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Winter is just around the corner and that is a very special season in SouthWest Germany. Think of snow and Christmas markets, hand-crafted wooden toys and glass tree ornaments, let alone the delicious cakes, steaming hot chocolate and spicy scent of hot mulled wine on the crisp night air.
Best of all, SouthWest Germany is known for destinations that are particularly romantic during the season of good will. |
| Schlossweihnacht: SouthWest Germany’s Festive Palaces |
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During “Christmas in the Castles” (Schlossweihnacht), some of SouthWest Germany’s most beau- tiful and historic buildings are transformed. Castles, palaces and monasteries are decorated for the season and host Christmas markets with everything from fine arts and crafts to culinary delights.
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A particular favorite is the Heidelberg Castle Christmas Market (December 6-11 and 13-18). The atmospheric lighting sets the scene, while inside is a small market with gourmet treats and high-quality crafts. Outdoors in the courtyard are cheerful pavilions, where local artists show off their handicrafts made from glass, wood and ceramics, as well as leather, wool and felt. Explore the historic gardens with a glass of mulled wine; enjoy wonderful views of the old city; listen to seasonal music in the historic chapel. |
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Other castles and monasteries that capture the Spirit of Christmas include Maulbronn Monastery (December 8-9), the 12th-century Salem Abbey (December 1-2) and Weikersheim, with its palace and gardens (December 14-16).
More information: www.schloesser-and-gaerten.de/en
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| Great Christmas Markets in and near Stuttgart |
Nowhere has more Yuletide cheer than the Stuttgart Region, which has some 300 Christmas markets. One of Europe’s largest is the 300-year-old Stuttgart Christmas Market (November 28 – December 23), with 282 stalls throughout the old city. Every evening, a concert of Christmas music is held in the Renaissance courtyard of the Old Palace.
Another local favorite is the Ludwigsburg Baroque Christmas Market, complete with thousands of twinkling lights and angels with large glittering wings. Stroll around; with some 175 Christmas stalls, there is plenty of choice (November 27 – December 23).
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At Esslingen‘s Medieval Christmas Market (November 27 – December 21), stallholders in historical costumes peddle their wares just as tradesmen did centuries ago, while fire eaters and minstrels entertain. In a recent visitor survey, Esslingen was voted No 1 Christmas market, ahead of cities such as Nuremberg, Vienna and Salzburg.
More details: www.stuttgart-tourist.de
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| Hohenzollern Castle (Burg Hohenzollern): A royal celebration |
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The ancestral home of the Prussian Royal family (one hour sothwest of Stuttgart) is truly impressive. Set on craggy hilltop with spectacular views over the surrounding countryside, this castle is one of Europe’s most beautiful and best-preserved – and it comes with 1,000 years of history!
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In the main hall, a giant Christmas tree welcomes visitors. Craftsmen and women sell unusual holiday gifts, from one-of-a-kind jewelry and elegant pottery to imaginative toys and delicious local delicacies. Handmade teddy bears and hand-painted glass balls are perfect for hanging on the Christmas tree, while carefully-crafted cards turn Yuletide greetings into a keepsake. In the outdoor market, with its cheerful red-roofed stalls, music and choirs, waffles and Glühwein (mulled wine) all guarantee a festive spirit.
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From late November, Karlsruhe is transformed into a “Christmas City”. The Friedrichsplatz square looks like a winter wonderland, with one of Germany’s largest outdoor ice rinks (November 29 – February 3). |
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Also special is the “Flying Santa” (November 29 – December 9), a unique Christmas show that features high-wire artists. See Santa floating high above the square in a sleigh – pulled by reindeer!But the main draw is the 41st Karlsruhe Christmas Market in the city center. With more than 100 decorated stalls, this is a delightful spot to go shopping, relax and have fun (November 29 – December 23).
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To enjoy Christmas time in Karlsruhe, individual travelers can choose from an array of special packages, such as the “Karl’s Hallopaket” and the “Karlsruhe Christmas City” weekend package. They are for one to three nights (from Friday to Monday), and include numerous discounts for cultural events and dining options, a detailed information pack and a small city guide as a reminder of your stay in Karlsruhe. To get into the Christmas spirit, guests also receive a voucher for a mug of hot, mulled wine and other temptations at the charming Christmas market.
More details: www.karlsruhe-tourismus.de |
| The Black Forest: A storybook Christmas |
In the Black Forest, villages look like scenes from a book of fairytales come to life. Streets and squares are decked out with lights and greenery. Local craftsmen sell jewelry, wooden toys and homemade candles, as well as straw stars and glass ornaments for Christmas trees.
The most romantic Christmas markets include Freiburg (November 26 – December 23), Baden-Baden (November 26 – December 30), Freudenstadt (December 7-16) and Ravenna Gorge (December 7-9, 14-16 and 21-23). Unique is Gengenbach, where the 24 windows on the Town Hall are opened one by one each day, to create one of Germany’s biggest Advent calendars.
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With more than 70 peaks topping 3,250 feet, the Black Forest is one big outdoor adventure park. Go skiing on the Feldberg mountain, or cross-country skiing along 750 miles of trails. Watch a sporting highlight in 2013: the International Sled Dog Races in Todtmoos (January 26-27) and Bernau (February 2-3).
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| Baiersbronn: The active side of the winter |
Deep in the Black Forest, Baiersbronn is known as a “hiking heaven”. And this charming village is just as heavenly in winter, when bright sunshine glints on the snow. Get out in the crisp air and stride along the 25 groomed winter hiking trails; or follow some of the 50 miles of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails. Along the way are welcoming huts that serve hot chocolate and mulled wine. |
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Special winter package (from € 195 p.P.):
– 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in a double room, 3-star hotel
– 2 days’ hire of snowshoe equipment
– 1 voucher for a mountain hut
– 1 “Menu-Hopping” evening in 4 hotels.
– Baiersbronn map of winter hiking trails, Konus guest card (free public transport)
More details: www.baiersbronn.de
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