I have been to Switzerland in the winter but have missed the opportunity to go to Christmas Markets in these three countries. My sister who has never been to Europe is interested in going to markets but I'm thinking they are all going to be similar. We have 15 days and fly in and out of Munich. Just starting to research hostels and such for our trip. Any thoughts on the must see while we are there? Has anyone taken in holiday concerts while in Austria. My sister and niece are also interested in sledding while we are there. I have done this in Switzerland but am not sure if any of the other countries have these amazing sledding trips. Gondola up and long 4-5 mile sled down. Ill be sitting at the chalet this time. I love this aite and find so many people have done the trips that I have done or am interested in doing.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
There have been many threads on Christmas markets on this Forum. Here's the result of a search: https://search.ricksteves.com/?button=&filter=Travel+Forum&query=Christmas+markets&utf8=%E2%9C%93
Posted by
Greeley, co, usa
2415 posts
Lots of similarity in markets. Is sister interested in buying a lot of ornaments or the atmosphere? We only bought two ornaments from the 4 markets we visited. I would plan days and then consider markets as evening activity.
Posted by
Portland, OR
1091 posts
Yes the Christmas markets are all similar and they are everywhere, including the train stations. We did the same countries just this past December 7-21 and there was no snow yet. It was very cold but there wasn't any snow in Bavaria or Switzerland.