With the last fall colours being blown away by the colder winds here in Toronto, our sights are already on the fun and exciting winter holiday season! It’s coming with anticipation of the cozy warm clothes, fun crispy days on the slopes or getting “lost in the enchanted woods”, quiet weekends in bed reading or watching your favourite movie and the smell of the Christmas tree. My favourite smell in the world! The smell of presents, decorations, hearty foods, holidays, and relaxing time to share with friends and family.
“Freshly cut Christmas trees smelling of stars and snow and pine resin — inhale deeply and fill your soul with wintry night.” — John J. Geddes
And yet I always wanted to travel during the holidays! It always seems logical and almost strange to have all this time to yourself when most offices are nearly empty, giving us a chance to go and explore places we always wanted to see! And one can argue it’s the best time as most travel destinations prepare special programs for those willing to experience holidays in new & exciting ways!
And today I am about to focus on a destination that is a must to explore!
Germany’s Christmas Markets and Castles
Frankfurt * Rothenburg ob der Tauber* Nuremburg * Regensburg * Munich * Fussen * Stuttgart * Heidelberg * Frankfurt
Ever since the 15th century, the festive time before Christmas — December — has been accompanied by delightful Christmas Markets. For visitors, it is the perfect month to experience centuries-old Christmas traditions that are still alive today when the candles are lit, Christmas decorations are set up & homes are filled with the smell of cinnamon & freshly baked cookies.
Starting mid-November people spend more time inside, slowly enveloping themselves & their homes in wintery magic. Families & friends get together to sing Christmas songs, for baking sessions or dinner or simply spend time with each other — things there was not enough time for throughout the busy year. Life slows down & the whole country dives into the holiday anticipation mood. Travelling to Germany in December is a great way to see the country in a festive mood & experience a fairy-tale-like atmosphere.
The culinary offerings of the Middle Ages are not neglected either. Every Bakery decorates & sells Christmas cookies — Gingerbread, Lebkuchen & Weihnachstgeback & a great gift to bring home. Another great sweet treat is a Weihnachtsstollen — a cake-like sweet bread with raisins, dried apricots, marzipan & nuts covered in a cloud of sugar powder. Hot drinks like Drachenglut (dragon’s embers) & spiced wine are prepared according to traditional recipes.
So, let’s start our virtual trip exploring enchanting Christkindlmarkts in exciting Deutschland!
Frankfurt-on-the-Main
Glinting with glass, steel & concrete skyscrapers, Frankfurt-on-the-Main (pronounced ‘mine’) is unlike any other German city. A bustling Metropolis & Germany’s commercial heart on the shores of the Main River, founded in the Roman era, it is home to major Banks including the headquarters of the European Central Bank in the gleaming colossal 338 metres Europe Tower, the 259 metres Commerzbank Tower & one of the world’s largest Stock Exchanges. It also famously hosts some of the world’s most important Trade Fairs, attracting thousands of business travellers.
But there is much more to the city than just big business. The city on the shores of the Main River also boasts a fabulous cultural life. With its towering, futuristic skyline & beautifully preserved historic quarter, it is certainly one of Germany’s most heterogeneous cities.
The birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Frankfurt is still an artistic & cultural beacon for Germans and, at its heart, an unexpectedly traditional & charming city. Half-timbered buildings huddled in its quaint medieval Altstadt (old town, reconstructed after the War, is the site of Romerberg, a Square that hosts an annual Christmas Market), cozy apple-wine Taverns serving hearty regional food, village-like neighbourhoods filled with outdoor Cafes, Boutiques & street art and beautiful parks, gardens & riverside paths. Its nightlife & entertainment scenes are bolstered by a spirited student population.
Frankfurt’s collection of Galleries & Museums, 2nd in Germany only to Berlin’s, is considered one of the world’s finest. Goethe’s former home is now the Goethe House Museum. You can retrace the footsteps of the city’s most famous son for a glimpse of 18th-century Frankfurt. For example, at his House or in the slightly less poetic setting of the Gerbermuhle, a quaint Beer Garden on the banks of the river Main, where the great poet indulged in an occasional glass of cider in his day.
The Museum embankment on the southern bank of the Main is a wonder to behold. In particular, the magnificent Stadel Institute of Art situated in the heart of Frankfurt’s Museum mile features masterpieces spanning nine centuries of European art. The underground extension houses a Collection of works from 1945 onwards, including such famous names as Joseph Beuys & Gerhard Richter.
