We want to take our family to an amazing European village to experience Christmas and are currently waffling between Salzburg Austira and Rothenburg O.dT., Germany.. We have been to RODT during the summer and have heard that it is magical at Christmas. To be honest, we are not even locked into these two. We do not want to be in a large city but want a location easily accessible by train from a major airport (flying from Seattle). We also will want enough to keep us busy after Christmas as we will arrive on the 23rd of December. I welcome any thoughts or ideas. This board has helped me so much in making travel decisions.
Oh! Traveling with 28 year old son and 25 year old daughter as well as my husband. All very active.
Posted by
Green Bay
20032 posts
Salzburg will be easiest to get to from Munich airport. Just one change at Munich Ost using a Bayern ticket to cover all four of you. Skiing south of Salzburg.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23245 posts
We were in Rothenburg just prior to Christmas and it was magical. The issue you going to have is that the German Christmas beginning shutting down around noon on the 24th. That was true in Munich where we spent Christmas eve and day. Some have reported that the German actually close on the 23rd.
Posted by
Nederland, CO
1429 posts
I've been to both just before Christmas. Rothenburg is magical, but I would choose Salzburg because it is always magical and there would be a larger variety of possible ways to spend your time.
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3391 posts
Salzburg at Christmas is magical!! The snow, the lights, the iconic buildings, the fortress on the hill, the river, the church traditions/concerts, the Christmas market and mulled wine...heavy sigh. It's just lovely.
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5372 posts
Salzburg is a city, not a village, with a population of 150,000. RodT has 11,000. Markets close early on Dec. 24, so you’ll have to move fast. I would choose Salzburg as there will be more to do for the reminder of your visit once markets close.
Posted by
Greeley, co, usa
2394 posts
In Salzburg you can take the steam train out to the Silent Night villages on Christmas Eve. I think the Salzburg market may be open after Christmas