Christmas Markets in Bavaria

The two that I enjoyed most in Bavaria were Lindau and Oberstdorf.

Most Christmas markets sell more or less the same cheap merchandise and food, so any market that offers something different can stand out. The market at Lindau featured some regional food specialilties that I had not previously sampled. Plus, it takes place on the lake front harbor, with an amazing view of the Swiss Alps.

The market at Oberstdorf isn't very large, but you'll find more unique artisanal items for sale than the usual. And the Alpine valley location all but guarantees a great Christmas atmosphere.

Nuremberg's market is the most well-known, but I found nothing particularly unique about it... except the invasion fleet of tour buses.

Unlike some of the larger city markets, though, the two I Iisted may only last a weekend or two. The same goes for other markets in smaller towns that others may recommend.

Hi Marcus,

We liked Berchtesgaden and it's Christmas market. More local feeling than many, plus we like the old town of Berchtesgaden. Not in Bavaria, but nearby are Salzburg, Hallein, St. Gilgen and St. Wolfgang in Austria. We did all these as very easy day trips based just outside Berchtesgaden.

Paul

Regensburg is a beautiful town the is just beautiful at Christmas time. We also loved Rothenburg, and Bamberg was nice. We went to Nuremberg on a Monday so it wasn't that crowded and we enjoyed it. Not impressed with Wurzburg though. If you go any to venture a little farther, Salzburg, Austria is very nice.

Also not in Bavaria, the market in Speyer (2 hours' drive from Nuremberg) is a bit more local than most, in a very nice small city.

I loved the one in Bamberg. Sort of a mini-Nuremburg without the mobs and great local foods and entertainment by area bands and folk groups. I've attended the one in Nuremburg and liked the laid back atmosphere and sites of Bamberg.

I agree with Tom that most markets sell the same things. It is best to go for the atmosphere of the town. Regensburg was our favorite combination of town and market.

https://mcchelsea.smugmug.com/Advent-2010/Regensburg/

https://mcchelsea.smugmug.com/Advent-2010/Thurn-and-Taxis-Palace-Market/

Rothenburg is always very atmospheric though the market is minimal. Many of those often cursed tourist shops sell Christmas items of a little different flavor.

https://mcchelsea.smugmug.com/Advent-2010/Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber/

We have visited the markets 4 years in all and enjoyed ourselves every time, even though we bought very little.

If you're going to be in Munich you should check out the Christmas market in the Schwabing district. It was small and made up of only artisans. Very unique since as others have said, you start to see the same things at each market from town to town.

Regensburg also had a lovely market.

I second the markets in Regensburg, the city is a UNESCO world heritage site.
You also might like to check out the following:

Vilshofen (1st 3 weekends of advent only) - takes place on the quayside and a number of boats on the River Danube - http://schwimmender-christkindlmarkt.de/#/Impressionen/ https://www.vilshofen.de/index.php/sehenswertes

Landshut; - very attractive town only 30 minutes from Munich by train, often overlooked by tourists, IMO the centre is beautiful www.landshut.de/portal/kultur/veranstaltungstipps/christkindlmarkt.html

Passau - Lovely compact historic centre, market is on the square, right in front of the cathedral, it's very picturesque - http://passauer-christkindlmarkt.de/

You could travel across to Pilsen in Czech Republic. Their christmas market in the main square is just that little bit different to the German style of market. Amongst other things, it has a working blacksmith and a "live" crib scene with real donkeys, sheep etc. - http://www.pilsen.eu/turist/nutzliche-informationen/news/advent-und-weihnachtsmarkte-in-pilsen-1.aspx

We also visited Landshut and Passau Christmas markets. The markets were small but the towns were a delight at this time of year.

...or any time of year.

Well we regularly go to Landshutt. Not sure why but it has become a tradition. Maybe because it is not far away from where we live and kind of local and not so touristic. The small to middle Weinachtsmarket is OK. Better when there is snow. Get a Glühwein and enjoy the music (they do programs), crowds and kids. We've been there in freezing cold, light snow and warm Winter conditions. Good bus transportation in Landshutt. The architecture in Landshutt is worth seeing. Many bars and cafes in and around the town. Sometimes there is a Weinachtsmarket in Burg Trausnitz. Maybe good for a day and overnight. Get a huge great Schnitzel here: http://www.heilig-geist-stueberl.de/Start Try this tiny Weinstub: https://www.facebook.com/weinstubezumachterl/?rf=112332275495004 Wirtshaus zum Hofreiter is recommended, nice atmosphere, but honestly I did not like the food too much. There is also the Augustiner an der St. Martinskirche for a Bavarian experience: http://www.landshut-augustiner.de/

Another one to consider is in Heidelberg. You walk along the Hauptstrasse enjoying the shops and then each plaza you come to has a market! We enjoyed the Christmas markets in Cologne, Rothenberg and Munich as well as Bruges (I know that's Belgium, but also very nice!