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Itinerary

German Christmas Markets by Train: 5-Day Route | Trainvave

Nuremberg → Rothenburg → Munich → Dresden → Berlin by train in 5 days.Best Christmas markets, timing, Glühwein traditions, where to stay, budget.

TL;DR: The German Christmas Markets by Train: 5-Day Route | Trainvave is a curated Trainvave itinerary guiding you through Germany by train. Nuremberg → Rothenburg → Munich → Dresden → Berlin by train in 5 days.Best Christmas markets, timing, Glühwein traditions, where to stay, budget.

A 5-day Christmas market itinerary by train is the perfect way to experience Germany’s festive magic. Traveling by train means you don’t have to worry about snowy roads or parking, and you can enjoy Glühwein (mulled wine) without needing a designated driver.

Day 1: Arrival in Nuremberg (Nürnberg)

Start your trip in Nuremberg, home to one of the world’s most famous and traditional Christmas markets, the Christkindlesmarkt.

Afternoon: The Main Market

Head to the Hauptmarkt in the center of the Old Town. The market is strictly regulated—no mass-produced plastic goods are allowed. Taste the famous Nürnberger Rostbratwurst (small grilled sausages) and authentic Lebkuchen (gingerbread).

Evening: The Castle

Walk up to the Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle) for a stunning view over the city and the glowing market below.

Day 2: Day Trip to Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Experience the quintessential medieval German town.

The Journey

Take regional trains from Nuremberg to Rothenburg ob der Tauber (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes, requiring a transfer in Steinach).

The Reiterlesmarkt

Rothenburg looks like it’s made of gingerbread year-round, but it’s especially magical in December. The Reiterlesmarkt is intimate and historic. Don’t miss the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village, a massive year-round Christmas store. Try a Schneeball (snowball), a local fried dough pastry.

Day 3: Train to Munich

Travel south to the Bavarian capital.

The Journey

Take the ICE train from Nuremberg to Munich (approx. 1 hour).

Afternoon: Marienplatz Christkindlmarkt

Munich’s main market is located in front of the spectacular Neues Rathaus at Marienplatz. Browse the stalls and listen to alpine music. Just a short walk away is the Kripperlmarkt (Manger Market), specializing in nativity scenes.

Evening: Tollwood Winter Festival

For something different, head to the Theresienwiese for the Tollwood Winter Festival. It’s an alternative, eco-friendly market with international food, organic Glühwein, and performance art.

Day 4: Day Trip to Salzburg

Cross the border into Austria for a day of alpine festive charm.

The Journey

Take the train from Munich to Salzburg (approx. 1.5 to 2 hours).

Exploring the Markets

Visit the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt at the Domplatz and Residenzplatz, beneath the towering Hohensalzburg Fortress. Be sure to try some Austrian pastries and, if you’re visiting in early December, watch out for the terrifying Krampus runs!

Day 5: Munich Departure

Enjoy a final morning in Munich.

Morning: Residenz Christmas Village

If you have time before your train or flight, visit the Weihnachtsdorf im Kaiserhof der Residenz (Christmas Village in the Imperial Courtyard of the Residenz), a cozy, fairytale-like market perfect for picking up any last-minute gifts.

Related

Christmas markets general guide · Winter train travel tips · Bavaria 5-day (non-Christmas)

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.

Price Disclaimer: All prices mentioned on this page are non-binding and subject to change. Prices are examples only and may vary depending on booking time, route, and availability. Current and binding prices are available exclusively on the official websites of the respective providers (bahn.com, omio.com).

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