Enchanting Christmas Market Trip to Bavaria & Prague with Gabriella-Maria

Hike to one of Bavaria's most picturesque spots.

If hiking is one of your goals in Garmisch and you're looking for a gentle option after descending from Zugspitze (or you don't wish to ascend the mountain at all), then we can heartily recommend the Eibsee Lake, which is, of course, one of the stops on the Zugspitzbahn. Just follow the signs to the lake (you can't miss it) and then the signs for the gentle 7.5km (4.6mi) hike around the lake shore while soaking up the stunning views. Avail yourself of the Eibsee beer garden after you get back to cool down.

Venture deep within a stunning Alpine gorge.

If you want to avoid the expense of the Zugspitzbahn, then an excellent short or long hiking option is to head south of the train station to the Partnachklamm (Partnach Gorge). The trail to the gorge starts from the Olympic Ski Stadium, which if you need to save time you can get to by city bus no.1 or no.2 directly from the train station rather walking 2km (1.25mi) to Skistadion. From there you follow the signs to the gorge, which is only 30min away (you can also take a horse-drawn carriage from the stadium).

Take a ride on the famous Zugspitzbahn railway and a cable car to the peak of Germany's tallest mountain, the Zugspitze (2,962m or 9,718ft) for some truly breath-taking views.

The Zugspitzbahn railway is the classic and breathtaking way of ascending Germany's highest peak, the Zugspitze (2962m or 9718ft). The line reaches as high as 2650m, making it the third-highest railway line in the world. The station and ticket office for the Zugspitzbahn trains (#3) is right beside the Garmisch-Partenkirchen train station. From here you take the purpose-built train along a cogwheel railway as far as Grainau - don't miss the wonderfully picturesque Pfarrkirche church that comes into view on the left as you near Grainau. In Grainau you'll change to a railcar that operates a rack-and-pinion system. The final 11.5km (7.1mi) gets steeper and steeper until you get just past the Eibsee station where you enter the 975m (3199ft) 'Rosi Tunnel'. You finally emerge at the Zugspitzplatt plateau on the Schneefen glacier below the Zugspitze peak. From there you journey to the summit on the ultramodern Gletscherbahn cable car (no extra ticket needed).

Hike to one of Bavaria's most picturesque spots.

If hiking is one of your goals in Garmisch and you're looking for a gentle option after descending from Zugspitze (or you don't wish to ascend the mountain at all), then we can heartily recommend the Eibsee Lake, which is, of course, one of the stops on the Zugspitzbahn. Just follow the signs to the lake (you can't miss it) and then the signs for the gentle 7.5km (4.6mi) hike around the lake shore while soaking up the stunning views. Avail yourself of the Eibsee beer garden after you get back to cool down.

Enjoy some Bavarian brews with the locals in Munich's second largest beer garden.

Located in the middle of the English Gardens, this beer garden (7,000 seats) is located beneath the wooden Chinese Tower. The 25 meter high (75 feet) pagoda was built in 1789 during a pan-European craze for all things East Asian. The food stalls around the pagoda offer traditional beer garden food such as Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick), Hendl (roasted chicken) and Schweinshaxn (roasted pork knuckle). The beer served is Hofbräu and a Maß Hell (lager).

Watch surfers catch some waves in the middle of the city.

At the extreme southern end of the park you can find one of the more unusual and entertaining pastimes enjoyed by the locals - surfing on the man-made Eisbach river. There is a standing wave produced by the water pumping mechanism and surfers line up along the bank taking turns entering the water with their boards. After a minute or so, successful surfers will voluntarily drop out, returning to the end of the line allowing the next person in line an opportunity. The water is cold and shallow (sometimes only 40 cm deep), making it suitable only for experienced surfers.

Enjoy some Bavarian brews with the locals in Munich's second largest beer garden.

Located in the middle of the English Gardens, this beer garden (7,000 seats) is located beneath the wooden Chinese Tower. The 25 meter high (75 feet) pagoda was built in 1789 during a pan-European craze for all things East Asian. The food stalls around the pagoda offer traditional beer garden food such as Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick), Hendl (roasted chicken) and Schweinshaxn (roasted pork knuckle). The beer served is Hofbräu and a Maß Hell (lager).

Watch surfers catch some waves in the middle of the city.

At the extreme southern end of the park you can find one of the more unusual and entertaining pastimes enjoyed by the locals - surfing on the man-made Eisbach river. There is a standing wave produced by the water pumping mechanism and surfers line up along the bank taking turns entering the water with their boards. After a minute or so, successful surfers will voluntarily drop out, returning to the end of the line allowing the next person in line an opportunity. The water is cold and shallow (sometimes only 40 cm deep), making it suitable only for experienced surfers.

