Christmas with a twist in Lower Saxony

Drinking mulled wine while sitting in a beach chair is an experience you will only find in Lower Saxony (specifically, Wilhelmshaven). And this region is also where you’ll find a Christmas market on floating pontoons in the sea – this time at Emden.

But Christmas markets in Lower Saxony are not just coastal. Visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Goslar can experience Germany's only Christmas forest against a beautiful background of timber-framed houses, next to the marketplace.

Lower Saxony’s theme parks are also preparing for the Advent period, with Autostadt in Wolfsburg (above left) inviting its guests to a winter wonderland journey across ten countries. 

Hot apple wine and romantic plums in Frankfurt

Germany’s tallest Christmas tree and hot apple wine – it’s Christmas time in Frankfurt am Main.

The history of Frankfurt’s market, which today stretches from Liebfrauenberg across St. Paul’s Square and the Römerberg town centre (pictured), dates back as far as 1393. For years, only Frankfurt merchants displayed their wares here, of which Bethmännchen, a delicious almond and marzipan biscuit, and Quetschemännchen, a figure made of dried plums, are typical. Years ago, a gentleman too shy to make his affections known would send a Quetschemännchen to a lady’s residence. If she accepted this gift, his chances looked bright indeed.

Frankfurt also exports Christmas markets to Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Leeds.

Regensburg’s sausage-shaped pick-me-up

The Regensburger Knackersemmel, a zingy sausage snack, is traditionally served at Christmas markets in the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage City. This culinary pocket battleship is a sausage served in a bun with sweet mustard, horseradish and pickles, and it’ll keep you going as you stroll through the decorated alleys and squares between Regensburg’s four markets.

These are the traditional 'Christkindlmarkt' on Neupfarrplatz and nearby 'Lucreziamarkt', where self-designed and handmade goods are offered. In the courtyard of Thurn & Taxis Castle is the Romantic market, offering a lovely Christmas village in a baronial setting. Last but not least, there is the Advent market in the Katharinenspital, close to the Stone Bridge. Regensburg also has a special Christmas offer.

Make the most of Füssen's fairytale location

Better known as the historic Bavarian town at the end of the Romantic Road, near to the spectacular castles of Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau and Linderhof, Füssen makes a superb setting for a Christmas market, but one for visitors who want to make the most of the landscape, too. The town is surrounded by woods, lakes and mountains, with crystal clear visibility, miles of cross-country skiing, ice skating and unlimited opportunities for winter hiking. Mountain chalets attract hikers who, after their ascent, enjoy meals of Allgäu specialities, followed by a toboggan ride down.

Füssen market itself is held in the festively illuminated monastery courtyard of St. Mang, in the heart of Füssen’s historical centre.

Cradle-crawl along Bamberg’s nativity trail

Bamberg, with its plethora of medieval buildings, is an ideal setting for a Christmas market, which has its base in Maximiliansplatz. But the city is also well known for its Nativity Trail, which winds through Bamberg’s atmospheric old streets and connects different nativity scenes from all over the world. The starting point is right by the market, with a large nativity scene in Franconian style which shows different scenes from the Bible, ranging from the Annunciation to the worship of the Three Kings. From there, the trail snakes out to around 40 different stops in churches, museums and squares, each with nativity scenes illustrating the story of the virgin birth.

Thuringia, birthplace of several Christmas traditions

Fancy trying a medieval sauna? Then head for Thuringia, in the Cultural Heart of Germany. The historical Christmas Market at Wartburg Castle (on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th weekends of Advent) features artists, craftsmen, knights, colourful stalls – and the aforementioned sauna. Loincloths not required!

In fact many a Christmas tradition originated in Thuringia. The first public Christmas tree was erected in Weimar, and glass tree decorations were invented near the town of Lauscha where the Christmas Baubles Market is staged on the 1st and 2nd weekend in Advent. Arguably the region’s most famous market is in the capital Erfurt (pictured) where St Mary’s Cathedral provides a perfect setting for 200 stalls and a big Ferris Wheel. More info on Christmas Markets in Thuringia. 

Parkschlösschen has the antidote for 'metabolic slag'

Christmas is the season to be merry. The Parkschlösschen, Europe’s first luxury Ayurveda resort in the elegant Moselle valley, certainly does not want to spoil the fun. However, a few Ayurvedic tips for your winter well-being: according to Ayurveda, the body's metabolism increases in winter, resulting in a bigger appetite and a craving for heavier foods. In order to aid digestion and not to overload the body with metabolic slag, food should be seasoned with spices such as cumin, cloves, mustard seed, saffron, cinnamon and cardamom.  Doesn’t sound too bad!

For a special Christmas treat, the Parkschlösschen (which will be closed from 17th to 24th December), offers gift vouchers or the option of a relaxed New Year’s celebration with the best of Ayurvedic vegetarian cuisine. Information about programmes on www.parkschloesschen.de.

In Baiersbronn, calorie-burning comes free of charge!

The Black Forest is one of Germany’s favourite winter destinations and well-known for its skiing, cross-country skiing and hiking infrastructure. Baiersbronn in the northern part is not only Germany’s gourmet valley, but also offers perfect calorie-burning winter fun. Visitors can discover the region by putting on snowshoes and gliding (well, it takes a bit of effort) through the winter wonderland. Besides a lunch voucher and a visitor card for free public transport, this ‘winter magic’ offer also includes a gourmet hike in the evening where each course is taken in a different venue; so calorie-burning, again, comes free-of-charge.

A similar package (two nights, from EUR 195 per person) is also offered for cross-country skiing. Contact Baiersbronn for more information.

Good honest winter fun à la Oberstaufen

Oberstaufen in Bavaria’s Allgäu region is a veritable winter paradise with downhill and cross-country skiing, hiking, snow-shoeing or tobogganing all on the agenda.  And best of all, it’s guaranteed glitz-free, no-nonsense and down to earth winter fun.

The spa town, famous for its Schroth Kur treatment, features 100km of cross-country trails, 28 ski lifts and 40km of slopes, including very good options for beginners, snowboarders, and families. For hiking aficionados there’s a 60km network of cleared paths, offering great views of the Allgäu mountains. And for the less sportively-inclined, a romantic horse-sleigh ride should do the trick. More information about winter activities in Oberstaufen.