“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.”

-Norman Vincent Peale

Arguably, winter in Europe is not the best time to visit as far as the weather is concerned. But the Old Continent does have something that other countries around the world simply cannot compete with: historical, atmospheric Christmas Markets that I gladly would — and have, in fact — endure subzero temperatures for.

Pack your winter boots, your tuque and mittens (don’t judge, that’s how we call ’em in Canada!) and your camera, because you’re in for one hell of a photogenic journey that is nothing short of pure magic.

Christmas Markets in Europe: The 6 Best

Esslingen, Germany

I’ve already written quite extensively on Esslingen and how obsessed I still am with this fairytale town even four (four!!!) years after my visit. There are several markets scattered across the tiny historical centre, each with its own vibe and specialities — paradoxically, at over 200 stalls, it’s also one of the largest in the region.

The star of the show is, however, the Medieval Market; merchants like blacksmiths, broom makers and glassblowers are clad in historical garments and demonstrate their unique craftsmanship in the same way their ancestors presumably did hundreds of years ago in this very spot.

Additional reading: The Best Christmas Markets in Germany

Vienna, Austria

The tradition of Christmas markets in the Austrian capital goes back to the 13th century when Albrecht I granted locals the privilege of holding a December Market, called krippenmarkt. The grandiose Wiener Christkindl on Rathausplatz is, admittedly, one Vienna’s largest with seemingly innumerable stalls but its self-dubbed “sea of lights” made of advent candles and outstanding setting —right in front of the imposing neo-Gothic City Hall— make it entirely worth a visit. This is also where the most active visitors will find the ice skating rink, which I graciously gave a miss as my lack of motor coordination does not allow me to get anywhere near sharp blades.

I was also able to explore the festively decorated market stalls over at Christmas Village on Maria-Theresa Platz, wedged between the stunning Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Art.I was there during the day and it made me so happy to see locals have a glass of glühwein on their lunch break (crazy Europeans, right?!).

As the world’s capital of music, Vienna is definitely the place to be for choir music as this is where the International Advent Singing festival is held every year in December. About 80 choirs from various country around the world travel to City Hall on four weekends of Advent and offer free concerts.

Charlottenburg Palace, Germany

The market at Charlottenburg Palace is definitely the most magical and perhaps the most strikingly beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. Although quite recent —it only officially opened in 2007— it really doesn’t feel like a novelty thanks to the 300-year-old royal palace, all lit up for the occasion.

There are approximately 150 vendors —making it one of Berlin’s largest— selling traditional items, like arts & crafts, ancient handicrafts, jewellery, clothing as well as several gourmet foods. Because of its extremely traditional approach, baroque soundtrack and exceptional backdrop, this particular market is the perfect introduction to German Christmas markets and a great starting point to any market tour.

Additional reading: The 8 Most Magical Christmas Markets in Berlin

Passau, Germany

It simply doesn’t get more quintessentially Christmas than in Passau. Modest in size but generous in jaw-dropping scenery, this quiet village nestled on the Austrian border is home to one of Europe’s most stunning cathedrals — i.e., St. Stephan’s Cathedral, with its three distinctive, green-domed towers — which also serves as a backdrop to the quaint Christmas market. This one is infinitely easier to explore than its more touristy counterparts; just a handful of stalls selling local crafts and fragrant foot-long bratwürst in the purest German tradition.

Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava‘s Christmas markets truly are a reflection of their city: compact, atmospheric, and absolutely adorable. The red-and-white awnings set the tone and are the perfect backdrop to the illuminated trees dispersed throughout the lively square. Whatever you do, though, do not think of going to a Slovak Christmas market without having one, two or three (I don’t judge) lokše, an absolutely scrumptious potato pancake that can either be served savoury or sweet — try one with bryndza, Slovakia’s most-loved cheese.

I highly recommend climbing to the top of the Old Town Hall’s tower pictured above, as you can an unobstructed bird’s eye view of the Main Square market as well as Bratislava’s castle and lovely old town.

Budapest, Hungary

Not to be undone by Europe’s more popular Christmas destinations, Budapest is a winter wonderland in its own right. With over 100 cottage-style wooden pavilions covering every square inch of stately St Stephen Square and its sky-high flickering Christmas tree, there’s no question that Budapest knows how to enjoy the holidays. Now’s your chance to enjoy Hungarian treats like kurtoskalacs (cinnamon-pastry chimney cakes) and toki pompos (flat-bread pizza with sour cream, onions and bacon) as well as largely underrated Hungarian wines.

