Munich Christmas Markets, Related Questions

Posted by jenn.foster123 on 09/27/17 09:51 AM

I am in the workings of planning a 3/4 day weekend trip (Thursday night thru Monday) to Munich with one other friend. My three must-do's are of course Christmas markets and simple walking tour of Munich, a castle tour (definitely the Neuschwanstein) & a half day trip to Dachau.

My first question is: does this seem feasible in the time I have? Energy is not a factor, I have no problem being out all day every day.
2: What would be the best day of the week (Friday-Sunday) for each event? For example, would it be preferable to avoid a castle tour on the weekends? Or are the Christmas markets closed (or anything closed) on Sundays?
3. I am currently looking at the day trips through the website "viator," the reviews seem positive and the prices relatively cheap, but does there exist a better option? I prefer bus tours to avoid having problems on the trains, and of course I do not have my own car.
4. I considered November 30- December 4th, however the following weekend is also feasible. Do these weekends make any particular difference?

Any other comments or recommendations are encouraged. I have never been to Germany, so I hope you know more than I do! :)
Also, I am a student studying in southern France, hence the short trip. I wish I could plan a longer one!

Posted by Ms. Jo

Frankfurt, Germany

09/27/17 12:05 PM

8946 posts

Viator is selling other peoples tours and not recommended. If there is a problem with the tour, you are out of luck. Look on Trip Advisor to find the websites of the tours they are reselling.
Radius is the top tour company in Munich, whether you are doing a city tour, or a tour to Dachau or Neuschwanstein. They use the trains, so not sure if this makes a difference. In winter a train is going to have fewer problems than a bus.

Posted by Debbie

Narberth, PA

09/27/17 12:34 PM

1230 posts

Hi. Not sure you need tours. Lots of great public transportation to choose from if you want to explore castles or even Salzburg for a day. If you really feel you need/want a tour, use the Search function at the top of this page, and you may find reviews and comments on tours folks have taken.

I am going to be in Munich the following weekend. On Sunday, the 10th, is the Krampuslauf from 3-5 in the center of Munich. If all other things are equal, I would choose the second weekend.

Things I am doing and which day: Saturday: Viktualienmarkt, Dallmayr, shopping, main Christmas market. The Viktualienmarkt, Dallmayr, and most stores are closed on Sunday.

Sunday: the creche exhibit at the Bavarian National Museum, the Christmas market at Residenz, and the Medieval Christmas market. All fairly close within walking distance of each other. I may try to fit in a church service early in the day. And, then there is the Krampuslauf from 3-5. Hang around the main market after.

Monday: Neuschwanstein in the afternoon; possibly hangout, low key coffee shop type morning or take care of shopping I want to revisit; or if I have been obsessing on something I did not buy at the market(s), go back. OR, perhaps I could visit Albrecht Dürer's self portrait at the Alte Pinakothek.

Get a travel book. Munich is easy to navigate with many notable places to visit. I just know what I can do this time around in my limited time. Christmas markets are open on Sunday.

http://www.muenchen.de/int/en/events/christmas-market/christmas-markets-overview.html

Posted by highlanderct

Portland, CT

09/27/17 12:41 PM

276 posts

Myself and a friend did what you plan a few years ago and it's definitely feasible. We took a tour to Neuschwanstein and went by rail without issues. You could go on your own but if your goal is to see the castle only honestly a tour is the way to go. Less hassle and the price is about the same. We did Dachau as well by tour leaving from the town hall. It was a half day tour. Neuschwanstein will be a full day tour. I can't remember the day of the week we went but for me it was rushed and hearing the guide was hard. Read the history before you go. The scenery is beautiful. Dachau drained me emotionally but important history. Our guide did a great job explaining everything. The Christmas market is open around 10ish to 9ish seven days a week. You'll have plenty of time to spend at the market. Night time is great. If you can get a hotel in the town center. My friend and I are going back next year. Have fun!

Posted by ChinaLake67

NorthCarolina

02/23/18 01:45 AM

936 posts

Viator is a 3rd party booking company - we never book thru them, they 'sell' other company's tours and take part of the price. Best to book directly with the actual company. We look on TripAdvisor to find best tours around a city and then go to that website to book. Be careful, as Viator will pop up and want you to book with them thru TripAdvisor. The RS Munich/Germany book may have tour company recommendations. I know AAA does also.