Best Christmas Markets: Tour Through Germany, France, and Switzerland
From Colmar to Basel, from the charming and lesser-known Ravennaschlucht Christmas markets in the Black Forest to those in Villingen and Strasbourg: a journey through unique traditions and enchanting Christmas atmospheres
I went on a tour of the most enchanting Christmas markets in Germany, Switzerland, and France, and I can't wait to share this unique experience with you. From Freiburg and Villingen in Baden-Württemberg, to the vibrant Basel in Switzerland, and finally the delightful Colmar and Strasbourg in Alsace, every stop offered a fairytale-like atmosphere. The temperatures were a bit chilly, but the warmth of Brulè wine in my hands, freshly roasted chestnuts, and the energy of festive Christmas treats kept me cozy. I wandered through illuminated stalls, enjoyed hot chocolate, and smiled under a few snowflakes. It was a wonderful and romantic journey, and I’m sure that by following my tips, you too can experience the magic of Christmas!
In my column “A Porata di Manu,” I offer you ideas and itineraries or suggestions of things to do if you come to these parts. Write to us at apugliesearoundthewolrd@gmail.com
How to Get to Baden-Württemberg and Where to Land
By Plane:
There are three airlines that operate flights from Bari or Brindisi to and from the airports of Stoccarda e Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden, Basel Mulhouse Friburgo e Zurigo
1) Eurowings (from Bari and Brindisi to Stuttgart)
2) Ryanair (only from Bari to Baden Baden)
3) Easy Jet from Brindisi and from Bari to Basel Mulhouse Freiburg Airport.
4) ITA with a stopover in Rome from Zurich and then from Rome direct flight to Bari or Brindisi
5) Swiss air from Zurich with a direct flight to Bari.
If you land in Stuttgart, you can take a train to treno per Baden Baden that takes you to the spa town in 1h 30 minutes (cost around 30 euros).
By train
If you land in Baden Baden i bus verso la stazione di Baden Baden (Baden AIRPARK) buses leave every hour to to Baden Baden station (Baden AIRPARK) at a cost of 3.60 euros and in less than half an hour, you will arrive at the station. Train schedules to or from Baden Baden you can look for them on the official Deutsche Bahn however from the station you can also take another bus to the center or other direct buses to some cities in Baden-Wuerttemberg The Baden Baden station is located along the Mannheim-Karlsruhe-Basel railway.
To get from Karlsruhe Airport/Baden Baden (FKB) to Baden-Baden, you can also go by cab, it costs €75 - €95 and takes 22 min
You can rent a car and move around freely.
Below is the Special on Christmas Markets and my first Tour between Germany, France and Switzerland
GERMANY, BADEN WURTTEMBERG, Ravennaschlucht
If there is one place I will always carry in my heart and recommend to anyone who loves to experience the magic of Christmas, it is definitely the Christmas market in the Ravenna Gorge (Ravennaschlucht), Germany, near Freiburg, in the heart of the Black Forest.
BOOK ADMISSION TICKETS FOR Ravennaschlucht
We are in Germany near Freiburg..
Ravennaschlucht, it's not just a marketplace-it's an experience that feels like something out of a fairy tale! You pay an entrance fee and enter at set times. You have to book in the time slot most convenient to you but well in advance. It is located in a natural canyon, topped by a majestic stone viaduct. It is one of the most atmospheric and unique Christmas markets in the world. Under this imposing structure there are snow-covered, illuminated and wooden cottages. There is a magical atmosphere here. As the train whizzes over the viaduct, passing through a fog of red, blue and green colors, the landscape is transformed into Christmas enchantment.
Ticket e orari Cost 5.50 euros with shuttle.
This Christmas market in the Ravenna canyon stands out for its spectacular setting: festively decorated wooden stands blend with the natural beauty of the canyon. Among the pathways and lights, visitors can discover select handicrafts, unique handmade creations, and be surrounded by the heady scents of Black Forest specialties, sweet and savory. An experience that combines the magic of nature with Christmas tradition.