To the east of the Gallery, you will find the Film Museum & the Architecture Museum, which in itself is an innovative & unconventional example of building design. And just a stone’s throw from there stands the Museum of Applied Art (MAK). A thousand years of arts & crafts are represented in this striking building designed by American architect Richard Meier. There are also several smaller Galleries around the Cathedral, some of which are less mainstream.
It might be more serious, but the financial district is well worth a visit too, for a true taste of Frankfurt. The towering Banks & office blocks form Europe’s most impressive skyline and also own art collections any Museum would be proud of, and these are opened to the public at certain times. Skyscrapers as Art Galleries? Only in Frankfurt.
At this special time of the year, you can visit several Christmas Markets in the city: in Romerberg, on the Paulsplatz, on Mainkai, in Hauptwache, or on the Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz.
End your day in one of the charming traditional pubs, Apfelwein-Kneipen (apple wine bars) or restaurants serving simple German dishes and apple or cider wine (Ebbelwei in the local dialect), a Frankfurt specialty.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Visiting Germany’s fairy-tale dream town Rothenburg ob der Tauber (meaning “above the Tauber River”) is like stepping into a time warp. A true medieval gem along the Romantic Road, in the Franconian heartland, in northern Bavaria, the town has some of the most impressive medieval architecture in Europe, and citizens fight tooth & nail to keep developers outside of the city walls.
With its web of cobbled lanes, and half-timbered higgledy-piggledy houses lining the cobblestone lanes of its old town, it is the archetypal fairy-tale ancient Germany. The town walls include many preserved gate-houses & towers, plus a covered walkway on top. The medieval Town Hall has a Tower with panoramic views.
In the Middle Ages, when Berlin & Munich were just wide spots on the road, Rothenburg was Germany’s 2nd largest city, with a whopping population of 6,000. Today it’s enjoying tremendous popularity with tourists without losing its charm.
Rothenburg’s Medieval Crime & Punishment Museum, all explained in English, is full of diabolical instruments of punishment & torture. Some visitors may react with horror, while others wish for a gift shop. The Gothic St. Jakob’s Church contains a must-see art treasure — a glorious 500-year-old Holy Blood of Christ altarpiece by Tilman Riemenschneider, considered the Michelangelo of the local Woodcarvers. Climb the stairs behind the organ for a closer view of this realistic depiction of Bible scenes, Germany’s greatest piece of woodcarving.
Rothenburg is one of Germany’s best shopping towns. Lovely prints, carvings, wine glasses, Christmas tree ornaments & beer steins are popular. If you are glad Christmas comes but once every 365 days, then stay well clear of the Kathe Wohlfahrt Weihnachtsdorf, a Yuletide superstore that also houses an excellent little Christmas Museum upstairs. See the tree decorations through the ages, Christmas tree stands, mini-trees sent in boxes to WWI soldiers at the front, early Advent calendars & old-time Christmas cards, all thoughtfully arranged & described.
And, of course, spend time at the Christmas Market as Rothenburg is home to one of the most romantic Christmas markets in Germany! Medieval, walled city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s highly-acclaimed Reiterlesmarkt, traditional Advent pre-Christmas Market welcomes visitors from near & far to experience an arch-typical German Christmas season, a feast for the senses.
Aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice & brown sugar perfuming the air… Spicy hot mulled Gluhwein delight the palate… Music is in the foreground, with choral singing, deep-brass ensembles & bands performing classical & popular holiday works. While colourful decorations adorn the ancient homes & shops, some 50 stands entice guests with delicious, beloved Franconian culinary treats such as crispy fried Bratwurst, savoury Flammkuchen & finely-seasoned gingerbread Lebkuchen among dozens of holiday favourites. A local specialty — Schneeball — a pastry made from strips of sweet dough covered with powdered sugar or chocolate, is considered the signature dish of Rothenburg and should not be missed.
Beautiful Christmas ornaments, hand-made apparel, unique gift items, household decor & hand-crafted works presented by a bevy of Artisans are offered for sale. Traditional Christmas stocking stuffers & other gifts abound. While Christmas decorations can be bought all year long in Rothenburg, the Christmas holidays are a special time to view the city & the Christkindlmarkt in its illuminated splendour!
