Germany
During the Advent season, German cities and regions with their Christmas traditions and customs create a festive atmosphere that is recognised by visitors worldwide. This is because many traditions have their origins in Germany: from the bauble and biscuits to Christmas Carols. A visit to a Christmas market in Germany is a must on any list and each one has its own special charm: in an old quarry in the Bavarian Forest, near Passau on the Danube, people from all over the three-country region come to Granitweihnacht. The heaviest Christmas tree ball in Germany (weighing 9.5 tonnes), light installations and regional handicrafts await visitors. For those who are more drawn to the great outdoors, the Danube region offers a snowy winter wonderland with its impressive natural landscapes. From contemplative winter hikes to fun tobogganing, the selection of winter activities offers something for all winter fans.
Regensburg: View of the old town, the stone bridge and St. Peter`s Cathedral, Copyright: AdobeStock/Thomas
Regensburg: Christmas market on the market square, Copyright: Getty Images/Harald Nachtmann
German Christmas markets
A highlight are the beautifully decorated Christmas markets that invite you to stroll through Germany’s cities, like in Regensburg and Ingolstadt along the Danube. Traditionally, people drink hot mulled wine, eat gingerbread and can buy handmade Christmas gifts made from natural materials.
Neidlingen: Evening atmosphere at Neidlingen waterfall in winter, Copyright: Adobe Stock/Raina Graf
Stunning winter hikes
Even during the cold season, the beautiful landscapes along the Danube Peaks Trail invite you to take a walk in a winter wonderland. In the Swabian Alb, you can go on an exciting winter hike through the past ice age and discover 40,000-year-old traces of settlement in the Geissenklösterle cave.
Sledging with huskies, Copyright: Getty Images/Zero Creatives
Winter fun along the Danube
There is a lot to experience along the Danube during the Christmas season. In addition to traditional German „rodeln“ (tobogganing) and ice skating, the Black Forest region offers many opportunities for skiing adventures. As a particular highlight, you can take part in a sledging tour with huskies.
Children bake gingerbread together, Copyright: GNTB/Jens Wegener
Traditional Christmas biscuits
German Christmas biscuits enjoy great popularity worldwide and every region has its own special culinary delights. One classic is spice cake, also known as Ulm cake, named after the city on the Danube. But the world-famous stollen, gingerbread and marzipan are also a must during the Advent season.
Gengenbach: Christmas Market, Copyright: Stadt Gengenbach/Hubert Grimmig
Romantic Advent season
Traditions characterise the Christmas season in Germany. It is still common today to put up real Christmas trees in the house and light them with real candles. In Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, “Christmas tree praising” is a custom. People visit their neighbours to praise the beauty of each other’s trees. Every house also should have an Advent calendar. The largest Advent calendar in the world is the town hall in Gengenbach in the Black Forest with its windows as Advent calendar doors.
Germany at winter night – Christmas Markets © GNTB/K22 Film
Germany at winter night – Christmas Markets © GNTB/K22 Film