The most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany: My top 5

Fünf besondere Weihnachtsmärkte in Deutschland

When the year is slowly coming to an end, there is a seductive smell of roasted almonds, punch and mulled wine outside and the first Christmas carols sound, then the time has come: the Christmas markets have opened their doors again and, in the truest sense of the word, sweeten our time until the holidays. On this occasion I have put together my personal top 5 of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany for you. And they hide in the most unusual places.

When making my selection, I paid particular attention to originality and a romantic and festive atmosphere. I have also selected the most comfortable and beautiful accommodations for each location. Have fun browsing my recommendations. And of course also at the Christmas markets 😉

Christmas market in the Ravenna Gorge: My insider tip

One of the most unique Christmas markets I have ever visited is this Christmas market in the Ravenna Gorge. This wildly romantic Christmas market not only enchants with its fairytale ambience, but also and above all with its extraordinary location. In a gorge, directly under the picturesque Ravenna Bridge, an enchanted Christmas village made up of many small, cozy wooden huts awaits you. The landscape and location of the Christmas market reminds me of the perfect Christmas postcard motif. The Ravenna Gorge is best known for its beautiful hiking trails. A very special highlight before Christmas is the annual torchlight hike. The possibility already exists reserve a parking space online, which is also recommended in view of the large crowds.

Opening times of the Christmas market in the Ravenna Gorge

From when to when does it take place?

Friday 29.11./06.12./13.12./20.12. 15:00 p.m. – 21:00 p.m
Saturday 30.11./07.12./14.12./21.12. 14:00 p.m. – 21:00 p.m
Sonntag 01.12./08.12./15.12./22.12.                   13:00 – 20:00 Uhr

Where is the Christmas market in the Ravenna Gorge?

Ravenna Gorge, 79874 Breitnau

Does the Christmas market cost admission?

Travel & parking lots

Easily accessible by car and public transport. Shuttle buses are available.

Anyone arriving by car from the direction of Freiburg or Titisee-Neustadt can park their car in the parking space at Hofgut Sternen. The parking fee is €5,00. The parking space reservation is divided into two batches per day and must not exceed the duration of 3 hours.
Those arriving by train from Freiburg main station or Neustadt station can take the HTG feeder buses to the Christmas market from the Hinterzarten and Himmelreich stations. Parking spaces are available at the Hinterzarten and Himmelreich train stations.

Hotels & Accommodation in Breitnau

Hofgut Sternen – The hotel with the cuckoo clock: If you want to get to know the beautiful Black Forest, this is it fairytale hotel perfectly housed. The Black Forest-typical house not only impresses with its ideal location directly at the Christmas market in the Ravenna Gorge, but also with the typical Black Forest hospitality, history and tradition. A special eye-catcher is the sugar-sweet house with the cuckoo clock.

Landhotel Bierhäusle – small but mighty: This rural & cosy Cabin style hotel is located in the middle of the Southern Black Forest Nature Park, about a quarter of an hour's drive from the Ravenna Gorge. The great location and the service are ideal for a short break in the picturesque Black Forest.

More information about the Christmas market in the Ravenna Gorge

Heidelberg Christmas Market - An old carousel, a castle and one of the most beautiful ice rinks in Germany

Speaking of romantic Christmas markets, then of course he can Heidelberg Christmas market definitely not missing. Because this Christmas market offers everything a Christmas heart desires: With its picturesque old town, the fantastic location on the Neckar and the Heidelberg Castle, the university town forms a fantastic backdrop. From the 25. November to 22. December 2019 can Visitors can look forward to around 140 festively decorated booths and lots of goodies.

wintry skatingVenjoy: In addition, one of the most beautiful ice rinks in Germany awaits the Christmas market guests on Karlsplatz. With a direct view of the castle, visitors to the Christmas market can do their laps on the open-air ice rink. Incidentally, all attractions and sights are within easy walking distance.

Opening hours of the Heidelberg Christmas market

Heidelberg Christmas market
25. November - 22. December 2019
Sunday - Friday 11 a.m. - 21 p.m. (max. 22 p.m.)
Saturday 11 a.m. - 22 a.m.