Nuremberg
Bavaria’s 2nd largest city & the unofficial Capital of Franconia, Nuremberg is an energetic place where the nightlife is intense and the beer is as dark as coffee. It is one of Bavaria’s biggest draws, alive with visitors year-round, but especially during the spectacular Christmas market. And it’s sure to live up to your culinary expectations with Breweries & Beer Gardens & its most famous dish, the Nuremberg sausages with Sauerkraut.
For centuries, Nuremberg was the undeclared Capital of the Holy Roman Empire & the preferred residence of most German Kings. Rich & stuffed with architectural wonders, it was also a magnet for famous Artists, though the most famous of all, Albrecht Durer, was born here. “Nuremberg shines throughout Germany like a sun among the moon & stars,” gushed Martin Luther.
By the 19th century, the city had become a powerhouse in Germany’s Industrial Revolution. Nuremberg & the surrounding cities are home to many well-known German companies, e.g. Adidas, Diehl, Faber-Castell, Playmobil, Puma & several divisions of industrial giant Siemens.
When people think of Nuremberg, they mostly think of gingerbread, toys, and Christmas, but also Nazi Party Rally Grounds or the Nuremberg Trials. The Nazis saw a perfect stage for their activities in working-class Nuremberg. It was here that the fanatical party rallies were held, the boycott of Jewish businesses began & the infamous Nuremberg Laws outlawing German citizenship for Jewish people were enacted… On 2 January 1945, Allied bombers reduced the city to rubble, killing 6000 people in the process. After WWII the city was chosen as the site of the War Crimes Tribunal, now known as the Nuremberg Trials. Later, the painstaking reconstruction — using the original stone — of almost all the city’s main buildings, including the Nuremberg Castle & ancient Churches in the Altstadt, returned the city to some of its former grandeur. Nuremberg’s historical center quickly with its quaint character & picture postcard-worthy scenery, enthralls visitors. But the old town of Nuremberg is much more than a postcard & probably comes closest to many tourists’ expectations of a typical German city.
Although there are several contenders for the title of Germany’s most famous Christmas Market, the Christkindlesmarkt in the medieval city of Nuremberg can stake a pretty strong claim. Dating back to 1628, it epitomizes all we have come to associate with the more tasteful Teutonic take on the festive season. Favourite souvenirs include the “Nuremberg Plum People”, little figures made from prunes.
It’s impossible to resist the sweet smell of gingerbread & the smoke from grilled sausages! The main Market, held in the city’s largest square Hauptmarkt, positively hums with visitors enjoying the colours, sounds & quality of the handcrafted goods on sale (mass-produced goods are strictly forbidden). Beat off the cold with the glass (or small boot) filled with Gluhwein & munch on spicy grilled sausages & Nuremberg gingerbread. Make sure to sample as many of the local delicacies as possible!
Regensburg
Regensburg, a Bavarian city on the Danube River in southeast Germany, is known for its well-preserved medieval core. The Capital of the Oberpfalz region, Regensburg dates back to Roman times & was the first Capital of Bavaria. 2,000 years of history bequeathed the city with some of the region’s finest architectural heritage.
Though big on the historical wow factor, today’s Regensburg is a laid-back, student-centric & unpretentious sort of place & its tangle of old streets is a joy to wander. Because of the city’s unique status as “the only authentically preserved large medieval city in Germany” the Old Town (Stadtamhof) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The people of Regensburg were brilliant bridge-builders way back in the 12th century. The 310 meters long iconic Stone Bridge with 16 arches, crosses the river to the Old Town. The little statue “Bruckmandl” on the Bridge, however, didn’t take up its breezy position there till the middle of the 16th century. At the far end of the Bridge, you will find a peaceful idyll in Old Town Stadtamhof with its maze of streets & alleys.
As you already know, Germany in winter is synonymous with Christmas Markets & Regensburg is no exception. The Christkindlmarkt here has been internationally acclaimed as one of the best, anywhere. Providing a great atmosphere & some Christmas sparkle, the compact Market at Neupfarrplatz across St.Kassians Platz around the Galeria Kaufhof features market stalls selling everything you could want: gluhwein, crafts & mouthwatering sausages.
Munich
Munich, the Capital of Bavaria, is the ‘city of art & beer’, so before you head off to the pub, take some time to savour the local art scene at Kunstareal, the city’s art quarter, with 4 major venues displaying everything from Dutch masters to 1960s design. The city also boasts some world-class Museums focusing on topics as diverse as Oktoberfest, Porcelain & BMW cars.
