Itinerary · 5 days · December
German Christmas Markets by Train
Nuremberg → Rothenburg → Munich → Dresden → Berlin: five of Germany's best Christmas markets connected by ICE in five days. Hot Glühwein, medieval old towns, snow-dusted rooftops.
Route overview
| Day | City | Market highlight | Train |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nuremberg | Christkindlesmarkt (since 1530) | arrive ICE |
| 2 | Rothenburg ob der Tauber | Reiterlesmarkt in medieval old town | RE 1h 10 |
| 3 | Munich | Marienplatz + Residenzstraße | ICE 1h 15 |
| 4 | Dresden | Striezelmarkt (Germany's oldest) | ICE 4h 30 / fly 1h |
| 5 | Berlin | Gendarmenmarkt + 80 others | ICE 2h |
Day 1 — Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt
Arrive Nuremberg Hbf (ICE from Frankfurt 2h 15, Munich 1h). Walk 10 min to Hauptmarkt square for the Christkindlesmarkt — the original, running since 1530. Famous for Nuremberger Bratwurst (small grilled sausages) and Lebkuchen (spiced gingerbread). Look for Christkind opening ceremony from the Frauenkirche balcony.
Evening: stay near Hauptmarkt, book refundable rate 3-6 months ahead — December weekends sell out.
Day 2 — Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Regional train Nuremberg → Steinach → Rothenburg (1h 10, 2 changes but simple). Rothenburg is the quintessential medieval German town — completely walled, half-timbered buildings, feels frozen in 1400. The Reiterlesmarkt fills the Marktplatz square. Smaller and cosier than Nuremberg.
Also visit: Christmas museum (Käthe Wohlfahrt — year-round Christmas shop with 30ft tree inside).
Return to Nuremberg or overnight in Rothenburg. Onward trains to Munich run until ~22:00.
Day 3 — Munich
ICE Nuremberg → Munich (1h 15). Main Christmas market on Marienplatz with a giant tree in front of the Neues Rathaus. Additional markets at Chinesischer Turm (Englischer Garten), Residenzstraße (more upscale), and Sendlinger Tor.
Munich also has a Kripperlmarkt (nativity scene market) near Frauenkirche — centuries-old craft. Glühwein bars on Rindermarkt are local favourites.
Day 4 — Dresden Striezelmarkt
Options to get there:
- ICE via Leipzig: 4h 30min from Munich. Sparpreis €39-€69 if booked ahead.
- Fly Munich-Dresden: 1h in air. Lufthansa has daily flights. ~€100 + airport transfers.
Dresden's Striezelmarkt is the oldest continuously-operating Christmas market (since 1434). Named after Striezel (Stollen-like bread). The market centres on Altmarkt with a 14m Christmas pyramid. Dresden Stollen is the thing to buy — the real ones have a protected designation of origin.
Evening: Dresden's Frauenkirche illuminated at night is unmissable.
Day 5 — Berlin
ICE Dresden → Berlin (2h). Berlin has the greatest variety — 80+ markets across the city:
- Gendarmenmarkt — most elegant, €2 entry, high-quality crafts.
- Charlottenburg Palace — grand baroque setting, fireworks on Saturdays.
- RAW Gelände Christmas Avenue — Kreuzberg alternative, hipster-Christmas vibe.
- Alexanderplatz — casual, open late, tourist-friendly.
Fly home from Berlin BER in the evening or extend to cover Cologne market (longer 4h 15 ICE).
Tickets and logistics
- Total ICE fares: ~€100-€180 booked 2-3 months ahead. Book via DB Navigator.
- Bayern-Ticket: €27-€63 useful for Nuremberg-Rothenburg day trip.
- Glühwein: €4-€6 per cup, plus €3-€5 deposit on the mug (refundable, or keep as souvenir).
- Regional transport: day tickets in each city, ~€8-€15.
Practical tips
- Book hotels 3-6 months ahead for December dates — top markets sell out.
- Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends.
- Evening (after 18:00) is most atmospheric — lit up with snow often falling.
- Bring cash — some smaller stalls are cash-only despite Germany's shift to card payments.
- Dress for -5°C minimum. Waterproof shoes essential (slush from snow + trampling).
Frequently Asked Questions
When are German Christmas markets open?
Most open from the last week of November and run until 23 or 24 December. A few major ones (Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, Dresden Striezelmarkt) open slightly earlier, around mid/late November. Opening hours typically 10:00 or 11:00 to 21:00 or 22:00, weekdays and weekends. Shorter hours on 24 December, and most are closed on 25/26 December.
Which is the best Christmas market in Germany?
Depends on what you want. Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt is the most famous and traditional (since 1530), but crowded. Dresden's Striezelmarkt (also 500+ years) is Germany's oldest, with a focus on baked Stollen. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is picture-perfect medieval. Munich's Marienplatz market is iconic. Berlin has 80+ markets of varying styles including the elegant Gendarmenmarkt.
How much should I budget for 5 days of Christmas market travel?
€550-€850 per person (mid-range). Hotels 4 nights €360-€560 (prices 50-80% higher in December). ICE rail €80-€150 total. Glühwein (mulled wine) €4-€6 per cup, plus €3 deposit on the mug (refundable if returned). Roasted chestnuts, sausages, Lebkuchen gingerbread €4-€10 per item. Budget €30-€50/day for food + market treats. Early December cheaper than pre-Christmas week.
Should I book hotels in advance?
Yes, 3-6 months ahead for the big-name cities (Nuremberg, Dresden, Munich). December weekends sell out first. Budget 50-80% higher than off-season. Book refundable rates in case plans change. Avoid 23 December — some hotels require minimum stays or have premium pricing.
Is it very cold — do I need special clothing?
Daytime highs 2-7°C, nighttime 0 to -5°C, occasional snow. You need: warm layered jacket, waterproof shoes, wool socks, gloves, scarf, beanie. Markets are outdoors — you'll stand 2-4 hours. Glühwein helps but proper clothing is essential. Bring waterproof backpack — sudden rain/snow common.
Can I do this itinerary in 3 days instead of 5?
Yes, compressed version: Nuremberg day 1 → Munich day 2 → Dresden day 3. Skip Rothenburg and Berlin. Less breathing room but covers the 3 must-see markets. 5 days is the sweet spot for proper enjoyment — the markets aren't cheap speed-runs, they're slow-food, mulled-wine experiences.
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