We've got 14 nights to spend on our first ever trip to Germany for early December 2023. We like to linger when we travel, and one and two night stays is something we try to avoid. We will be flying in and out of Munich, starting with 5 nights there, then train to Rothenburg ob der Tauber for 3 nights (too much?), then dividing then next 5 nights in Esslingen and Ludwigsburg. Our last night will be spent in Munich again for a probable early flight out the next day. All stops will be by train. Having snow for the markets would be great but we dont want to drive in it. So...in your opinion, is there not enough bang-for-your-buck with this itinerary? Would there be another nearby place that we could add to the itinerary? Whadaya think?
Posted by
Austin, Texas, USA
572 posts
We just returned from a trip to Germany a few months ago for the Christmas markets and loved it. Here are a few suggestions. Consider home base in Nurnberg instead of Rothenberg. I think three nights in Roth might be too much. I would still definitely go there as the market and town are amazing but you will literally run out of things to see and do in three days, in my opinion. From Nurnberg you are in a good train hub town to also see the markets in Regensburg and Bamberg as day trips from Nurnberg. That is what we did and it worked great due to the frequent departures to/from Nurnberg to those towns. Also, from Munich consider a day trip to Salzburg and/or Regensburg to see that market. We loved seeing a different market each night but also being able to go back to our home base to sleep. Hope you have a great trip!!
Posted by
Greeley, co, usa
2585 posts
3 nights is not too much for me in Rothenburg. I’m doing 4 nights this year and have spent 3 nights a couple of other times. Do a day trip to the market in Nuremberg and maybe another nearby town. From Munich look at day trips to Salzburg and Regensburg. Probably not much chance of snow. I hope you are lucky like we were and had an inch or so in Rothenburg - made for even more of a fairy tale look.
Posted by
Michigan
217 posts
Hi Ray,
I agree that three nights in Rothenburg ob der Tauber may be too many and a base in Nuremberg would provide good day trip options . However, I several years ago I spent a weekend there during the Christmas season. Rothenburg is so enchanting at night during this season. And a Night Watchman tour at that time of year is really fun too. The town has a whole different feel after "the tourist buses" depart. So if you decide not to stay there you might consider returning to your base location after dark. Just be sure not to miss the last train out of town.
Happy planning!
Traveler Girl
Posted by
Narberth, PA
1255 posts
Consider heading south into the mountains - Innsbruck is an easy train ride, for instance. Maybe stay a night there? You could even continue from Innsbruck to Salzburg, then return to Munich.
Posted by
Paradise
7050 posts
We've got 14 nights to spend on our first ever trip to Germany...
As for "bang-for-your-buck with this itinerary" it's very hard to say. This is an entirely new country for you, and with 2 full weeks, Germany is your oyster. Pretend you had scheduled instead for early November. What places and experiences would you place on your agenda if there were no Christmas markets at all to visit? An itinerary that's rewarding will likely include some places picked based just on your personal interests, stuff that is meaningful to YOU. Maybe Charlemagne's Cathedral? Maybe an Alpine village? Maybe one of the Roman Empire's northern outposts? One or more of Germany's Reformation towns? The world's best Volkswagen Museum? Germany's most impressive opera house? The Christmas markets are great. But there are just so many winter hours you'll want to spend wandering between Christmas booths outdoors. Your trip will pay greater dividends if you carefully consider in advance what ELSE you would really like to do. Chances are good that wherever you go, there'll be a Christmas market there, or close by.
I would never drive in the snow myself in Germany. But people do travel to snowy mountain towns in winter without a car. Munich sends off trains to fine places like Mittenwald at all hours of the day, every day.
Posted by
San Diego, California
5573 posts
Above is my Trip Report from our 2019 trip to the magical Xmas markets. Perhaps there are some helpful tips.
I would include Stuttgart markets, which are great in their own right, and close to Esslingen. We were underwhelmed by Ludwigsburg markets.
I think five nights in Munich is too much, perhaps spend a night or two in Salzburg. That city is so special when it's not Xmas, so at the holidays it's fantastic !
And if you're staying in Stuttgart, please consider an overnight near the Strasbourg & Colmar markets, all easily accessible by train. These towns are the most decorated towns I have ever seen during the Holidays!
Hotels will actually be filling up soon; I planned my trip in June and many hotels were already full, especially for the weekends.
You have so many wonderful options, have a magical time!
Posted by
OP
Saint Helens, OR, USA
304 posts
Pat, thank you. I will consider your recommendations. I dont want to include Salzburg as we want to visit there in the summer. But if we take a day away from Munich and eliminate Ludwigsberg, we could spend a few days in Stasbourg & Colmar. I like this itinerary better. Thanks again.
Posted by
San Diego, California
5573 posts
Ray, you will have a fabulous time. I was in my late 60's when my daughter and I went, and I was as excited as a six - year old. Esslingen, Stuttgart , and Colmar/ Strasbourg were so unique, exciting, and beautiful!
The Rothenburg markets were small, but just being in this medieval town is an experience. Keep us posted as you firm up details. I'm so excited for you!
Posted by
Munich
559 posts
This couple's video gives a good overview of Munich's christmas markets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dH1hz2kU5Mc
Posted by
Birmingham, AL, USA
226 posts
Great to hear you are planning Germany during the Christmas Markets! We have been several times and traveled entirely by train. We are mid 70s and it is doable if you pack light. Heavy coat, hat and gloves. We have visited many markets and you will not go wrong in choosing. I agree with others to find three or four home bases and work out on day trips. Also, keep in mind that you will want to sight see in the town since the markets are not all day events and you will want a little more variety in experiences. Nuremberg would make a lovely base and allow for day trips to Regensburg and other towns. Munich allows day trips to Dachau, Salzburg and even Nuremberg. Esslingen allows for day trips to Stuttgart and other places. We have visited Nuremburg and Regensburg twice during markets, Frankfurt twice, Cologne once, Aachen(day trip from Cologne), Dortmund to visit German friends and the markets, Stuttgart, Esslingen, Colmar and the small Alsatian villages, Strasbourg, and Munich. All have lovely museums, cathedrals, and other sights to fill your days. Best to get your hotels lined up now as they fill quickly for the weekends during the markets. Use the Deutchebahn app to plan your train connections. We have bought German rail passes for 5-7 days travel in 30 days and use them for the longer train rides and purchase tickets on the spot for short hauls. This may be a bit more expensive but we have flexibility to choose departures without having to book far in advance. Yes, we visited Rothenburg as a day trip from Nuremberg since we had visited many years before and the town looks quite different with the market set up.