The locals have a favourite word — Gemütlichkeit — that untranslatable intermingling of coziness, well-being & laid-back attitude. In Munich, you will sense it everywhere. It may be just the local character, but a large share of Gemütlichkeit must come from the fact that the Bavarian Capital is one of the most affluent cities on the planet, its economy larger than most small countries, and its infrastructure well-tended.
Munich’s cultural scene is second to none in Germany & many travellers to Munich are stunned by the quality of the architecture. If you are looking for Alpine cliches, they are all here, starting with your own set of Lederhosen & Dirndl and Octoberfest tradition, but the Bavarian Metropolis has many surprises for you to discover.
Munich’s walkable centre retains a small-town air but holds some world-class sights, art galleries & museums. Throw in royal Bavarian heritage, an entire suburb of Olympic legacy & a kitbag of dark tourism & it is clear why southern Germany’s Metropolis is such a favourite among those who seek out the past but like to hit the town once they are done.
Some of the well-known landmarks worth seeing are Marienplatz Square with the famous elaborate Glockenspiel (cuckoo clock), historical Farmer’s Market Viktualienmarkt, National Theatre, Frauenkirche (Church of our Lady) with its distinctive twin green-domed Towers, considered a symbol of the Bavarian Capital city & many many more.
Another iconic landmark synonymous with Munich is the legendary Hofbrauhaus Brewery which features one of the most famous & popular Beer Hall in the world! Beer has been part of Munich life for at least 7 centuries & no other place in Europe has a beer tradition quite like the Bavarian Capital with 6 mammoth Breweries pumping out world-class suds to hundreds of Beer Gardens & Beer Halls. No wonder the famous Oktoberfest, gathers over 6 million people every year!
But back to the Hofbrauhaus Brewery founded in 1589 by Wilhelm V, Duke of Bavaria. It saw Mozart & Lenin amongst its regular customers, the Munich Communist Government in 1919 and the first meeting of Hitler & the National Socialist Party in 1920. After being almost fully destroyed in 1945, it reopened in 1958 and currently serves more than 35,000 customers annually. Its’ diverse & delicious beers are still brewed according to the Bavarian Purity Law, guaranteeing that there is nothing in your Mass (1L tankard) that shouldn’t be, so if you can lift the thing — ‘Prost!’ (Cheers!)
And now, on to the Christkindlmarkt in München. Munich features a whole series of lovingly designed Christkindlmarkt all over the city with beautiful decorations including one at Munich Airport. Amidst a Christmas-decorated fir forest around a large ice rink, you can enjoy wide culinary delights & lots of good vibes every day from 11.00 am to 09.00 pm, accompanied by great musical entertainment for every taste. And, in the covered outdoor area, you can enjoy the Christmas Market even in bad weather.
The original & biggest Christkindlmarkt is at Marienplatz (main Square) in the Altstadt (Old city), with its roots in the 14th century and is considered the original among Munich’s multiple Markets. Against the romantic backdrop of the neo-Gothic Town Hall, dozens of lovingly designed wooden huts bring the Middle Age back to life as Merchants in historical garb offer their goods for sale, enchanting guests with old Bavarian charm.
This is not only the home of living customs & old crafts but also of what is probably Germany’s largest Nativity scene market. Vendors with goods from all over the world offer everything needed for real Nativity scenes from Tyrol & Peru to extravagant Christmas tree baubles, hand-drawn candles, scented oils, ceramics, jewellery, Indian handicrafts, wooden toys, lantern for the stable to the gifts of the Magi & much more. The first independent Nativity market was held in Munich as early as 1757.
The Viktualienmarkt in Marienplatz stands for a fresh variety & a close-up experience of the Munich way of life. During the Christmas season, the popular Market exudes a special charm — many tasty treats invite you to nibble. In addition, guests are welcomed with Christmas lights, Advent magic & mulled wine. A must-see is the Nativity scene in the Beer Garden, which beautifully mirrors the Market activities.
Spend the time exploring, combining first-class shopping, traditional Bavarian food & stop-overs for a cup of mulled wine & sweet treats. If you’re interested in a more in-depth history of this Christkindlmarkt, you can book a guided tour.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Enroute to Fussen, stop at Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany’s winter sports Capital & site of the 1936 Winter Olympics.
