Travel time:
Christmas market breaks in southern Germany
Bavarians are proud of their stunningly beautiful region and age-old Christmas traditions, and you'll see why. Nuremberg hosts Germany's biggest Christmas market, and meanwhile in southern Bavaria the charming castles of Füssen will take your breath away. Check out our suggested itinerary below and read all about the highlights of this incredible region.
Getting to the German Christmas markets is easy. The country's trains are fast, efficient, and take you to the heart of all major cities. Within this itinerary we provide further details on travelling to each market.
Want a convenient pass for German trains? The Interrail German Rail Pass entitles you to 3, 4, 5, 7,10 or 15 days of rail travel in Germany within 1 month!
Cities visited in this trip:
1. Munich
2. Day trip to Füssen
3. Day trip to Nuremberg
1. Stay in Munich, Germany
Spend your winter getaway surrounded by the beautiful Alpine scenery of Munich, where you're never far from fun and festive happenings. Enjoy strolls through the English Garden (Englischer Garten), the largest urban park of its kind.
Be sure to visit Munich's Christmas market on the next Sunday after 6 December to see the Krampus, a terrifyingly devilish creature and companion of Santa, running amok around the city.
Munich Christmas Market dates:
The market was planned for 22 November - 24 December 2021, but was unfortunately cancelled due to the COVID-19 situation in Bavaria.
From Munich main train station, the suburban trains S1 to S8 take you to Marienplatz in just two stops. These S-Bahn trains are free with your Interrail Pass.
From Munich to Füssen
2h8m
Transfer:
0
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Munich, Germany
München Hbf
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2h 8m
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Füssen, Germany
Füssen
2. Day trip to Füssen, Germany
Possibly the most enchanting of all day trips in Germany and with Munich as your base, the fairytale castles of Füssen are a must-visit during your winter city break. Enjoy the romantic views of Ludwig II’s childhood home Hohenschwangau Castle, as well as taking a romantic horse-drawn carriage up to his masterpiece Neuschwanstein Castle.
Füssen is not without its own quaint Christmas Market. You’ll find it within the courtyard of the St. Magnus Abbey.
Füssen Christmas Market dates:
Held every year on the first 2 Sundays of Advent in December.
It's a delightful 8-minute walk from Füssen train station to the Christmas market within the monastery courtyard.
From Munich to Nuremberg
Travel time:
1h6m
Transfer:
0
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Munich, Germany
München Hbf
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1h 6m
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Nuremberg, Germany
Nürnberg Hbf
3. Day trip to Nuremberg, Germany
See the world’s most famous Christmas market in Nuremberg. The Nürnburg Christkindlesmarkt is a Yuletide extravaganza. Taking place in the main city market place (Hauptmarkt) you’ll be whisked away to a Christmassy dreamland of glittering lights and the sweet smells of Spekulaas and Glühwein.
Nuremberg is well worth visiting for sightseeing alone. The 15th century Kaiserburg fortifications offer fantastic panoramic views of the city. Nearby, the house of painter Albrecht Dürer is another rustic charm.
Nuremberg Christmas Market dates:
The market was unfortunately cancelled in 2021 due to the COVID-19 situation in Bavaria.
From Nuremburg main train station you can walk to the famous Christmas market at the Hauptmarkt in just 10 minutes.
Explore Germany with Interrail
Choose from 3, 4, 5, 7,10 or 15 days of rail travel within 1 month.
As soon as you're in Germany, hop on and off as many trains as you like using just one rail pass.
You'll arrive at city centre locations just a few steps from the nearest Christmas market. Leave everyone else to battle it out for car parking spaces!
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