Solo Travelers gr
- Oct 11, 2022

Christmas in Germany

Cologne - Bonn - Aachen - Monschau

Our favorite habit is when we organize a trip in the days of December to experience the Christmas atmosphere. Countries like Germany, Austria, Czech Republic and Hungary could be said to be winning the battle in Europe, since the decoration combined with the outdoor markets give them a unique feeling.

A unique Christmas experience was our trip to Cologne. In the city you will find several open-air markets with food and mulled wine as well as crowds of people visiting them during the afternoon hours. The largest market is located in front of the Cologne Cathedral where at the time we went there was also a stage with artists singing as well as a choir...

Video from the central Christmas market in front of Cologne Cathedral

Video from the original Christmas market on the banks of the Rhine river next to the chocolate factory in Cologne. The market mainly sold seafood based food!!

Roadtrip προς Βόννη & Άαχεν

We suggest you rent a car and visit the neighboring Bonn, Beethoven's city and the capital of West Germany until 1990. Christmas is not complete without a castle and here you will see one of the most impressive which also hosts a market, Schloss Drachenburg ( entrance €7).

Big cities are nice, but the unique thing about Germany is its decorated villages with traditional houses and the absolute feeling of Christmas. And one of them is Bad Münstereifel 50' from Bonn traveling west towards the Belgian border. Close to Bad Münstereifel you will also find Burg Satzvey for castle lovers!!!

Next stop and really "2 steps" from the border with Belgium, the most beautiful village we have ever visited in Germany, Monschau. The small river that crosses it as well as the music throughout the village take you on a journey to a Christmas fairy tale.

If you don't choose to spend the night in Monschau then the biggest nearby city is Aachen 40 minutes away or book a room in neighboring Belgium where you will find plenty of accommodation close to the border.

Food - Drinks at the Christmas markets!!!

Glühwein (warm red wine) is the typical drink served in decorated mugs. Sometimes flavors like cherry or stronger alcohol (mit Schuss) are added for an extra intensity.
Kinder Punch (Children's Punch) is the typical soft drink. It is hot fruit juice – usually orange or apple – with the same spices added to Glühwein.
Hot chocolate, coffee and tea are also available.

The variety of food sold at German Christmas markets varies from market to market and region to region. However, some standards are available in all markets across the country:

Sausages (Wurst or Würstchen) in all shapes, lengths and forms are usually grilled over open fire or charcoal and sold in bread. The bread is basically used to keep the sausage warm - condiments such as ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise and pickles are generally available for self-service. Sausages vary by region.
Potato cakes are thick pancakes made from grated potato, flour and a number of other ingredients. The names vary, but of the 30 or so variations Kartoffelpuffer and Reibekuchen are the most widely understood. Potato cakes are often served with applesauce or other accompaniments and are often the best value for money at Christmas shopping.
Baked – these also vary from region to region, but waffles and crepes are standard items in all markets.
Sweets – sugary in all shapes and sizes, nuts, dried fruit, candies, chocolates, gingerbread and Lebkuchen are popular.