Winter Travel: Christmas Markets in Europe

It's almost time for Christmas Markets again. I must admit, I am not really a fan of markets, whether it's day, night or Christmas. 

By this time of the year, we would have planned our winter holiday. But because this year is not so good for us (time and money wise), we will give it a miss. But in 2009, Don took me to a Christmas Market trip in Europe. If you want to experience Christmas Market in Europe, hopefully this blog will give you some ideas.

Our first destination was Munich, Germany via Easyjet.

Munich's Christmas Market is held in Marienplatz, right at the city centre. The Christmas Market starts from 25 Nov to 24 December. The market offers traditional Bavarian gifts and foods. There is normally an alpine Christmas Market concert from the balcony of the town hall (Rathaus).  Definitely a treat.

Okay, I know I have heard of mulled wine before. But when I saw people in Munich drinking from a cup, I thought it was soup or something. Yes, it was probably just pure ignorance from my side, or I am just plain stupid. So out of curiosity, we tried some and oh boy, was it really strong?! But you must try it to complete the experience.

From Munich, we took the train from Munich Hauptbanhof to Salzburg Hauptbanhof (Central Station) to continue our Christmas Market Adventure. It took us two hours to get there and it cost 51 euros for both of us.

The most famous Christmas Market in Salzburg is Salzburger Christkindlmarkt which is located in Dom Square and the Residenz Square. It opens from 17 Nov to 26 Dec.

From Salzburg, we travelled to Vienna in Austria. I think we went to three Christmas Markets in Vienna. The first Christmas Market we visited in Vienna was at the Rathaus. It is the largest and best known Christmas market in Vienna, and is open from 12 Nov to 24 Dec. 

The Altweiner Christmas Market is located at the beautiful square of Freyung. They start a bit later than the Rathaus - from 19 November.

Lastly, the Christmas Market in front of the Belvedere Palace. You might as well go inside the palace and look at Gustav Klimt's "The Kiss".

While we were in Vienna, we took a day trip to Bratislava, Slovakia. 

Christmas market in Bratislava starts on November 26 until December 26. Unfortunately, we had sausages instead of the traditional food. The foods recommended are loke pancakes, strudel, crepes and Christmas cakes.

The Christmas market is held in the main square Hlavne Namestie and Hviezdoslavovo Square in the Old Town.  

Our last stop was Budapest, Hungary.

Their christmas market is located in Vorosmarty Square in the heart of Budapest. Even if it wasn't for the Christmas Market, I would still have gone there. It is a very beautiful city. I love Budapest.

Christmas Market opens on 18th of November until the 30th, but I think they close on Christmas Day.

And guess what I found? TRDELINK. I first saw this in Prague 

and never stopped thinking about it since. It's basically a dough wrapped around a buttered metal bar and then spun over a flame until it's golden brown. Then it's rolled into brown sugar, cinnamon, nuts, etc. And there you go, an extra inch on your waist! =) 

Tintin x