What to do in Southern Germany - Christmas time?
 

We're going to Schliersee 50 miles from Munich in December (husband & I, and 3 kids - two age 19, one age 12). Any advice what to see/do? How is the skiing? We're staying 7 days - timeshare - Alpenclub - know anything about it? Also, we're thinking of coming in 2 days early - should we fly into Frankfurt? Berlin? - and then go to Schliersee and fly home from Munich.<BR><BR>Any and all help is appreciated. <BR><BR>Thanks in advance - <BR>

I would definately say to go to Nuremburg. They have a whole traditional ceremony called Kristkindsnacht and there are tons of decorations and food (lebkuchen)--cookies around the town and it is just a really nice time of year there.

Hi Diane:<BR><BR>My favorite time in Germany was during Christmas Market time!! Beautiful. Will probably be going again this year! Now, I am not sure whe Schiersee is??? South of Munich is Garmish. o there for a small market but here are the ALPS and skiing. My favorite town. If you fly into Frankfurt I would try and go to Nurenberg and Rothenburg tow of the best areas for Christmas. Have fun! Maybe I will see you there. What is Alpenshare? I have never head of them?<BR>JOHN

We went to Munich, Nurnberg and Garmish in 2000. Agree strongly with John. Weekends in Nurnberg are very very crowded. Still worth it but weekdays are better. Nights in Munich many of the stores stay open it's great.<BR>Frankfurt is an Industrial city. I personally would pass. Others may disagree. To me Bavaria in the south is the fun part of Germany.

Don't miss Nuremburg at Christmas!! Gluhwein, Lebkuchen, and Wurst. Also, roast chestnuts. The Christmas Market is crowded, but very charming.

Thanks for all the replies - Schliersee is near Spitzingsee. AlpenClub is a timeshare resort that I also understand is a health spa.<BR><BR>Where is Nuremburg? Is it far? We won't be arriving until December 27, is that too late for Kristkindsnacht?<BR><BR>How about New Years Eve? Any ideas

According to the Nurnberg website Christkindlesmarkt usually ends @ 2 PM on Christmas Eve. Never mind. BTW Nurnberg is about 100 miles north of Munich.

A couple of practical considerations with respect to yopur time frame. I am not familiar with your location but did take my two teenage sons(19 & 16) for a similar trip timewise to Garmisch/Innsbruck/Bertschgarden a few years back. It's a wonderful time as far as the Christmas spirit and markets and all but they have their own traditions and timing. Definitely make arrrangements for dinners on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve and Day. Depending on where you are it can be difficult at the last minute. Also Christmas Day and New Year's Day will find most everything closed, so check if anything wiil interfere--sometimes they are good days to travel. <BR>I still remember walking through the snow to a restaurant seeing candles lit at each gravesite on a hill in a nearby graveyard, singing carols in the restaurant and wonderful "gemutlich!" Have a great trip.