Winter woods on the grain market
November 25, 2019 – early January 2020
Closed December 24th

Heidelberg ice rink (Karlsplatz)
November 25, 2019 – early January 2020
Monday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 22 p.m.
Closed December 24th
25 and 26 December 2019: 12 p.m. – 22 p.m
December 31, 2019: 10:1 a.m. – XNUMX:XNUMX p.m

Where does the Christmas market in Heidelberg take place?

In the old town: Bismarckplatz, Anatomy Garden, University Square, Market Square, Kornmarkt, Karlsplatz

Does the Christmas market cost admission?

Admission is free.

Travel & parking lots in Heidelberg

Easily accessible by bus, train and car.
Multi-storey car parks P0 to P7, P14, underground car park P15 in the old clinic and P16 directly at the beginning of the Neuenheimer Neckarseite. For a stroll through the old town or a visit to the castle, you can also park in the multi-storey car parks in the old town P9, P11, P12 or P13. Free parking spaces will be given to you below www.heidelberg.de/parken displayed.

Hotels & Accommodation in Heidelberg

Boutique Hotel Heidelberg Suites - For an exceptional stay

Right in the heart of the city, directly on the Neckar with a fantastic view of Heidelberg Castle the Boutique Hotel Heidelberg Suites to the best addresses in town. All sights are within walking distance.

The European Court of Heidelberg - Family-run hotel with an exciting history

This 5 star superior hotel was already one of the leading grand hotels in Germany 150 years ago. Today, the Europäischer Hof combines its long tradition with modern elements and great attention to detail.

More information about the Heidelberg Christmas market

Christmas market in Baden-Baden - The traditional Christmas market

Are you looking for a Christmas market that is open on Christmas and even until January 06th in the New Year? Then you've come to the right place at the Christmas market in Baden-Baden. The probably most French city in Germany is not only known for its soothing thermal baths and the opulent casino, but also for the romantic and traditional Christmas market. Framed by the mountains of the Black Forest, right in the heart of the city, visitors to this Christmas market can expect a living nativity scene, themed and family days and a magical winter fairytale ambience.

Opening hours Christmas market in Baden-Baden

November 28, 2019 - January 6, 2020

Open daily from 11 to 21
28 November: grand opening at 17 p.m
24 and 31 December: 11am to 15pm
01 January: 13pm to 21pm

Where is the Christmas market in Baden-Baden?

Right in the center of town in front of the Kurhaus.

Does the Christmas market cost admission?

Admission is free.

Travel & parking lots in Baden-Baden

Easily accessible by public transport and by car. Parking: Kurparkgarage, Festspielhausgarage, Kongresshausgarage, Wagener car park

Hotels & Accommodation in Baden-Baden

The little Prince
A truly magical & extraordinary Boutique Hotel in the heart of Baden-Baden. Hotel guests immerse themselves in the touching and fairytale story of the "Little Prince".

Hotel Belle Époque
The romantic & stylish 5 star hotel invites its guests to an elegant journey through time to the "Belle Epoque". My husband and I celebrated our civil wedding at this unique Small Luxury Hotel.

More information about the Christmas market in Baden-Baden.

Striezelmarkt in Dresden – The oldest Christmas market in Germany

It has been open since 1434 Striezel market in Dresden its gates and is therefore officially Germany's oldest Christmas market. Incidentally, it is not for nothing that Dresden is also known as the Christmas capital of Germany. I visited the Striezelmarkt during my last year City trips in Dresden visited. Incidentally, the Striezelmarkt owes its name to the famous Dresden Stollen. Therefore, visitors to this Christmas market will find a particularly large number of bakeries that tempt with traditional and new delicacies. With a height of 14,62 meters, the world's largest step pyramid is one of the biggest attractions of the Striezelmarkt and impresses millions of visitors from all over the world every year. For me, the Striezelmarkt is definitely one of the most touristy, but also one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany.

