It has long been a dream of mine to see the Christmas markets in Germany and I've just planned out a trip for the week before Christmas this year. Our family includes a 7 year old boy and a 9 year old girl. We will be in Nuremburg, Rothenburg and Munich (over 8 days) and will have a car. I've been to these cities before (many years ago) and have some ideas about what I'd like to do, but would appreciate what others might suggest as good activities to keep the kids interested (beyond buying goodies at the markets!). My husband is concerned that the kids will hate all of it (although I have planned a day trip to Neuschwanstein with Radius tours to provide some variety as well.) thanks!!
Posted by
Fanwood, NJ, USA
62 posts
A few things come immediately to mind.
1) Nuremburg is home to the Deutsche Bahn musuem (http://www.db.de/site/dbmuseum/de/start.html). There's also the castle above the old town.
2) Munich is home to the Deutches museum (http://www.deutsches-museum.de/en/), a very cool science and technology museum. The transport collection, including a large collection of trains, is now located at the verkehrszentrum (http://www.deutsches-museum.de/en/verkehrszentrum/information/).
3) In Rothenburg, I think the night watchman's tour still runs at Christmas time. There's also the walk along the wall which the kids might enjoy.
More to follow.
Posted by
Fanwood, NJ, USA
62 posts
Continued from above.
Also, it's worth noting that most Christmas markets have a kids sections with rides. (I remember the one in Nuremburg being nice, but I haven't visited Munich at Christmas.) Another idea is to have the collect mugs from all the markets. Each market will sell Gluhwein and Gluhpunsch (mulled non-alcoholic punch) in it's own mug. You put down a few Euro for a deposit, but many people, myself included, simply keep them as a souvenir. Combined with all of the available sweets, I would think kids would love it.
Enjoy your trip,
Paul
Posted by
Edmonds, WA, USA
32 posts
In Munich they have outdoor ice skating near some of the markets that the kids might enjoy. And I think they would also love the night watchman's tour in Rothenburg.
Posted by
Munich, Germany
1 posts
I have a website called Munich Kids. It is a website for English-speaking families living in Munich. You should find some interesting things on there for your family. I update it about once a week or so, so check in again when it gets nearer to your trip. Munich is a wonderful city for kids. Don't worry that you won't be able to keep your kids entertained!
Posted by
San Clemente, Ca.
408 posts
Ellen,
i did the danube Christmas market tour a few years ago and loved it. I did not have my kids, but I think they would enjoy it. It's fun with all the decorations and they have rides for all ages. The kids may enjoy the Crime and punishment museum in Rothenburg. My son liked it, but he was 16 when we were there. I love the night watchman tour too. Have a wonderful time.
Posted by
OP
Nottingham, UK
14 posts
Vielen Dank to all of you for the wealth of suggestions. It is encouraging and makes me all the more eager to be there. If we have a little snow it will be perfect - the trip of lifetime!!
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
One of the great things I noticed about travel in France and Germany is that many of the tourist sites make an effort to appeal to both adults and children. For example, Ludwig's castles have special children's guidebooks that give them little tasks to do throughout the tour, such as finding hidden statues or heraldry emblems.