Things to Do in Germany in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Germany
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect shoulder season - hotels cost 30-40% less than summer peak, attractions have manageable crowds
- Easter markets (Ostermärkte) create magical atmosphere in city centers with handcrafted goods and seasonal foods
- Ideal hiking weather in Black Forest and Bavarian Alps - trails are accessible but not crowded, temperatures perfect for 10-15 km (6-9 mile) day hikes
- Cherry blossoms bloom mid-to-late April, especially spectacular in Bonn's Heerstraße and Berlin's gardens
Considerations
- Unpredictable weather requires layers - can shift from 8°C to 18°C (46°F to 64°F) in single day
- Many beer gardens and outdoor restaurants don't fully open until May 1st (Tag der Arbeit)
- Some Alpine hiking trails above 1,200m (3,937 ft) still have snow patches and may be closed
Best Activities in April
Rhine Valley Castle Tours
April's mild weather is perfect for exploring castles like Marksburg and Rheinfels without summer crowds. Vineyards show fresh spring growth, and river fog creates dramatic photography conditions. Temperatures around 12-16°C (54-61°F) make 2-3 hour walking tours comfortable.
Black Forest Hiking and Spa Experiences
April temperatures are ideal for forest hiking - cool enough to avoid overheating on climbs, warm enough for all-day outdoor activities. Cuckoo clock workshops and thermal spas provide perfect indoor alternatives during the 8 rainy days. Trails like Westweg sections are accessible but not muddy.
Berlin Alternative History Tours
Cool April weather makes walking tours through Berlin's neighborhoods comfortable for 3-4 hours. Street art in Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg is vibrant against spring's soft light. Fewer tourists mean better access to underground locations and bunkers that require smaller groups.
Bavarian Alpine Lake Tours
Late April brings perfect conditions for lake visits without summer heat. Neuschwanstein Castle has stunning backdrop with snow-capped Alps but accessible valleys. Lake Königssee boat tours resume full schedule, and hiking around Berchtesgaden offers 15°C (59°F) ideal conditions.
Cologne and Düsseldorf Art Quarter Tours
April's cooler temperatures make gallery-hopping between indoor and outdoor installations perfect. Museum Mile in Bonn and Cologne's art districts have special spring exhibitions. Cherry blossoms along Rhine promenades create beautiful contrast to industrial Düsseldorf architecture.
Hamburg Harbor and Speicherstadt Walking Tours
April's moderate temperatures and longer daylight hours are perfect for exploring Hamburg's harbor district. Historic Speicherstadt looks dramatic under spring's soft light, and harbor boat tours operate full schedules without summer crowds. Cool weather makes 4-5 hour walking tours comfortable.
April Events & Festivals
Easter Markets (Ostermärkte)
Traditional Easter markets appear in major cities like Dresden, Nuremberg, and Munich featuring hand-painted eggs, seasonal crafts, and spring foods. Markets typically include live demonstrations of egg painting and traditional German Easter bread baking.
Walpurgisnacht (Witches' Night)
April 30th celebration especially prominent in Harz Mountains and northern Germany. Bonfires, traditional costumes, and folklore performances mark the transition from winter to summer. Thale and Schierke offer the most authentic celebrations.
Stuttgart Spring Festival
Major folk festival similar to Oktoberfest but with milder weather and fewer crowds. Traditional Swabian food, beer halls, and carnival rides operate in Cannstatter Wasen. Typically runs for three weeks including late April dates.