As regular Forum contributors may know, we are big fans of German Christmas Markets, and have made them the focus of several trips. One region of Germany still on our bucket list is Northern German, specifically places like Hamburg, Lubeck, Lüneburg, Hannover, and Bremen. Wondering if maybe we should consider this area for a Christmas markets trip. What are the Christmas markets like up North (other than cold!)? How do they compare with more iconic/familiar regions like Bavaria or along the Rhine? Has anyone traveled in this region during Advent, i.e. the first few weeks of December, and can share their impressions? Thanks in advance!
Posted by
Berlin
2244 posts
Northern Germany is not necessarily colder than South. Depending on base temperature and wind the Seas have a mild influence on the temps in the North.
Lübeck is a real highlight with a lot of Scandinavian guests, also smaller ones on the landside which are really unable to reach without a car. I recommend to enhance your scope to the Harz mountains which has really worth-visiting places and markets; example Quedlinburg. One in Bremen is recommended too - I forgot the name of it; partly at the river. Let me also mention the one in Schwerin which is small but nicely decorated.
"iconic/familiar regions": do not underestimate the North. Compared to South they are less confessional but the communities are strong and partly very familiar and warm. I want to say that North and South are both authentic - therefore iconic is for me a wrong wording.
Posted by
Germany
451 posts
The North is well worth a trip, and of course I am Hamburg's biggest promoter. That said, the markets of Hamburg are mediocre (probably the only mediocre thing about Hamburg). On a weekend, the market on the main square is quite crowded, but during the week it's nice. Same with the White market on the Alster. I very much enjoy them, but they are your standard markets. The one in Ottensen (off the Altona train station) has a really good Glühwein stand. The one that is truly unique but not at all everyone's cup of tea is Santa Pauli. This is a tongue in cheek and not-so-tongue-in-cheek red light market. So you can buy marzipan on a stick shaped like male or female anatomy or you can buy Glühwein with risque names or you can buy totally normal but actually handmade crafts or you can watch a guy hand carve a wooden pleasure toy. A bit more glitter (including a gilttery Glühwein), rock music, and party atmosphere--a lot less old-town market. It is absolutely fun and worth seeing, but as I said, not everyone's cup of tea and not for children.
Lübeck and Bremen, however, are really great. Bremen's Schnoor is particularly amazing, and Lübeck is lovely. Both have a medieval market that is fun. I find both way better than Nürnberg or Munich but not quite as lovely as the little towns on the Wolfgangsee in Austria.
Posted by
California
142 posts
I have been to many, many Christmas Markets and my very favorite is Dresden. In fact there are multiple markets in Dresden as well as the historic buildings and museums.
Another nice market up north is Erfurt. It has an unusual location where there are two cathedrals on a hill and the Christmas Market is below in the town square. It is a beautiful sight lit up at night.