Correct insurance and winter tyres or all season tyres.

Remember that not all tyres marked "winter" "all season" or even "M & S" are allowed in some countries. The best ones to buy that are universal are those marked with the 3 peak mountain and snow flake symbol which shows that they have passed certain standards.

I have a set of tyres on my car that are summer tread pattern and are sold as summer tyres. But near the bead there are moulded letters indicating they are "M & S" tyres, I doubt they would cope with wet grass, who are they trying to kid?

They are all here in Germany they have to have a snowflake and a mountain embossed on the side plus the date.

By the way you do commit an offence in any European country for not fitting them the offence is using the car when it is cold outside so if you do not use your car in winter and many do not or it stays warm you are ok.

Not quite correct. In Germany M+S tyres are accepted until Sept. 2024 if manufactured before 31.12.2017. Other countries, eg Austria accept M+S tyres.

I think you should do a bit of reading.

I guess you haven't learnt enough German. Google translate will help if you have problems.

Bis zum 30. September 2024 gelten Reifen mit M+S Kennzeichnung als wintertauglich, wenn sie bis zum 31. Dezember 2017 hergestellt worden sind. Mit dieser sehr langen Übergangsregelung will der Gesetzgeber finanzielle Härten dadurch vermeiden, dass bereits produzierte bzw. gekaufte Reifen noch aufgefahren werden können.

Don't forget the winter strength screen wash too! (not -5, won't be strong enough)

Apart from the obvious need for winter tyres, mandatory in lots of countries in Central/Eastern Europe, the de-icing need consideration. Very low temperature screen wash. If you can find one, getting a retro fit kit to heat the screen wash, tubes and nozzles would be a good idea. The one on my Volvo is excellent. Dry newspaper over the windscreen at night, held on with the wiper blades stopped mid-screen. Works a treat for a clear screen in the mornings. You may find though the major problem may be ice on the inside of the car. You can run the AC on full for a few minutes prior to stopping to reduce condensation, or you just have to wait until the car heats up. Worth a full winter check on your battery, cooling system too. Peace of mind and all that.

Good luck and give us details of the trip when you return.

Cheers Concrete