My Trip in 5 Photos: The Christmas Markets of Germany
Marketing Analyst Sam M. spent a few days this past holiday season exploring the Christmas Markets of Germany. From the looks of his festive photos, we can’t wait to start planning for the 2014 holidays. Here, he shares five of his favorite moments on tour.
“Berlin alone has over thirty separate Christmas markets. I found this Ferris wheel at the Berliner Weinachstmarkt, not far from Alexanderplatz, the heart of the former East Berlin. Christmas markets were curtailed in East Berlin under communism and recast as ‘socialist festivals for peace,’ since any display of religion was banned, but they’ve come back in full force since the fall of the Berlin wall.”
“Sitting right below the famous Konzerthaus, the Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt is perhaps the most beautiful in Berlin. Here I had my first glass of gluhwein, a hot mulled wine that’s served at every market. After a mug or two, it’s easy to forget about the winter chill—and start buying presents.”
“You can taste many delicious things at the markets, from Thüringer sausage to apple strudel. This stand in the Weimar sold hand-made chocolate truffles.”
“I snapped this photo on the main street of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Germany. People flock here from all over the world to wander around the old alleyways and buy Christmas ornaments in the Käthe Wohlfahrt department store. By the time we left, my fellow travelers had filled up several bags with presents for their children and grandchildren.”
“On our last day, we made a surprise stop at a monastery in the Bavarian Alps on our way to Neuschwanstein Castle. Our guide called it the ‘Sistine Chapel of Germany’ for the colorful frescoes and gold-leaf carvings that cover the interior. We snuck in just before the morning mass and took a few photos before the monks arrived. For many travelers in the group, this was a highlight of their entire trip to Germany.”
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