I am planning a trip to the Christmas Markets in Germany with my daughters from Nov. 24th to the 25th right after Thanksgiving.. We have limited time 4-5 days so I need help how to use the time . We wanted to stay in quaint little villages so we made reservations in Mittenwald. Some of the places we would like to see are Regensburg and Prien am Chiemsee . We're going to use public transportation which limits us somewhat to larger towns. Would really appreciate some help with our itinerary. Thanls! Judy
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2662 posts
Do check the dates for the places you are planning. You might be a bit early.
Edited to add
The markets are usually during advent. Advent 2022 will begin on November 27 and ends on December 24.
This market is only 2 weekends during advent:
https://www.tourismus.prien.de/en/christmas-markets/
Posted by
St. Louis MO
737 posts
When we went in 2016 we started off in Munich. At that time there were 6 Christmas Markets in Munich, all walkable and all of them worthy of a visit. You will need to fly in to a larger city, I expect. Spend some time there!
Posted by
Oberpfalz, Germany
1389 posts
I did not see 2022/2023 dates, but the Christkindlmärkte in Innsbruck, Austria could be something to consider. Not that far by train from Mittenwald. Sunday, 27 November 2022 is the first Advent, so something should be open Friday 25 November. Wildcard is Corona.
Posted by
Paradise
7072 posts
Prien is not especially recreational at that time of year, so if you are looking at a visit to Herrenchiemsee Palace from there, do check the palace and Chiemsee ferry schedule options before booking.
"We're going to use public transportation which limits us somewhat to larger towns."
This statement would be true in the USA or in some European countries, but not in Germany, really. Many tiny towns have rail stations, and those that do not are typically served by add-on bus connections from some nearby rail station.
Bus and rail connections from Mittenwald to Linderhof, Ettal, Oberammergau, etc:
https://www.dbregio-shop.de/uploads/files/RTWerdenfels_Streckenkarte.pdf
That map doesn't show all the options; the 9606 bus route for example also extends from Oberammergau to Füssen.
Posted by
Southeast US
4046 posts
Austrian market?
Salzburg's market always opens earlier than most, but it's more small city than quaint little village.
https://christkindlmarkt.co.at/english/
If you scroll down on the Prien link posted above, it indicates the Prien Market is open 4 weekends of Advent, as opposed to the market on the island of Frauenchiemsee, which is open only two weekends.
Posted by
Niagara, Ontario
1678 posts
To follow up on a point Dave brought up, markets in many of the smaller towns and villages are only open on weekends, so plan your time accordingly.