Short Visit to Munich for the Christmas markets
Dec 22nd, 2016, 07:29 AM
#1
Original Poster
Short Visit to Munich for the Christmas markets
Before October of this year, when I’d been on a work related overnight trip to Bremen, I’d never been to Germany. I’m not quite sure quite what I expected, but really enjoyed my short visit. I found the old city centre of Bremen very attractive, and thought to take my dearly beloved there for a quick trip.
As things happened, I couldn't get reasonably priced flights to Hamburg or Bremen from any nearby airport, but did find a bargain return flight from our local airport to Munich which coincide with the occurrence of Christmas Markets
I have a bit of a reputation of being a cross between Ebeneezer Scrooge and Dr Seuss’ Grinch – this is a little unfair as I actually really like Christmas, but only in December (whereas parts of the UK seem to think 25th September is a good starting point), so I was really looking forward to the markets.
The day for departure came, and the town was covered in a thick blanket of fog. By midday, nothing had taken off or landed from the local airport, and I began to fear our late afternoon flight would be cancelled – but all went well and we departed only ten minutes late, arriving in Munich on time. We were soon on the S-Bahn train to the city centre, and arrived at Marienplatz just after 9pm, only to find all the market stalls were shut or shutting down (apparently they stay open later on Fridays and Saturdays.
We walked on to our Hotel – the Munich city Ibis. On the plus side it was clean, the staff very friendly, the beds comfortable and the shower good. It also had the smallest room I have ever seen in a hotel, barely room to swing a mouse – it made it almost impossible to move about without bumping into something, or each other. As it was late, and we didn't know the area, supper was just a beer and a toasted sandwich in the hotel bar.
On the Wednesday morning we set off for the markets – there are quite a few in the central Munich area. It was about minus 4C when we set out, definitely chilly but made for some good photos of icicles hanging from the Brunnenbuberl fountain.
The first market we visited was the Kripperlmarkt – about a dozen wooden stalls all selling nativity scenes. They were wonderful – different designs of stable and every variation of traditional character and animal in many styles. As well as the main Holy family of Joseph and Mary and Christ in the Manger, there were all varieties of Shepherds , Kings and Angels. The figures ranged from inexpensive plastic to beautifully hand carved. Some of the stables sold for €500 or more, the more elaborate characters for €80-90. I have been told that these crib collections are often considered heirlooms in Germany, passed down to each new generation.
As well as the obvious figurines , there were every variety of animal that you could think of – the normal ox and ass, but also numerous varieties of goat , sheep , dog, cat, pig (I didn't question the Kosher aspect), exotic animals such as camels and elephants and also truly bizarre things like polar bears and penguins. There seemed little duplication between the stores – each had a large selection of seemingly unique items. Many were small, affordable additions to a stable scene – fires (with LEDs and some with smoke effects), numerous tools (pitchforks, axes, hammers etc).
I was surprisingly thrilled by all this – we spent probably over an hour just at these few stall, and if I had had to leave at that moment, I would have gone home happy.
As things happened, I couldn't get reasonably priced flights to Hamburg or Bremen from any nearby airport, but did find a bargain return flight from our local airport to Munich which coincide with the occurrence of Christmas Markets
I have a bit of a reputation of being a cross between Ebeneezer Scrooge and Dr Seuss’ Grinch – this is a little unfair as I actually really like Christmas, but only in December (whereas parts of the UK seem to think 25th September is a good starting point), so I was really looking forward to the markets.
The day for departure came, and the town was covered in a thick blanket of fog. By midday, nothing had taken off or landed from the local airport, and I began to fear our late afternoon flight would be cancelled – but all went well and we departed only ten minutes late, arriving in Munich on time. We were soon on the S-Bahn train to the city centre, and arrived at Marienplatz just after 9pm, only to find all the market stalls were shut or shutting down (apparently they stay open later on Fridays and Saturdays.
We walked on to our Hotel – the Munich city Ibis. On the plus side it was clean, the staff very friendly, the beds comfortable and the shower good. It also had the smallest room I have ever seen in a hotel, barely room to swing a mouse – it made it almost impossible to move about without bumping into something, or each other. As it was late, and we didn't know the area, supper was just a beer and a toasted sandwich in the hotel bar.
On the Wednesday morning we set off for the markets – there are quite a few in the central Munich area. It was about minus 4C when we set out, definitely chilly but made for some good photos of icicles hanging from the Brunnenbuberl fountain.
The first market we visited was the Kripperlmarkt – about a dozen wooden stalls all selling nativity scenes. They were wonderful – different designs of stable and every variation of traditional character and animal in many styles. As well as the main Holy family of Joseph and Mary and Christ in the Manger, there were all varieties of Shepherds , Kings and Angels. The figures ranged from inexpensive plastic to beautifully hand carved. Some of the stables sold for €500 or more, the more elaborate characters for €80-90. I have been told that these crib collections are often considered heirlooms in Germany, passed down to each new generation.
As well as the obvious figurines , there were every variety of animal that you could think of – the normal ox and ass, but also numerous varieties of goat , sheep , dog, cat, pig (I didn't question the Kosher aspect), exotic animals such as camels and elephants and also truly bizarre things like polar bears and penguins. There seemed little duplication between the stores – each had a large selection of seemingly unique items. Many were small, affordable additions to a stable scene – fires (with LEDs and some with smoke effects), numerous tools (pitchforks, axes, hammers etc).
I was surprisingly thrilled by all this – we spent probably over an hour just at these few stall, and if I had had to leave at that moment, I would have gone home happy.
Dec 22nd, 2016, 08:23 AM
#2
Original Poster
Some Photos: https://goo.gl/photos/YnrLG8yeQ159GrTu8
Dec 22nd, 2016, 09:13 AM
#3
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Nice report, and love the photos! I enjoyed the little fire accessories the most- narrowly escaped buying that and a particularly rakish looking camel. Munich is wonderful but it was indeed SO cold.
