Glamping im Winter: So wird die Nacht im Bubble Tent kuschelig warm

Yes, winter glamping really works – as long as you know what to expect. While a bubble tent is probably the most comfortable and magnificent tent you'll ever sleep in, it's not a hotel room. Only a thin transparent wall separates you from nature instead of thick concrete. Depending on the location, electric blankets and additional heating options will keep you warm, plus some spots offer a hot tub or sauna for extra cozy warmth. With the right clothing, the cold season turns into the coziest time for a night under the stars. Not all locations are open in winter: check which ones are available on your desired dates under Check availability.

Why winter is the most underrated bubble season

In summer, it gets dark late. If you want to stargaze, you have to stay up well past 10 pm. In December, on the other hand, dusk settles in by late afternoon, and the sky prepares its sea of stars for you early on. So you can arrive relaxed, eat dinner, gaze up at the sky, and still crawl under the covers early.

And the winter sky has plenty to offer. In mid-December, the Geminids peak – one of the most spectacular meteor showers of the year. On top of that, there are bright winter constellations like Orion, which are easy to spot even without any prior knowledge. If you choose a location with a telescope, you can also take a closer look at the moon.

Plus, there's a unique and intense feeling: outside it's cold and still, while inside you're snuggled up warm, looking up through the dome. It's precisely this contrast that makes it so magical. And when it rains or snows, you hear the weather without getting wet. Bubble tents are windproof and weatherproof – so we won't leave you out in the rain.

What keeps you warm in a bubble tent – and what doesn't

Honestly: warmth in a bubble tent depends on the location. A quiet blower keeps the dome inflated and ensures fresh air. How warm it gets at night depends on the location and the weather. Which heat sources are available is listed in each individual listing. Typical options include:

• Electric blanket or heated mattress topper: preheats the bed so you can snuggle straight into a warm nest. Many locations include an electric blanket in their standard setup.
• Heater or radiant heater: available at some locations, sometimes for an additional fee. At Bubble Tent Scheidegg in the Allgäu, for example, a radiant heater is available from October to April for a heating surcharge.
• Hot tub and sauna: not a substitute for a heater, but the loveliest way to warm up before going to sleep.
• Warm blankets: A second duvet, a warm throw, or a wool blanket over your feet often makes more of a difference than an extra degree on the thermostat.

You can read more about what a night in a bubble feels like in rain, wind, and cold in our 5 questions about staying in a bubble tent.

Packing list for your winter night in a bubble

Dressing in layers is your best friend. Multiple thin layers are much better than one thick sweater. Here’s what belongs in your bag:

• Warm sleepwear: thermal underwear or sweatpants, and a cozy sweater for the night
• Wool socks and a beanie: you lose heat quickly through your head and feet at night
• Slippers and sturdy shoes: the bathroom and toilet are usually just a short walk away
• Headlamp: ideally with red light mode, so your eyes stay adjusted to the dark
• Thermos flask: hot tea or cocoa for your evening under the stars
• Swimwear and bathrobe: in case your location has a hot tub or sauna
• Hot water bottle: small, lightweight, and wonderfully old-school
• A book or cards: just in case clouds hide the stars

Tip: Change into your nightwear in the evening before you get cold. Once you start shivering, it takes a long time to warm back up.

What you don't need to bring: the bed. A double bed made of high-quality solid wood is set up in every bubble tent, and details about provided blankets and heating sources can be found in the listing. Towels, however, aren't included everywhere. A quick check of your location's amenities list will save you any surprises.

Hot tub in winter: three little tips

• Wear a beanie: Sounds silly, feels amazing. Your body stays in the warm water, and your head doesn't lose heat.
• Keep your bathrobe and slip-ons handy: The walk back into the bubble is short, but cold.
• Jump straight into a prewarmed bed afterwards: It's best to turn on the electric blanket before getting into the hot tub.

What a winter evening in a bubble tent looks like

Every location is unique, and that's exactly what makes it so special. Sometimes you stay on a farm, sometimes among vineyards, sometimes with mountain views. But here’s roughly what you can expect on a winter evening anywhere:

1. Arrive in the afternoon: Check-in starts at 4 pm at many locations. Try to arrive during daylight so it's easier to find your way around and explore the surroundings in peace.
2. Get settled before dark: Unpack your bags, preheat the bed, heat up the hot tub.
3. Warm up: Hot tub, sauna, or a walk around the area – depending on what your location offers.
4. Dinner: Depending on the location, enjoy an outdoor or indoor kitchen, a BBQ, or a restaurant nearby. You'll find what’s available on-site in the listing.
5. Stargaze: Turn off the lights, let your eyes adjust to the dark, look up, and guess constellations together. Clear winter nights are often exceptionally breathtaking.
6. Wake up to panoramic views: In the morning, the scenery unfolds right before your eyes. If you're lucky, dusted in frost.

The right location for cozy warmth lovers

If there's one thing you want in winter – to get thoroughly warm before slipping under the covers – look out for three things when choosing your spot: a heat source inside the bubble, a hot tub or sauna on-site, and a warm shower nearby. A location that truly masters winter:

• Bubble Tent Scheidegg: Westallgäu, Bayern – Open all year round, radiant heater available Oct.–Apr. for a surcharge, and a sauna just for the two of you available as an upgrade.

An honest look at the details is especially worthwhile in winter. In Scheidegg, a bathroom with a warm shower awaits in the building next door. At other locations, a dry toilet and outdoor shower are right next to the bubble – delightful in summer, but in December, perhaps more suited to the bold and outdoorsy. Neither option is better or worse. Each just suits different people.

To quickly check whether your preferred location is open in winter, search here: Check availability.

Frequently asked questions about winter glamping

Are all bubble tents open in winter? No. Some locations stay open in winter, while others take a break. The easiest way is to enter your preferred dates into the search. You'll then only see the bubbles available on those dates.

Is it cold at night in a bubble tent? It depends. How warm it gets depends on the location, its amenities, and the weather. With an electric blanket, warm clothing, and a good duvet, most guests sleep very comfortably nonetheless.

What happens in snow, rain, or storms? The dome is windproof and weatherproof. Listening to raindrops pattering on the dome is more of an experience than an issue. Read more about this in our FAQ on weather & temperatures.

Where are the bathroom and shower? Every location has a toilet. Other amenities vary: from compost toilets to a bathroom in an adjacent building. For winter, choosing a location with a warm shower nearby is well worth it.

Is a second night worth it in winter? Often, yes. The nights are long, and by the second evening you already know how everything works. Plus, at many locations, every additional night becomes cheaper starting from the second night. The discount details are listed on each location page.

Conclusion: Cold nose, warm heart

Winter glamping isn't for people who expect a hotel room with a thermostat. For everyone else, it's perhaps the most magical way to celebrate the darker months: early darkness, vast open skies, and no crowds. Pack warm and choose a location with the extras that matter to you. And don't forget your beanie.

Your spot under the winter sky awaits: Check availability.