Snow in Stuttgart
Whether you find snow a nostalgic delight, a strange new experience, or simply a bother, it’s smart to be prepared. Check out our tips to ensure you’re well informed when it comes to snow in Stuttgart!
Legal responsibilities
Residents are responsible for keeping the sidewalks adjacent to their property safe and passable. This means clearing them of snow and ice and putting down sand or fine gravel for traction. Putting down road salt is prohibited except in the case of freezing rain. So, if you want to limit ice in advance of a freeze, put down sand or a similar gritty substance instead.
The sidewalks should be cleared by a certain time in the morning. This can vary a bit by location, but generally is around 7:00 AM and a bit later (8:00 or 9:00) on Sundays and holidays. Sidewalks are expected to remain clear until around 8:00 PM. So, in the case of continual snowfall, the sidewalk should be swept or shoveled periodically, or at least before and after the workday. Sand or a fine gravel also needs to be applied regularly anywhere that could become slick or form black ice.
The sidewalks should be cleared to provide a path with a width of 1.2–1.5 meters (4–4.5 feet). Small paths (including unpaved ones), for example to an area with garbage bins, only need to be cleared to a width of half a meter (1.5 feet).
The snow you clear should be piled up off the sidewalk unless there is no garden or other space available. It should not be moved onto the road. If there’s no other option, the snow can be piled at the side of the road without blocking any storm drains or disability ramps.
If you live in an apartment building, you may already be paying for a “Winterdienst” as part of your rent (or rather, your Nebenkosten). That means that the residents collectively pay someone to clear the sidewalks and steps. If not, you’ll probably find a calendar or sign-up sheet in the lobby of your building where residents can take it in turn to be responsible in case of snow. Technically, the landlord or property owner is responsible for snow removal, but they generally pass on this responsibility to their tenant(s) in the lease.
While generally you won’t be fined for failing to keep your sidewalk cleared and scattered with sand, you will be held liable if anyone slips and falls due to your neglect. (Read our article about personal liability insurance.) If you’re out of town, you can ask a neighbor to cover for you or hire an external service to take care of it instead.
Safety near home
Warm clothing is easy to remember, but it’s also important to invest in proper footwear that’s both waterproof and has excellent non-slip soles. Avoid walking too close to the edge of sloped roofs or overhanging gutters. Falling snow sheets and icicles can cause unexpected injuries. Homeowners are responsible for putting out signs warning passersby of such a risk. You can also keep an eye out for such signs when you are out walking or running errands.
If you live in a private home, be careful to keep your path and front steps clear and scattered with sand or grit to avoid slipping and falling. In rare cases, you may also need to clear your roof of snow if there is a long period of heavy snowfall or repeated thaws and freezes. Be careful not to underestimate the weight on your roof; a thin 1‑cm layer of ice has a weight similar to 10 cm of powdery snow!
Playing with snow is lots of fun. However, remind your children to be careful when snow becomes icy or hard. They should protect their hands to avoid cuts and never throw densely packed or icy snowballs. Also warn them never to walk out on frozen water. In the Stuttgart area, bodies of water almost never freeze to a depth safe for people to walk on. It’s better just to enjoy watching the ducks do so!
Taking care on the roads
In the winter, it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast and road conditions before getting in your car. In the case of winter storm warnings, minimize your driving. If possible, stay at home or consider taking public transportation.
Make sure your car is well maintained. In particular, check your brakes, coolant system, and wipers. In addition to the usual required emergency kit, try to keep the following supplies in your car during the winter months: a snow brush, a windshield scraper, a shovel, some sand, a flashlight and extra batteries, blankets, and additional warm clothing.
You need to have snow tires or all-season tires on your car in wintry conditions. Since these can come up quickly and unexpectedly, most Germans follow the old rule of thumb of putting winter tires on “from O to O” meaning “von Oktober bis Ostern”, or from October to Easter. Relatively recent legislation has made the standards for snow tires higher; compliant tires are marked with the shape of a snowflake inside the outline of a three-peaked mountain. If you are caught driving without snow tires during winter weather, you will be subject to a fine and a point on your license, and in the case of an accident in snowy conditions, both the driver and the vehicle owner will be fined and given a point.
If you’re planning a trip to the mountains, check whether your route will include any special concerns. Certain high mountain roads may require chains in the winter. They are marked with signs that read “Schneekettenpflicht”. You may also want to inform yourself about possible detours in case of road closures.
Fun on the slopes
Stuttgart has plenty of hills for sledding. Some favorite public spots include:
Rosenstein Park, up near the Naturkundemuseum
Slopes near the Bismarckturm
Paths between the vineyards in Rotenberg, Unterturkheim, such as at Mönchberg and Schloßberg
Hills around the Körschtal
Open areas below Schloss Solitude
There are several options for skiing and snowboarding in the nearby Swabian Alb. Most lifts and resorts are in the southern part of the Black Forest. The highest mountain of the Black Forest, the Feldberg, rises 1493 meters (4898 feet) above sea level, so understandably it offers the most impressive slopes. The mountain, town, and health & ski resort all share the name, and the ski lifts run on average 100 days a year. Nearby Seebruck has a snowboarding fun park and, depending on snow conditions, sometimes designates certain slopes as for snowboarding only. Most resorts offer a variety of winter sports as well as lessons and children’s programs.