Germany Christmas Markets
 

Hi everyone,

My boyfriend and I are flying into Europe in mid December and we're considering visiting germany to see the Christmas markets there. We're from the southern hemisphere so
This will be our very first white Christmas - and first Christmas away from home -
So we wanted to do something a little different.

I've been researching a little but I'm getting overwhelmed with how many markets there are and just how big Germany is! Does anyone know which are considered the best among the markets? And how accessible is it from the major airports? Or will be need to rent a car?

We're also planning to meet up with friends who are interested in visiting Prague for new years eve. Would any of the 'better' markets be within say a train ride of Prague?

Thanks so much for your help!

Nuremberg is considered to be the "best" by many, but many others also get rated that way. It all depends on the individual.

Prague can be reached easily from Nuremberg - less than 4 hours by direct (non-stop) train.

Another good choice if you want to end up in Prague, is Dresden. It is less than 2.5 hours from Prague, again by direct train.

As a bonus, both Nuremberg and Dresden can be reached by a direct train from Frankfurt airport, Dresden in about 4:45 hours, and Nuremberg in a little more than two hours. I am saying this might be a bonus because it is likely that Frankfurt will be your easiest destination in Germany from South America.

Munich is a little closer to Nuremberg (another direct train) than Frankfurt, but Dresden is a little farther and the train is not direct.

The markets in Regensburg (there are several, one featuring all hand-crafted items) and Passau are excellent.

Hi, Jessie -

If you put "christmas markets" in the Forums search box, you'll find tons of threads and trip reports that will help you out. Here are a few to get you started:


http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-of-heaven.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ain-region.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...rip-report.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-be-missed.cfm

If you are after a White Christmas, then maybe you should look at those in the mountains

Thanks everyone for your input!

Nan-bug: I had tried looking through threads and researching but I got a little confused and overwhelmed!

Aramis: I can't thank you enough, that's exactly the kind of info I was hoping for when I wrote the post. Looks like we will try to get to both Nuremberg and Dresden :)

The fastest route between Nuremberg and Prague is the DB Bahn direct bus. There is no non-stop train. About an hour faster than the train. All Christmas markets in Germany will close on Christmas eve and sometimes the day before. The Prague markets are opening till Jan 6th.

I've heard Regensburg has a lovely market. (See other Fodor's threads) And you can take the train directly to Prague from there.

I would recommend one of the most beautiful towns i have seen in Germany, just ideal for christmas :
Rothenburg ob der Tauber...
As for accomodation there, have a look at www.booking.com

We have been to Germany and Austria for the Christmas markets 6 times and only once had a real White Christmas. That was last December when we had 22 inches over the course of our stay and itinerary.

Our favorite city in Germany is Berlin and we also really enjoyed the markets there. Another plus is the lack of tourists from North American that we have found in Munich, Nuremberg and the more typical tourist destinations.

We also love Salzburg and the surrounding area at this time of year and the snow covered Alps never disappoint!

We have done the markets many times. You can hit my name and probably find a long posting.

Rothenburg has it all. Small town market and beautiful town. Easy to get to from Frankfurt.

We used to be able to easily get rooms during this time. Not so now. Check ahead for rooms or prepare to stay in smaller towns.

Snow is not guaranteed.

You might consider staying for a day or two in Oberammergau, the site of the famous Passion Play. It's a lovely little town with buildings painted with scenes from fairy tales, and the shops feature locally made wood items and fabulous tree ornaments.

How is the weather during this time of the marketa....considering traveling with my 6 y/o and very "active" 2 y/o....

Generally cold, sometimes wet. Last year we had a LOT of snow and it was fabulous!