Flying into Copenhagen Dec 27, leaving from Zurich Jan 12!
Where should we go? Why? What would you want to see and do? How would you get between places? We are thinking possibly Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Prague, Vienna, and some spots in Switzerland.
Would love to see Christmas markets, enjoy general holiday ambiance, and eat great food. While we enjoy big city stuff, we really prefer seeing the small-town special places.
This is only our second trip to Europe, we've previously visited Italy and Paris.
Thanks all!
Posted by
1496 posts
I'm bumping this to the top to see if we can find you some suggestions.
Of your list, Prague is the only one I've been to. Sounds like a great list!!
Posted by
Land of La
9150 posts
Have you perused the RS Europe Guidebook?
Or use Google and type in European Christ markets in the countries you’ve listed.
Like in Italy travel is by train.
Lastly have you used this Forums search engine? See the 5 horizontal lines on the left side of the Forum header. Click on them. The search box will appear.
Many comments on European Christmas Markets.
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
1376 posts
This year, because the 25th is mid-week, most of the Christmas markets will close 22 or 23 DEC. You can check the dates here:
https://christmasmarketsineurope.com/christmas-markets-in-europe-dates/
You also are going to need to look at local holidays. the Dec 29th is a Sunday, and the 31st is a major holiday as is 1 JAN. In some places 2 Jan, and 6 Jan are also holidays. That's going to impact your travel.
Once you figure out where you want to go, I suggest using an app like Rome2rio and looking at the options for how to get from one place to another. Local flights (for example), within the EU, are much less expensive than most people think, and in many cases make more sense than trains or autos.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
19773 posts
Christmas Markets stay open until 1 January in Budapest and several other cities; but i assume you want to spend time in Copenhagen first. So,
Copenagen and surrounds for a period of time.
Fly to Vienna (or Budapest)
Train to Salzburg
Train to Zurich
Posted by
Mandeville, LA, USA
553 posts
Given your parameters--the cities listed, Christmas markets after Christmas, smaller places--Mr. E seems to have pointed you in the right direction. Also, I believe Prague's Christmas markets stay open through early January. You could fly to Prague or Budapest. My only other comment--and this is strictly a personal opinion--is that I prefer Salzburg to Vienna (though my visit to both was in the summer). But your time period would allow for a New Year's visit to Vienna, though it will be expensive. Good luck on whatever you decide.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
19773 posts
RJ, I am not a great fan of Vienna either. Salzburg I dont know yet, I find out in September. But I saw there were direct discount airline filghts from Copenhagen to Vienna and Budapest, and since I get a little flack for suggesting Budapest too often I led off with Vienna. But naturally, Budapest would be much better; and a direct train to Salzburg to boot. Then Zurich is a fairly easy final haul.
For Christmas markets, looks like it has to be Copenhagen. You cant fly in on the 27th and leave the next day. So he will be there till at least the 30th which might get him one day at a market in Budapest or somepleace else that stays open till the first of the year.
But Vienna (and Budapest) keep their lights up longer than the first of the year. Okay, only know about Budapest, just assuming Vienna. And the theaters and art and music is still in full swing all winter.
Posted by
New York
1206 posts
I sent you a pm
Ann
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
6887 posts
While most of the Christmas markets will be closed by the time arrive, I can recommend a visit to Tallinn. There is a large Orthodox population in Estonia that celebrate Christmas in January, so in Tallinn there is a very real and authentic Christmas market that is open until the 7th.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
19773 posts
Badger, excellent. And now that I think about it, Lviv as well.
Posted by
Northwest Arkansas
622 posts
Flying into Copenhagen Dec 27, leaving from Zurich Jan 12!
I do much of my travel during the first few months of the year as I get to explore destinations and their museums, architecture and cathedrals without the crowds.
So, I think you'll need to plan for more of your time spent indoors rather than out. It gets dark early and may be cold, windy, raining or snowing. Since I don't know where you are from, I don't know how much of an issue this will be for you. From my expereince, the architecture is just as beautiful as in the summer, but the parks, not so much.
Please ensure that the small towns you plan to visit have something for you to do. Strolling through a quaint village and stopping for a street-side coffee or beer while people watching in June is wonderful. It may not be as wonderful in January.