70.. Leisure Time in Germany

70.   Leisure Time in Germany  

Germans, Austrians and the Swiss love their 'down time' as much as anyone and of course enjoy many of the sports and leisure activities known throughout the world.

The seasons dictate many of the activities and the winter is an obvious factor here. In sport, the German speaking world produces many of the best skiers, sledders and skaters in the world and many of the athletes in this area have produced winners at Winter Olympic and World Cup level.

Germany, Austria and Switzerland offer participants of all ages a wonderful variety of ski slopes in terms of difficulty and enjoyment. Ski lifts including chair lifts, cable cars and even funicular railways transport skiers to the top of the 'hill' from where many of the resorts offer wide, generous and well groomed slopes. Snow conditions vary throughout the year but the first falls of the year offer beautiful and sometimes deep powder snow (Pulverschnee). Skiing later in the season at the approach of spring can bring warm days and soft, slushy snow. It is important to wear sunscreen and sunglasses or googles at all times but especially so during March and April. I forgot this skiing on the glacier at Kaprun in Austria one time & my eyes ended up looking like two snooker balls & my face a stop sign.

In comparison to the ski slopes in my country, Europe offers an incredible variety of ski areas who have often linked up to provide skiers an opportunity to try out a different run all day long and catch the bus or lifts back to base. Skiing both sides of the hill such as in Wagrain / Flachau in Tyrol is often another option and again compared to home, you can do so at reasonable prices . 

The winter has a down side (more about that later) in that it restricts outdoor activities for many people unable to ski. However, over the past years, many indoor sports such as swimming, basketball, volleyball, handball, even tennis and skating are well catered for and very popular. Skating outside on frozen ponds and lakes is sometimes also possible. Clubs in general are well attended in this part of the world and not just for sporting activities. Because a lot of time is spent indoors due to the weather, hobbies such as music and art are sought after and many community bands are found in most localities.

Football (Fußball) is by far the most popular sport in the German speaking world. Competition at professional level is amongst the best in the world but even local club football is popular with many active participants. The German Bundesliga first division produces many top players who have won 3 World Cups for Germany. Supporters and fans are able to attend matches in fantastic stadiums in the larger cities. The Austrian and Swiss competitions are also very strong.

Horse & Buggy Ride in Salzburg