By train la Deutsche Bahn From Freiburg all you need is a cheap train ticket (only 4 euros!) to Himmelreich. From there there is a shuttle (included in the entrance fee) that will take you into the heart of the Ravenna canyon in just 15 minutes. I recommend planning well for the return, however, because around closing time the influx of visitors can be considerable!
By car On the navigator point to Ravennaschlucht When you arrive you are immediately faced with a majestic, fully functioning cuckoo clock, a symbol of the watchmaking art of this region. There is a free parking lot
GERMANY, BADEN WURTTEMBERG, VILLINGEN
Villingen's markets take place in the historic center, exactly on Münsterplatz in honor of the red sandstone cathedral featured on the square, and across from the cathedral is the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), characterized by a stepped pediment, and Klaus Ringwald's Münsterbrunnen, a bronze fountain adorned with playful portraits of characters who helped shape Villingen's history.
During the Christmas season, the square comes alive with lights and colors and many little wooden houses where you can find arts and crafts, wooden nativity scenes and many treats including mulled wine hot chocolate with cream and the inevitable wurst.
During other times of the year it gets very lively on Wednesday and Saturday mornings when a market is set up with stalls overflowing with local products such as bread, meat, cheese, fruit and flowers.
It is connected by the la Deutsche Bahn or you can rent a car to get there. There is walking in this village
COLMAR, ALSAZIA, FRANCIA
During Christmas, Colmar in the heart of Alsace is transformed into a living fairy tale. This beautiful medieval French town, already famous for its half-timbered houses, romantic canals and cobblestone streets, is dressed in lights, colors and decorations that enhance its timeless charm. From Nov. 24 to Dec. 29, six Christmas markets (located in 6 squares) enliven the old town with nearly two hundred stalls full of handicrafts, local products and gastronomic delights. Every corner of the city gives off Christmas atmosphere, from the scent of cinnamon and mulled wine to the carols that echo through the streets. Little Venice, the picturesque heart of Colmar, is not to be missed and becomes a paradise for children, with little wooden houses filled with toys, mechanical nativity scenes and a large letterbox for Santa Claus. A unique experience that makes Colmar a must-see stop to experience all the magic of Christmas
You can experience Colmar on foot. To get there if you don't have a car, it is well connected by la Deutsche Bahn trains
STRASBURGO, ALSAZIA, FRANCIA
Tradition, history and a unique atmosphere: Christmas in Strasbourg is an experience to experience at least once in a lifetime. The capital of Alsace and an enchanting meeting point between France and Germany, Strasbourg has been hosting its Christmas market since as far back as 1570, the oldest in France and among the most authentic in Europe. In the UNESCO-listed historic center, the Grande Île, more than 300 exhibitors enliven some 15 markets, including the atmospheric Christkindelsmärik in Place Broglie, a triumph of crafts, Alsatian flavors and Christmas decorations. Not to be missed is the giant fir tree at Place Kléber, which lights up every evening at 5 p.m. in an exciting light and music show. Strasbourg, capital of Alsace, invites you to “Share the Magic” and discover the true Christmas spirit amid history, tradition and enchantment..
BASILEA, SVIZZERA
The Christmas markets in Basel, take place in the 2 historic squares: that of Barfüsserplatz and that of Münsterplatz. These markets are among the largest in Switzerland, but also among the most fascinating. From Nov. 28 to Dec. 23, 2024, daily from 11 a.m. At Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, in the heart of the festively decorated Old Town, it feels like being at Luna Park. At Münsterplatz, in front of the cathedral, I was blown away by the wonderful tree decorated by Johann Wanner, with lights illuminating all around and by the giant carion that dominates the square. At Barfüsserplatz, on the other hand, I was captivated by the stalls: Christmas delicacies, handcrafted gifts and a warmth that only this time of year can provide.
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