The double-barrelled resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen is blessed with a fabled setting just a snowball’s throw from the Alps & is a top hang-out for outdoorsy types, skiing fans & day-trippers from Munich. To say you ‘wintered in Garmisch’ still has an aristocratic ring. If you are looking for a great representation of the best of Bavaria & an incredible place filled with lots of different outdoor activities, Garmisch-Partenkirchen at the base of 2,962 meters high Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak in the Bavarian Alps, is a great place to visit. The Summit can be accessed by cogwheel train & cable car. Needless to say, if you love spectacular mountain views, skiing or hiking, this is the destination for you!
The town became Garmisch-Partenkirchen, or Ga-Pa for short when 2 separate market towns united in 1935 (Garmisch & Partenkirchen). Garmisch is considered the more fashionable section, with its 21st-century feel, while Partenkirchen has retained its traditional old-world Bavarian Alpine village vibe with its cobblestone streets. Each retains its own distinct character & together, the former market towns have become Germany’s best winter sports destination.
The walking route leads you through the historic centre of Partenkirchen & offers spectacular views over the town & valley. St. Anton Church is really worth a visit. Walk down the nearly 1,000 years old Ludwigstrabe lined with typical of Alpine region inns & restaurants that are perfect for resting & shopping, stop by Werdenfels Museum located in the former 17th century Kaufmannshaus (merchant’s house), opposite Maria Himmelfahrt Parish Church.
After spending about an hour here, continue driving to Fussen.
Fussen
Fussen is a Bavarian town, situated just 1 kilometre north of the Austrian border, where the fabled Romantic Road ends. The 700-year-old town is in the heart of one of the finest holiday regions in the entire Alps.
Nestled at the foot of the Alps, Fussen has centuries-old streets & buildings & a late Gothic Palace — Hohes Schloss which houses a regional Art Museum. Towering over Fussen’s compact historical Centre, it was a one-time Retreat of the Bishops of Augsburg. Unbelievably, this little town has not one, but 2 fairy tale Castles.
And one of them — Neuschwanstein — is surely the most famous Castle in the world, one of Germany’s most popular tourist destinations and rightfully the backdrop of many movies. It is thought to be the inspiration for Cinderella’s Castle of Sleeping Beauty in Walt Disney’s Disneyland. One of the biggest ironies of this castle is that a structure built to be a private refuge, “sacred & out of reach”, should now be host to 1,000s of tourists each day. Another irony: although it was built largely as a stage for Wagnerian productions, the composer never set foot in Neuschwanstein.
Combined with the nearby Hohenschwangau Castle, the town is the highlight of many a southern Germany trip as it is the closest transportation hub for these famous castles.
Below the Hohes Schloss & integrated into the former Abbey of St Mang, the Fussen Museum in the Abbey, highlights the town’s heyday as a center of the 16th-century Violin & Lute making industry. You can also view Abbey’s festive baroque rooms, romanesque cloister & the St Anna Kapelle (AD 830) with its famous ‘’Dance of Death’’ paintings.
For fabulous views of the Alps & the Forggensee, take the cable car to the top of the 1730-metre Tegelberg, a prime launching point for Hang-gliders & Parasailers. Tegelberg Mountain also has a Ski Resort & an alpine slide.
But having ‘done’ the country’s most popular tourist route & seen Ludwig II’s fantasy Palaces, there are several other reasons to linger longer in the area. Fussen is worth half a day’s exploration as here you can easily escape from the crowds into a landscape of gentle hiking trails & Alpine vistas.
Stuttgart
Stuttgart is the Capital of the Bundesland of Baden-Wurttemberg province, a centre of Mechanical & Automobile Engineering, manufacturing hubs & Headquarters of the world-famous Bosch, Mercedes & Porsche within its Metropolitan area. It is denoted as the “Cradle of the Automobile” & home to famous Automobile Mercedes-Benz and Porsche Museums plus the numerous Auto-enthusiast Magazine Publishers contributing to the city’s status as Germany’s Autohauptstadt (“Car Capital City”).
When one thinks of Stuttgart, in addition to the world-renowned car factories, one thinks of high-tech & computer manufacturing, VfB Stuttgart, the Cannstatter Volksfest (Funfair & Folk Festival), the Stuttgart Ballet & perhaps the Swabian cuisine, spaetzle & wine. But there is much more to the charmingly situated in one of Germany’s largest wine regions city spread over many hills & valleys, with forests, parks, and mineral springs that managed to maintain a small-town atmosphere. It impresses, on the one hand with its wonderful panoramic views, beautiful squares, splendid Castles & Palaces and, on the other, with its world-class diverse cultural offering, great shopping & nightlife.