Relax by the river in this charming local neighborhood known as Little Venice.

The former fishermen’s district located on the east bank of the Regnitz River is locally known as Little Venice. Fronted by tiny gardens and terraces, these charming half-timbered buildings date back to the Middle Ages, and are a delight to wander around especially in the summer. Good vantage points include the Untere Brücke near the Altes Rathaus, and on a cruise down the river.

Take a short trip just outside the town to an elegant summer palace with extensive gardens.

Built from 1686 as a summer residence for the Bamberg Prince-Bishops, Schloss Seehof is a beautiful palace located just a short bus ride from the center of Bamberg. Its four domed towers mark the symmetrical building that lies within extensive gardens that were added later by other prince-bishops who resided in the castle. Within the palace are magnificent state rooms that maintain their 17th and 18th century period features and details. These can only be visited on a guided tour. Surrounding the palace are beautiful gardens complete with fountains, sculptures, and orangery.

Take a pleasant walk through the woods to this usually undiscovered castle overlooking the city.

Dating back to the early 12th century, the castle was originally a fortress, used as a refuge for the townspeople. It was later converted into a castle in the 18th century by Frederick II and Frederick III. Today you can walk to the castle from the center of Bamberg and enjoy beautiful views of the city of Bamberg as well as tour the castle's interior. Note

Be sure not to miss the two most monumental architectural acheivements of the Prince-Bishops of Bamberg.

Built between 1695-1704, the New Residence consists of over 40 magnificent room adorned with stucco ceilings, period furniture, rugs and art from the 17th and 18th centuries. The imperial hall, the elector's rooms and the prince-bishops' apartments are particularly worth seeing. You should also save time for the courtyard and rose-garden, with over 4500 roses, historic statues and wonderful views across the roofs of Bamberg. Next door to the Residence is one of the most famous sacred-buildings in Germany, the Bamberg Cathedral. Endowed with a Romanesque-Gothic style, four majestic spires, and beautiful vaulted ceilings, it holds the tombs of Emperor Henry II and Pope Clement II, the only papal burial ground north of the Alps. Also of interest is the Diocesan Museum with the cathedral treasury, old vestments (including Henry II's imperial robes), and statues. 

See the most iconic building in Bamberg, precariously perched on an island in the river.

According to legend, it was built on an artificial island because the bishop of Bamberg would not grant the citizens any land for its construction. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in the Old Town, particularly due to its wonderful frescoes that depict the story of how the building came to be built on the island.

Relax by the river in this charming local neighborhood known as Little Venice.

The former fishermen’s district located on the east bank of the Regnitz River is locally known as Little Venice. Fronted by tiny gardens and terraces, these charming half-timbered buildings date back to the Middle Ages, and are a delight to wander around especially in the summer. Good vantage points include the Untere Brücke near the Altes Rathaus, and on a cruise down the river.

Take a peek at what may be Germany's oldest kitchen and learn a bit of local lore and history.

Since 1936, the Imperial Town Museum located on Klosterhof street, has been housed in the former Dominican convent, which was dissolved in 1544. Visit the museum for an interesting experience of Rothenburg’s history and an impressive array of cultural artifacts and beautiful artwork. You can also visit the kitchen, which is said to date back to the late 1200s and is considered to be one of the oldest kitchens in Germany.

Peer over the red rooftops of Rothenburg as you walk its centuries-old battlements.

A must do while visiting Rothenburg is to take an hour or so to walk the historical walls around part of the Old Town. Stretching 2.5 miles (roughly 4km) around Rothenburg and guarded by 70 towers, walking around the covered ramparts of the Medieval City Wall is a magical experience. For those who wish to do a short section of the wall, you can start from the Rödertor Gateway which you may have passed through on entering the Old Town. For those adventurous travelers who wish to walk the whole wall, you can start from the Spitaltor, a massive round gatehouse located towards the south of the town, and continue to the final walkable gate, the Klingentor, located towards the north of the town. To start your walk, you simply need to climb the steep steps at the gate you wish to start. For those who are interested, a guided city wall tour is offered from the tourist information point next to the Market Square.

Experience a traditional German Christmas, regardless of when you visit.

The famous Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas decorations brand moved their flagship store in Rothenburg in 1977, and ever since, the town has been known for its unique Christmas Village and Museum. Next door to the store you will discover the German Christmas Museum. Covering over 2500 square foot, the museum covers hundreds of years of Christmas history and traditions in Germany. 

