It’s that time of year where Christmas is on the mind and in the air, and what better place to go than Germany. The perfect cities to visit for the holiday season are the highly acclaimed Christmas Market "Reiterlesmarkt" in Rothenburg ob der Tauber or the Christmas Market in Heidelberg.
These two quaint and charming cities are a little off the beaten path, but are quintessentially European. Each of these cities has incredible views of what medieval Europe would have been from red roofs to city walls. These cities have it all and more.
Rothenburg
In Rothenburg, one of the best experiences is to climb up to the city wall and walk along it to see what the defenses would have been when they were protecting the city. In addition to seeing the wall, you can see the Medieval Crime and Justice Museum, which is the perfect addition to exploring medieval defenses.
Heidelberg
In Heidelberg, there is a stunning castle. It towers high above the Neckar Valley and continues to captivate visitors from all over. It was the residence of the Palatine Counts for over 400 years. The palace is meant to rival the imperial courts in Vienna and Prague, as a demonstration of royal status of the Palatine Court. In it’s prime, it was full of life with scenes of lively festivities with dancing and tournaments. Now, there are guided tours that let you relive the splendor of its olden days.
Next on to what everyone is looking forward to, Christmas Markets.
Reiterlesmarkt
Reiterlesmarkt is an annual festival in Rothenburg that starts November 25th and lasts through December 25th. It is a true experience of a German Christmas with decorated shops across the Old Town, and classic Christmas music flowing through the streets. You will be able to try the traditional German Christmas food from crispy fried Bratwürste to savory Flammkuchen. If that wasn’t enough, you can even try the Christmas classic of finely seasoned gingerbread Lebkuchen plus dozens of other holiday favorites. There is even the classic holiday mulled wine with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and all spice. In addition to all these festivities, you can find handmade gifts and ornaments at world renowned Christmas stores.
Heidelberg Christmas Market
Heidelberg is another one of the best places to experience the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany. During the month of December, there are numerous Christmas stalls to be discovered. In addition to the beautiful streets and sights, there are several stalls that sell gifts in various places in the old town. In addition to the many gift booths there are some of the most stunning ice rinks in any Christmas Market in Germany with a view of the world-famous castle ruins on Karlsplatz.
Has Christmas Markets in Germany piqued your interest yet? If it has, schedule an online consultation with me to plan your visit for next year!