Germany
Germany’s streets are festively decorated, and the smell of freshly roasted almonds and mulled wine fills the air. In many towns and cities along the Danube, the historic old towns shine in the splendour of the Advent season. Regensburg’s Christmas market, set against the backdrop of St Peter’s Cathedral, entices visitors with handmade works of art and fragrant treats. In Passau, where the Danube meets the Inn and Ilz rivers, a picturesque backdrop frames the Christmas market on Cathedral Square. Regional specialties such as Passau gingerbread and sausages are on offer here. The fairy lights above the streets create a magical atmosphere. Those who prefer to be close to nature will find a snowy winter wonderland in the Danube region. Whether winter hiking or skiing, the region offers numerous winter activities. Christmas in Germany is a celebration full of traditions that brings people together and brings the magic of the season to life.
City panorama of Ulm in winter / copyright: AdobeStock/Daniel
Christmas decorations at a Christmas market stand / copyright: AdobeStock/Dmitry Naumov
German Christmas markets
The festively decorated Christmas markets are a highlight of the season and make Germany’s cities shine in splendour. Whether in Passau or Ehingen an der Donau – a winter wonderland awaits visitors everywhere. With mulled wine, gingerbread and other delicacies, the cold season becomes a time of enjoyment.
Upper Danube valley near Thiergarten in the district of Sigmaringen / copyright: AdobeStock/Schlesier
Magic winter hikes
A winter walk in the Upper Danube Nature Park is an unforgettable experience. The snow-covered landscape with rugged limestone cliffs, mixed forests and the vast Alb plateau enchants with its tranquility and beauty. A perfect place to experience winter nature in all its splendour.
Black Forest: cross-country skiing on a mountain / copyright: gettyimages/Hannes Kutza / EyeEm
Winter adventures on the Danube
A special flair unfolds along the Danube at Christmas time. Close to the source of the Danube in the Black Forest, more precisely in the region around Donaueschingen, you can expect an impressive combination of idyllic villages, picturesque landscapes and first-class skiing opportunities.
Nuremberg: gingerbread with historical cuisine in the background / copyright: DZT/Jens Wegener
Sweet traditions
German Christmas cakes are popular all over the world, and every region has its own specialties. A classic is the Ulm cake, named after the city on the Danube. Equally indispensable are the world-famous stollen, mulled wine and baked apples, which should not be missing from any table during the Advent season.
Girl hangs ornaments on the Christmas tree (gettyimages/FatCamera)
Romantic Advent season
Traditions are at the heart of the German Christmas season. In many families, real Christmas trees are still decorated with candles. Especially in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, the ‘Christmas tree lobbing’ is popular, where neighbours come together to admire the beauty of the trees. Another custom is the Advent wreath, which has been a tradition for almost 200 years. Originally, one candle was lit on each day of Advent, today there are four, which are lit one after the other on the Sundays of Advent
Season’s Greetings from Germany
Season’s Greetings from Germany