I am planning on visiting Germany in late November and December. I am interested in visiting Christmas markets. I have personal reasons for wanting to be in Koln on December 9. I am considering flying into Berlin, on to Dresden, Nuremberg, Munich, and then fly out of Koln. Is this too ambitious for somewhere between 10-13 days? How many days in each city? Is it possible to do any Rhine boat tour this time of year? I am planning on train travel. I would appreciate any feedback as this is my first European trip. Thank you.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9221 posts
If you take the slower train along the Rhein, instead of the ICE, you will see the exact same scenery as you get on a boat.
Visiting some smaller Christmas markets is well worth your time. You will get a very different type of experience. Every town has one these days, but usually just for one weekend.
Posted by
OP
Bay Area
63 posts
Jo,
Any recommendations for the smaller Christmas markets? Do any of the cities I mention also offer the smaller markets?
Thank you.
Posted by
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
2779 posts
Christmas markets: Dresden much better than Nuremberg. Berlin has got several and they're big and ok. Frankfurt has got one of the most beautiful of all but American tourists don't seem to get that message for whatever reason. Köln and Munich have got very nice christmas markets but compare with Frankfurt (one of the oldest) for yourself. Important: I'm talking about the one on Frankfurt's main square, Römerberg or Römer as the locals call it. Don't bother about the one in Wiesbaden.
Posted by
Jakarta
25 posts
Now I'm interested in Christmas Market in Frankfurt. I went to the one in Koln and it was so nice (nothing like I saw in the rest of my Christmas Euro trip, but at that time I wasn't specifically looking for Christmas Markets) I'd comeback only for the Christmas Market.
Posted by
OP
Bay Area
63 posts
I hadn't considered Frankfurt, but will now revisit my proposed itinerary. I appreciate all of the comments and any tips anyone may have. I have a lot to think about since I have never travelled to Europe. Would one or two nights be best for the Frankfurt Christmas markets?
Posted by
Lake Forest, CA, USA
1633 posts
For a smaller, less crowded Christmas market, you could stop by the market in Mainz on your way to Frankfurt. When I lived in Mainz in the 70's, I always looked forward to my town's market. While you are in Berlin, you could go to the market in Passau. Here's a website for all of the markets in Germany: http://www.germany-christmas-market.org.uk/index.htm Have fun shopping, eating and drinking your way through the markets!
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9221 posts
The smaller markets are going to be in smaller towns. Places like Bad Homburg, Kronberg, Königstein, Seligenstadt, Büdingen. That last one would be at the top of my list as they use lanterns, torches, etc. and it is held in the dry moat that surrounds the castle. This a true back door town, as tourists just don't seem to find it.
http://www.buedingen-touristik.de/reisefuehrer/buedingen-der-film
This website is a very comprehensive list of the smaller and larger markets for all of Germany. It is in German, but just click on whichever land you will be and find the towns or cities you will be visiting. This will pull up photos and dates. It is especially good for finding markets being held in old castles, or medieval markets.
http://www.weihnachtsmarkt-deutschland.de/burgweihnacht.html
I will of course agree with Andreas that the Frankfurt market is wonderful. I especially like it when the brass band plays from the gallery of the Alte Nikolai church that overlooks the market.
Posted by
Coppell, TX USA
284 posts
Just keep in mind that trains sometimes do not run due to strikes. In fact, during the volcanic eruption last month, the german train did not run on certains days due to a strike.
Edwin
Posted by
Orlando, Florida
676 posts
Jo and Andreas, thanks for all this info! I'm definitely now going to F-furt for their Christasmarkt this year . And I'm looking into Budingen, sounds neat!