Opening hours Striezel market in Dresden

28.11.2019/23.12.2019/10 – 00/21/00 XNUMX:XNUMX a.m. – XNUMX:XNUMX p.m
13.12.2019 10:00 a.m. – 22:00 p.m
24.12.2019 10:00 a.m. – 14:00 p.m

Where does the Striezelmarkt take place in Dresden?

Altmarkt Dresden, centrally located in the city center.

Does the Striezelmarkt cost admission?

Admission is free.

Travel & parking lots in Dresden

Best accessibility by public transport, on foot and by bike.
Free P+R parking spaces on important access roads with public transport connections
Current Notes: Closure of the southern lane of Wilsdruffer Straße from Postplatz in the direction of Pirnaischer Platz for the market period.

Hotels & Accommodation in Dresden

Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski - Impressive architecture and its own ice rink

my city trip I decided on the Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski in Dresden before Christmas and have not regretted my choice for a second. This hotel is a sight in itself, with its intricate architectural style and dramatic story of King Augustus the Strong. It is topped with an excellent location right in the heart of Dresden and a fabulously beautiful private ice rink. In just a few steps you can reach the Striezelmarkt and numerous other sights. For me, the Taschenbergpalais Kempinski is the ideal address for a holiday in Dresden before Christmas.

More information about the Striezelmarkt

The Royal Christmas Market at Hohenzollern Castle

What could be more magical than a Christmas market in one of the most impressive castles in Germany? The royal Christmas market at Hohenzollern Castle should of course not be missing in my list of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany. Hohenzollern Castle is worth a visit all year round, but at Christmas time the castle complex is transformed into a magical winter wonderland. If you are lucky, there is already snow and you can enjoy the phenomenal view of the castle while hiking. But also at the castle, visitors can expect a fantastic panorama over the hills and valleys of the Swabian Jura. In the courtyard, guests can look forward to numerous colorful Christmas market stands and a varied culinary offer. Since the royal Christmas market also takes place in parts of the viewing rooms, no tours can be carried out during the Christmas market season.

Opening times Royal Christmas market at Hohenzollern Castle

Does the Christmas market cost admission?

Children and young people up to the age of 16 are free.
Adults 10,00 euros
Reduced 8,00 euros
Tickets are available in the P1 shop and at the Adlertor ticket office (there are no online tickets).

Where does the Christmas market take place?

In the castle courtyard, in the carriage courtyard as well as in the family tree hall and in the Count's Hall of Hohenzollern Castle.

Travel & parking lots Burg Hohenzollern

By car
Freeway:
Via the A 81 Stuttgart-Singen, exit Empfingen, then on the B 463 in the direction of Balingen and via the B 27 to Hechingen, exit Hechingen Süd (signposted Hohenzollern Castle). 

federal road:
Via the B 27 Stuttgart-Tübingen-Hechingen-Balingen, exit Hechingen Süd (signposted Hohenzollern Castle), you can take the access road to the castle through the forest directly to the Parking spot. There are sufficient parking spaces for buses. From the car park, a steadily ascending footpath (approx. 20 minutes) leads to the castle entrance, the Adlertor. It is easier to reach the castle with the shuttle bus (station next to the parking lot shop). For easy access by car, you can find the here Directions.

By bus & train
From Stuttgart main station with the Train (IRE) to Hechingen train station
Stuttgart main station 10.16 pm – Hechingen train station 11 p.m. (Every day)
Stuttgart main station 12.16 pm – Hechingen train station 13 p.m. (Every day)
You can find more connections at In www.bahn. display.

Hotels & Accommodation in Hechingen

Our city villa - An Art Nouveau villa straight out of a fairy tale

Speaking of castles and palaces, the right accommodation should of course not be missing. Our city villa is a charming Garni hotel in a beautiful Art Nouveau villa. The hotel is in a wonderful location on the outskirts of the lower town in Hechingen with a beautiful view of the castle. With this cozy ambience, you can also make a short holiday out of your visit to the Christmas market.

More information about the Royal Christmas Market at Hohenzollern Castle

I hope I was able to provide you with one or the other Christmas market inspiration 🙂 and maybe you know another Christmas market that should definitely be on the list. What is your favorite Christmas market?