Motorhome Hire for Christmas Markets
From mid November - 24th December (2 week tour)
Including Ostend, Bruges, Düsseldorf, Cologne, Munich, Salzburg, Prague
Day 1 - Friday Collect Motorhome from Easirent at 16.00.
Day 2 - Saturday Catch morning ferry from Dover to Calais.
A good starting point from the Dover-Calais crossing is to head north to Ostend. Alternatively you could head for Ypres if you are interested in the First World War and all the history that goes with this terrible event. The Belgians start celebrating Christmas early with an excellent Christmas market at Ostend which even has its own skating rink. All the traditional stalls are there combined with good food and drink. Sample the local gluhwein.
This is a sample of the area’s to visit. You can exclude any of the towns listed, of course, and spend more time relaxing in the towns of your choice.
OSTEND
Whilst in Ostend explore the harbour area where there are plenty good restaurants to satisfy the most discriminating palates.
From Ostend we recommend a route through Bruges, Antwerp, and Eindhoven where there is a good camping site named “De Paal” which is a five star site just 9 miles south west of Eindhoven. Bruges is a must to see with its canals and tempting shops. Near to Bruges is Valkenburg where there is another fabulous market. Maastricht is also another close venue worth visiting.
DUSSELDORF
The Christmas markets are based in the Altstadt (the old town) and on Schadowplatz.
COLOGNE
There are four Christmas markets in Cologne. Start at the Cathedral where there are 150 stalls and the largest Christmas tree in the Rhine area. Next stop is the old market in front of the town hall where another Christmas market is held. Try also the new market square and the Rudolfplatz.
Local beer is known as Kolsch and this can be sampled in the many fine restaurants this city has to offer.
RHINE & MOSELLE VALLEYS
Why not take a trip down to Koblenz to see the Christmas market there. Take in a one day Rhine cruise whilst in the area.
At the same time try some wine tasting at the famous House of Anton Hammes at Alken in the Moselle Valley. Also nearby is Boppard and St Goar. Visit the medieval walled town of Rothenburg with its quaint cobbled streets and walled town.
STUTTGART
Over 200 stalls make up this Christmas market on the Markplatz and the Schillerplatz where all kinds of goods are sold making it one of the largest markets in Europe. Drive through the Black Forest and see the quaint spa town of Baden-Baden on the border with France, one of Germany’s most luxurious health resorts. There is a lovely Christmas market which is well worth seeing here.
MUNICH
Very good Christmas market here in Bavaria as you make your way south into Austria.
AUSTRIA
Innsbruck is just over the border from Germany where there is a great Christmas market and the Swarovki Crystal shop. Visit the Crib Museum to set the Christmas scene. Why not take a horse and carriage ride and maybe an evening of Tyrolean music and dancing.
Near to Innsbruck, over the Fern Pass to Bavaria is the village of Hohenschwangau were the most famous castle in the world stands. Neuschwanstein is a fairy castle perched high on a granite spur and well worth seeing.
Salzburg, the “Sound of Music” city again, has Christmas markets and is a must to see on your festive journey.
Salzburg was the birthplace of Mozart with lovely old streets and tempting shops, particularly in the Getreidegasse area. Visit the Tirol and board the Gisela Railway between Zell-am-See and Kitzbuhel for a nostalgic ride through the mountains in 1930’s carriages. If your stay is long enough visit the lakes and mountains of the Salzkammergut, taking in the villages of Hof, St.Gilgen, and St. Wolfgang where you can visit the church with its superb alter and the famous White Horse Inn.
CZECH REPUBLIC
Why not continue your journey to Prague where there is a wonderful Christmas market. Visit Nelahozevec Castle.
RETURN JOURNEY
On the way back to Calais why not stop at Dresden to look at their Christmas Market. This is the oldest Christmas market in northern Germany and a must to see.
Visit medieval Erfurt which has the largest Christmas market in the area.
On the way back stop at the Mohne Dam of Dambusters fame. Visit Colditz, the famous castle where allied prisoners were held in WW2.