Christmas Markets in Europe: The Ones on My Bucket List

Strasbourg, France

Stockholm, Sweden

Colmar, France

Innsbruck, Austria

Trondheim, Norway

St Gallen, Switzerland

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

St Petersburg, Russia

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Christmas Markets in Europe: Know Before You Go

• There are several ways you can plan a trip encompassing Christmas markets in different countries. You can get a Eurail pass, hire a car or if your budget allows, book a Christmas-themed river cruise.

• While markets are similar in form and atmosphere, no two Christmas Markets in Europe are exactly the same.

• Beware of the sprawling markets with “Made in China” memorabilia that isn’t even one bit authentic. Markets are supposed to be about artisans and traditional workmanship; try and prioritise these ones.

• As anywhere else in the world these days, temperatures can be notoriously hard to predict. I’ve visited Christmas markets in subzero temperatures and with loads of snow, but I’ve also drank mulled wine in balmy +10 degrees. Look at the forecasts before you leave and pack accordingly, but don’t go in expecting the perfect winter postcard — with recent climate changes, it’s very likely you might not get that experience at all.

• If you can’t bear the thought of having to buy yet another tie for your dad or bath products for your mum, why not do your Christmas shopping at the markets? You can get lovely jewellery, winter attire, gourmet treats (that you will NEVER find elsewhere), wooden trinkets and even lovely wines. Make sure you leave enough room in your suitcase for gifts!

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The post My Favourite Christmas Markets in Europe appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.

Isn’t the whole point of excursions to see a destination? I knew very well there wouldn’t be a whole lot of seeing that morning, but I went on ahead anyway because who knows when I would get to visit this teeny tiny Austrian village again? Life’s short. Be bold. Or something like that.

The Absolutely Idyllic Village of Durnstein

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Durnstein is, admittedly, a popular stop on many Danube river cruises. Situated on a curve in the Danube right ahead of the picturesque Wachau Valley, Durnstein is famous for being not only being one of the most beautiful villages in Austria but also for being home to a stunning abbey and the Kuenringerburg Castle ruins, which are both complemented by romantic 16th-century houses.

The fog’s game was quite strong along the river itself, but luckily, it didn’t reach the heights of the village – which I almost had all to myself. And what a beauty it was!

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There isn’t a whole lot to be said about Durnstein besides how quaint and photogenic it is, even in the dead of December. I’ve been told that summer is the best time to visit, however, and not just in terms of weather: indeed, Durnstein is one of Austria’s top-rated wine and apricot growing regions, making it one of the most visited spots in the Wachau Valley on sunny days thanks to gentle hills dotted with vineyards and mature forests.

What my visit lacked in touristy highlights it made up in romanticism and photogenicism; I replaced breathtaking views by cake-fueled pitstops, and, honestly, that’s not something you’ll see me complain about anytime soon. To my knowledge, Durnstein doesn’t have a Christmas market (which was, after all, the theme of the river cruise I was on) but it does have several artisan shops where you can get apricot-based delicacies and gourmet products, as well as wine and spirits. I ended up buying several of my Christmas presents there!

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I didn’t get to see the castle ruins (where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192, after insulting Leopold V), as they were completely covered by the fog – what’s the point of hiking so high up if you can’t admire the view, i.e., the only thing that makes hiking a worthy endeavour as far as I’m concerned? But I’ve been told the scenery of the Danube and both of its banks are really quite outstanding on clear summer days.

Inside the Durnstein Abbey

But what really makes Durnstein so popular, besides its gourmet scene, is its striking azure-coloured former Augustinian monastery. Founded in 1410 and later on fitted with dramatic Baroque features, the Chorherrenstift was actually dissolved in 1788 by radical but benevolent Emperor Joseph II as part of Austria’s religious reform. It is now the local church, but if I’m honest, it probably welcomes more tourists than fellow parishioners.

Not that it’s a problem. It’s absolutely gorgeous. See for yourself!

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Normally, at this stage, I would include a swoon-worthy photo of the Danube’s scenic Wachau valley, but FOG. And you know what? I’m still glad I put my coat on and went on that walking tour that morning because in the end I got to see the village with an almost unique perspective, one that very few other tourists have had.

Isn’t that what travel is all about?

I visited Durnstein as part of the Danube Waltz expedition with Viking Cruises. All opinions are my own.

The post Is Durnstein The Cutest Village in Austria? appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.