True, some good-living locals like their cars fast & their restaurants fancy, but most are just as happy getting their boots dirty in the surrounding vine-clad hills & hanging out with friends in the rustic confines of a Weinstube (Wine Tavern) or a chestnut tree-shaded Biergarten.
The unique cauldron-shaped landscape offers plenty of scenic lookouts & forms a dense Mitte where (fortunately!) most of Stuttgart’s main attractions are. Schlossplatz (Palace Square) is the largest Square in Stuttgart, a must for visitors & an ideal starting point for a tour. It’s located in front of arguably the most recognizable symbol of Stuttgart Neues Schloss (New Palace) constructed between 1746 & 1807. It was created as Parade grounds for the Palace & is now a public green area with lawns, flowerbeds, twin fountains & a decorative bandstand.
Just a short walk away from the palace is Altes Schloss, a fully-functional fortified Castle with a moat built at the turn of the 10th century. It was in the 15th century that the Castle got its current form of a renaissance Palace with a cloistered courtyard as it evolved together with Stuttgart from a small settlement to the Capital of Wurttemberg.
Just the steps from there on the northeast side of the Schillerplatz (with the stature of Friedrich Schiller in the middle) is the mighty Alte Kanzlei (Old Chancellery) built in 1542–1544. Today this heritage building houses a Restaurant & Bar. Bohnenviertel is the only preserved part of Stuttgart’s Old Town built mainly in the 14th century that miraculously survived to the present day, largely intact. There are also a few Churches worth visiting with the most beautiful one being Johanneskirche (St. John’s Church), surrounded by lake Feuersee & illuminated at night.
And, now for the raison d’etre for this trip — a visit to Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt!
When the winter comes, Stuttgart turns into an atmospheric Christmas Market town: the scent of cinnamon & vanilla, of bratwurst & gluhwein in the air, fairy lights sparkling everywhere, & festive music sounding through the streets. During the weeks of Advent, Stuttgart is bathed in a special yuletide glow…
The Town Hall is transformed into a gigantic Advent Calendar. Each day a “door” is opened, revealing by degrees the Coats of Arms of Stuttgart’s boroughs.
The ceremonially illuminated city — 25-meter-high Christmas Tree, medieval Old Castle, the Towers of the Collegiate Church & the baroque grounds of the New Castle — is the magnificent backdrop of the Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt with Stalls & displays in the Schlossplatz, Schillerplatz, Marktplatz & the streets in-between.
Over 60 Choir & Music groups from the Metro area perform during the 26 days the Market is open. The 300 wooden Booths filled with crafts, toys & festive holiday decor with their creatively decorated roofs, delight the visitors. Evergreens covered in twinkling lights. With its tradition of more than 300 years & its Christmas goods offerings, the Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt is one of the loveliest in Germany & one of the oldest & largest of its kind in Europe known to date back to 1507.
Visiting a Christmas Market is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. The Traders’ wares include traditional flea market articles with a modern spin: wooden toys, crib figurines, arts & crafts, jewellery, sweet delights & culinary delicacies such as grilled Bratwurst, hearty fried potatoes, crispy potato pancakes, as well as delicious vegetarian options like mushrooms in garlic sauce & crepes. You will also find smoked salmon sandwiches & local specialties like Maultaschen, Käsespätzle & Flammkuchen.
Add to it the nostalgic Carousels, a real mini Steam Engine & many activities like the Children’s Bakery and the Candle making workshop. Additionally, there is a popular Antique Market in a heated Tent on the Karlsplatz, an outdoor Ice Rink & the entire Market is powered by local green electricity.
Satisfying your sweet tooth is also easy with Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Stollen (German Christmas bread with powdered sugar on top), Gebrannte Mandeln (hot cinnamon almonds), holiday candy, chocolates, cookies, cakes, doughnuts, & so much more. And, of course, all this is accompanied by the traditional Gluhwein (hot mulled wine).
Heidelberg
On arrival in Heidelberg, proceed for an orientation drive, passing by some of the main landmarks. You would be stopping at Schloss Heidelberg for a brief tour.
