As a fan of European Christmas markets, Germany was on the top of my list as far as destinations. I spent 10 days total there, 5 days in Berlin and 5 in Munich and it is my best trip yet. The food, the people, the lights, everything was amazing.
Out of the five days in each city, Berlin and Munich, two were spent taking day trips to other cities. I enjoy both regions but if I go back, I would only revisit Munich.
Christmas Markets
The best Christmas markets I have seen yet are in Germany. The markets go all out and do not disappoint. The stands sell a wide variety of items including but not limited to: food(hot and packaged), clothing, wine, liqueur, wooden gifts and ornaments. I have seen the Christmas markets in France and Spain, and they do not compare, both in size and variety. For example, one of the main differences is the selling of mulled wine. French markets sell it but not to the extent of its German counterparts. The mulled wine or Glühwein is nonexistent in Spain. Spain and France also lack the plethora of hot food booths.
Langos is a one of the many delicious hot foods you’ll come across. It is a Hungarian dish consisting of fried bread and a variety of toppings. Throughout the markets, there are Gluhwein stands from all different companies. They will give you the wine in a glass and when you return the glass, you will get your deposit back. I like this one the best out of all the ones I came across, so I kept it as a souvenir.
Berlin
While in Berlin, I visited Buchenwald Concentration Camp, Potsdam, and the various Christmas markets. Potsdam is on the outskirts of Berlin and 40 minutes by train. This city is also home to the famous Sanssouci Palace.
Buchenwald Concentration Camp
I spent a day going to Buchenwald Concentration Camp which is about 3.5 hours from Berlin by train. Buchenwald was one of the first and largest of the concentration camps within Germany’s 1937 borders. There are not a lot of buildings left as a result of the bombings during World War 2.
Sanssouci Palace
Sanssouci Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a nice day trip from Berlin. It is located in Potsdam and about 45 minutes by train. This historical building, built by Prussian King Frederick the Great in 1745, was used as his summer home and took two years to complete. Granted it was December, so it was overcast but the grounds and park are still nice to stroll through.
Munich
After spending a few days in Berlin, I headed south to Munich. I recommend taking the train as opposed to flying a local airline. There are direct routes that will have you there in 4 hours. Munich is the capital of Germany’s Bavaria state (16 total). This specific state is home to Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze. Additionally, picturesque hills and lakes along with a relaxed, carefree vibe are just some if the great things you will experience.
The Isar river, which runs through Munich, is a popular destination in the summer for swimming. During the winter, it makes for a nice walk while enjoying the Christmas markets.
Nuremburg
During my visit to Munich, I went to Nuremburg on a day trip. The train ride from Munich is an hour. Located in this city is Courtroom 600, where the Nuremburg Trials were held from November 20, 1945, to October 1, 1946. Following the trials up until March 2020, this room was used as an actual courtroom. It is now part of the permanent exhibition. https://museums.nuernberg.de/memorium-nuremberg-trials/permanent-exhibition/courtroom-600
Museums are part of the exhibition as well as the concentration camps. They are all different and some are larger, this being one of them. This specific museum focuses on the trial itself and the conduct of the Nazi defendants as oppose those at the camps which emphasizes the atrocities at that location.
Dachau Concentration Camp
Dachau Concentration Camp was next on my itinerary. It is about 45 minutes from Munich via train. Like Buchenwald, most of the buildings are gone but the fence line and barracks foundations are still there. This specific camp is one of locations that had Arbeit Macht Frei, which translates in English to “Work Sets You Free”, at its front gate.
Neuschwanstein Castle
The incredible Neuschwanstein Castle is the perfect ending to a German vacation. It was built in the 19th Century and is located near Füssen. This castle is the inspiration for numerous Disney castles including the one seen in Sleeping Beauty.
This gorgeous castle sits on a hill above the village Hohenschwangau. Surrounding it are rich green trees, lakes, and open fields. It was built by King Ludwig II as a retreat. He died unexpectedly in 1886 and unfortunately, never saw the castle completed. Additionally, he only got to live in the palace for 172 days.
Fussen
Füssen is the local town where you will get off at the train from Munich. It sits one kilometer from the Austrian border and is known for violin making as well as being home to famous castles, Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau. This was by far the highlight of my trip.
Hofbraeuhaus Tavern
Hofbräuhaus is the cradle of Bavarian tavern culture – the origin of tradition, “Gemütlichkeit” and hospitality. This place is so good and a must visit. Lastly, it is open seating so be prepared to wait. Hofbräuhaus – Hofbräuhaus (hofbraeuhaus.de).