Stop for a coffee or beer and enjoy the ambience in this lovely square.

The Market Square and Old Town Hall, surrounded by splendid patrician houses, is where all the action takes places and where you will find the majority of the Christmas Stalls during Advent. The white Ratstrinkstube building to the right of the town hall features a red clock, where every hour between 10 am and 10 pm clockwork figures entertain visitors below. For one of the best view of Rothenburg, head up the Town Hall Tower. As one of the tallest towers in the Rothenburg, it was an important part of the historical city’s defense. The main purpose of the tower was to watch for fires, providing a quick and easy way to communicate with the city wall towers. We recommend only the physically fit attempt to conquer its 222 steps and steep ladder to the observational gallery.

See one of the most photographed spots in Europe with your own eyes.

You will surely recognize this small square known as the “Plönlein” (Little Square). It's narrow half-timbered building with a small fountain in front, framed by the Kobolzeller tower is one of the most famous postcard images of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. In the summer, hordes of tourists come to this spot to take the same obligatory photo.

Take a peek at what may be Germany's oldest kitchen and learn a bit of local lore and history.

Since 1936, the Imperial Town Museum located on Klosterhof street, has been housed in the former Dominican convent, which was dissolved in 1544. Visit the museum for an interesting experience of Rothenburg’s history and an impressive array of cultural artifacts and beautiful artwork. You can also visit the kitchen, which is said to date back to the late 1200s and is considered to be one of the oldest kitchens in Germany.

Cross the river dividing Prague's most historic neighborhoods, and experience one of Europe's most iconic landmarks.

Bridge construction began in 1357 under King Charles IV (hence the name), and it was the only bridge across the Vltava River until 1841. 30 baroque statues of saints line the bridge, and it is filled with street artists and entertainers. Not to be missed.

See a historic wall that has been covered in John Lennon-inspired graffiti since Communist days.

The wall has been covered in graffiti since the 1960s, and during Communism anti-regime sentiment was common. John Lennon's assassination inspired grafitti reflecting his song, Imagine, which earned the wall its current moniker. It is now a favorite gathering place for tourists, and musicians sometimes congregate there as well. Just around the corner is the Maltese Square, which is one of Prague's more quaint and relaxed public spaces, despite being just off the main tourist route.

Prague Castle is one of the main attractions in Prague and is also the largest castle complex in the world.

The Prague Castle is the largest castle complex in the world with structures dating back to the 9th century. The St Vitus Cathedral and Basilica of St George can be found within the castle walls. The Prague Castle also includes several gardens, palaces, and a monastery. This castle was the seat of power for the Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors, and presidents of former Czechoslovakia. Prague Castle is a UNESCO world heritage site and is one of the most visited places in the country. 

Cross the river dividing Prague's most historic neighborhoods, and experience one of Europe's most iconic landmarks.

Bridge construction began in 1357 under King Charles IV (hence the name), and it was the only bridge across the Vltava River until 1841. 30 baroque statues of saints line the bridge, and it is filled with street artists and entertainers. Not to be missed.

Discover the synagogue considered by many to be Prague's most beautiful.

Completed in 1868, the Spanish Synagogue is the newest synagogue in Prague's Jewish Quarter, but happens to be built on the site of the former Oldest Synagogue in Prague. It is built in a stunning Spanish Moorish style as a symbol of the flowering of the Jewish culture which occurred under Muslim rule on the Iberian Peninsula.

See the oldest surviving synagogue in Europe and also one of Prague's earliest Gothic buildings.

When built it was Prague’s newest synagogue, but over time became its oldest – hence the “Old-New”. A beautiful ark holds the Torah and legend says its attic is the hiding place of the legendary clay Golem.

Take an unforgettable visit to one of Europe's largest medieval Jewish cemeteries.

As the Jewish Ghetto was quite cramped, there was no room to expand the cemetery. Unable to acquire further land, and not wishing to dishonor ancestors through the demolition of existing graves, Prague's Jews buried their loved ones in multiple levels. Gravestones are packed in tightly and in some areas the burials reach 12 layers!

Discover the synagogue considered by many to be Prague's most beautiful.

Completed in 1868, the Spanish Synagogue is the newest synagogue in Prague's Jewish Quarter, but happens to be built on the site of the former Oldest Synagogue in Prague. It is built in a stunning Spanish Moorish style as a symbol of the flowering of the Jewish culture which occurred under Muslim rule on the Iberian Peninsula.