow tubing and ice sports, visitors can enjoy both traditional and quirky pastimes across the region.
In the Nahe Valley, Sonja Persch-Jost and her husband lead reindeer hikes where the animals pick their human companions by instinct. The experience lets participants walk alongside these gentle creatures through scenic winter landscapes.
At Hofgut Laubenheimer Höhe in Mainz’s Laubenheim district, the 'Winter World' ice rink stays open daily except Mondays. On Saturdays, it even turns into a disco floor for skaters. The venue also hosts Eisstockschießen, a social winter sport similar to curling. For those seeking speed, Salzburger Kopf in the Westerwald district provides snow tubing—also called tire sledding—for just €1.50 per ride. Meanwhile, Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler’s spa park lights up with illuminated wicker sculptures on weekends. Visitors can sip mulled wine, browse food stalls, and enjoy ice skating alongside cultural performances. Hikers can explore the 'Frau Holle Dream Loop' in the Hunsrück region, where the trail offers sweeping views of the Schwarzwälder Hochwald’s varied scenery. Nearby, Waldbreitbach Christmas Village remains open until January 25, featuring the 'Star of Bethlehem' trail with 3,500 glowing bulbs and over 30 nativity scenes.
The region blends festive charm with outdoor adventure this winter. Activities like reindeer hikes, snow tubing, and Eisstockschießen run alongside traditional markets and illuminated trails. Most events and attractions will continue until late January.