Heidelberg is a town on the Neckar River in southwestern Germany, known for the venerable Heidelberg University, founded in the 14th century. Surrounded by forest, Germany’s oldest & most famous University town is renowned for its baroque Altstadt (Old Town), beautiful riverside setting & evocative half-ruined red-sandstone Heidelberg Castle, Philosophers’ Walk & the Old Bridge on Neckar River, which inspired the Poets & Artists of Romanticism, still fascinates & draw 12 million visitors from all over the world today, who follow in the footsteps of the late 18th & early 19th-century romantics, most notably the Poet Goethe & British Painter William Turner, who was inspired by Heidelberg to paint some of his greatest landscapes. Praised by Poets, painted by Artists & rhapsodized by Composers like Schumann, Heidelberg embodies the spirit of the romantic Rhineland. The dreamy, romantic setting, an unparalleled choice of culture & entertainment wherever you go & hearty yet heavenly cuisine — all nestled between the Neckar River & the foothills of the Odenwald forest, have made Heidelberg a top destination for tourists since the 1800s. In 1878, Mark Twain began his European travels with a 3-month stay in Heidelberg, recounting his observations in A Tramp Abroad (1880).
Heidelberg University, founded in 1386, is Germany’s oldest & one of Europe’s most reputable Universities. It is a scientific hub in Germany & home to several internationally renowned Research facilities adjacent to the University, including the European Molecular Biology Laboratory & 4 Max Planck Institutes. The city has also been a hub for the Arts, especially its rich Literary history & thriving contemporary scene, throughout the centuries & it was designated a “City of Literature” by UNESCO.
Heidelberg’s Altstadt has a red-roofed townscape of remarkable architectural unity. After having been all but destroyed by French troops under Louis XIV (1690s), it was rebuilt during the 18th century. Unlike many German cities, it emerged from WWII almost unscathed.
First mentioned in 1225, the mighty Schloss Heidelberg on Konigstuhl Hill towering over the Altstadt been world-famous over the centuries & the epitome of German romanticism. Built some 70 metres above the Neckar River, it’s among the most impressive sights to be found in Germany. It can be reached either via a steep, cobbled trail in about 10 minutes or by taking the Bergbahn (cogwheel train) from Kornmarkt Station.
The 2 most beautiful buildings within the Palace: the Friedrich Building & the Ottheinrich Building are connected by the Hall of Glass, an impressive example of early Renaissance architecture. The high point of this Electoral Palatinate architecture was the addition in the early 17th century of the famous “Hortus Palatinus” castle garden with ornamental beds, labyrinths, pergolas and exotic plants. Castle’s wine cellar is famous for being the largest wine barrel in the world. It’s made from 130 oak trees and it has a capacity of precisely 221,726 litres. The Great Barrel in the Barrel Building is a special attraction at the Palace. During Prince Electors lively parties, wine could be pumped through a pipe directly from the Great Barrel into the neighbouring King’s Hall (which can be rented for private celebrations).
And now to the Christmas Market. A small beautiful, romantic fairy-tale town nestled on the banks of a river any time of year, during Christmas Heidelberg transforms into a holiday paradise. The Weihnachtsmarkt here is one of the most magical places, with 5 different Squares to choose from, over 140 beautiful, handcrafted wooden Stalls & an Ice Skating Rink beneath the Castle. From the scintillating scents of the roasting chestnuts & candied nuts, sloshing back hot mulled wine (Gluhwein), the glow of the Castle above & the excitement of visitors of all ages, it seems to swirl in the happy feeling of Christmas…
Our short travel list of Germany’s Christmas Markets can go on & on. Though the idea was to create an itinerary for you to explore in a week or so, there are hundreds of Christmas Markets all over Germany including the biggest ones in Berlin and Cologne in addition to Munich.
In Berlin, over 60 individual Markets are dotted across the vibrantly lit city. Cologne Christmas Markets are guarded by folklore goblins to ensure that there are no mass-produced goods in sight. In addition to Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt, Dresden’s Striezelmarkt is particularly popular with visitors.
We also have to mention the famous Chrismas Markets in Leipzig, Trier, Düsseldorf, Braunschweig, Hamburg and many more including the Rüdesheim Christmas Market of Nations. Each with its own history and unique features, the Chrismas Markets are all about the holidays, music, celebration, good food and warmth in the midst of the chilly day, making everyone feel welcome.
Happy Holidays travels and I look forward to inspiring your next adventure!
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If you like this post and are interested in visiting Germany’s Christmas markets, send me an email at jmudla@the-journeys.com or text 416–951–7178. Also, join my Meetup if you want to get notifications about other exciting trips!
I look forward to hearing back from you about this and other destinations you would like to explore!
Julia
