Explore the Magic of European Christmas Markets by Train: The Ultimate 7-Day Festive Adventure!
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Europe truly knows how to do Christmas in style, and there’s no better way to experience the magic than by hopping on a train to go on an adventure around some of the best European Christmas markets. If you're dreaming of a place that’ll really get you into the Christmas mood, Europe is the destination to visit! And this 7-Day European Christmas Markets by Train Itinerary? Well, it’s your golden ticket to experiencing that magic firsthand.
In just one week, you’ll explore three of Europe’s most festive cities—Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna—each offering its own unique Christmas charm. These cities are spectacular year-round, but during the holiday season, they become even more magical, with some of the best Christmas markets in the world. Ready to dive into the holiday magic? Let’s whisk you away on a Christmas adventure like no other!
Got more time to kill? If you’re craving an even deeper dive into the holiday cheer, buckle up for my 14-day European Christmas Market Itinerary. This extended journey takes you further into the heart of Europe’s Christmas magic, promising an unforgettable adventure that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime!
This post is about exploring the best European Christmas Markets by Train.
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An Overview of the Most Epic 7-Day Christmas in Europe Itinerary
How to Explore the Magic of European Christmas Markets by Train
Travelling around Europe by train is a relatively easy and straightforward process due to the excellent transport links.
Hopping on a train is one of the best ways to get around Europe. It's fast, convenient, and offers some seriously scenic views along the way.
For instance, the direct train from Munich Hbf to Salzburg Hbf takes just 1 hour and 29 minutes, making it a quick and convenient option. Then, if you're heading from Salzburg Hbf to Vienna Hbf, the train ride is just 2 hours and 25 minutes, giving you plenty of time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful Austrian views.
Tickets for all these journeys are super easy to grab on RailEurope or Trainline, making it all the more convenient to get your Christmas market adventure rolling!
A Quick Guide to Munich at Christmas: Must-Do Holiday Activities
- Visit the Magical Christmas Markets: Munich’s Christkindlmarkt in Marienplatz is one of Europe’s oldest and most beautiful, with charming stalls, festive treats, and a huge Christmas tree. While in Munich, you can explore over 20 other markets, such as Tollwood, Kripperlmarkt, and Pink Christmas. For a more in-depth experience, join a 2-hour guided tour around Munich's Christmas markets.
- Ice-Skate at Münchner Eiszauber: Skate on Munich's largest mobile rink at Karlsplatz. With stunning lights, delicious food, and themed events, it’s the perfect way to spend a day in Munich this winter.
- Ride the ChristkindlTram: Hop aboard the festive ChristkindlTram, a vintage tram serving gingerbread and mulled wine while touring Munich’s landmarks. Tickets are available at Sendlinger Tor.
- Join the Krampus Run: On 8th December, watch or join the Krampus Run in Marienplatz, a wild race where participants dress as the terrifying Christmas monster. A once in a lifetime experience for sure!
- Curl on the Nymphenburg Canal: When the Nymphenburg Palace Canal freezes over, the locals flock there to do a spot of curling or ice-skating. Why not join them for a local experience? Plus, the surrounding palace grounds make for a lovely winter stroll.
- Sample Delicacies at Viktualienmarkt: Explore the festive stalls of Viktualienmarkt, where you’ll find delicious food and drink options.
- Attend a Christmas Concert at Hercules Hall: Catch a Christmas concert in Hercules Hall, one of Munich’s most stunning venues.
A Quick Guide to Salzburg at Christmas: Top Things to Do
- Explore the Enchanting Christmas Markets: Salzburg’s oldest and most iconic Christmas market is set beneath the fortress in Cathedral Square, dating back to the 15th century. Stroll through the twinkling wooden chalets, sip mulled wine, and soak in the festive vibes. Smaller markets also pop up around the city, including Mirabell Square and Hohensalzburg Fortress Courtyard.
- Ice Skate on Mozart Square: In winter, Mozartplatz transforms into a magical ice rink. Surrounded by the Cathedral and Residenzplatz, it's a picturesque spot for skating. No skates, no problem - you can hire them when you're there!
- Enjoy a Mozart Concert at Hohensalzburg Fortress: Mozart was born in Salzburg, and what better place to experience some of his music than the stunning Hohensalzburg Fortress? Attend a Christmas classical concert with breathtaking views of the city. If you're visiting at Christmas, you'll even hear traditional Salzburg carols.
- Take a Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride: For a truly magical experience, embark on a Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride in Ramsau. Enjoy a cosy ride through the snow-capped woods, a delicious lunch in a traditional Alpine town, and unforgettable winter landscapes.
- Experience Advent Magic at Hellbrunn Palace: Just 20 minutes from the city centre, Hellbrunn Palace offers a festive wonderland. From late November to Christmas Eve, enjoy a charming Christmas market with treats and handmade gifts. Don’t miss the reindeer-pulled sledge rides—an wonderfully festive experience!
A Quick Guide to Vienna At Christmas: The Main Festive Attractions
- Explore Vienna’s Magical Christmas Markets: Vienna’s Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt is one of Europe’s most famous, with over 100 stalls and a giant tree. The city boasts 12 Christmas markets, including those at Stephansplatz, Karlsplatz, and Maria-Theresien Platz. For an unforgettable experience, join a guided tour of Vienna's Christmas markets, where you'll uncover fascinating stories about Austria's Christmas traditions, indulge in sweet treats, and sip on festive drinks.
- Visit Schönbrunn Palace at Christmas: Schönbrunn Palace, once the Habsburgs' summer residence, hosts a charming Christmas market with arts, crafts, and seasonal treats, alongside open-air concerts.
- Discover Belvedere’s Quiet Christmas Markets: The Belvedere Palace offers a more peaceful market with beautiful handcrafted gifts, food, and a festive atmosphere, open from mid-November to December.
- Enjoy a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride: Take a 30-minute horse-drawn carriage ride through Vienna’s Old Town, passing landmarks like the Hofburg, Parliament, and Town Hall, with stunning views of the Christmas markets.
- Attend an Advent Concert: Vienna, with its rich musical heritage, offers incredible Christmas concerts, including a Strauss and Mozart Christmas Concert in Kursalon and a Christmas and New Year's Concert in St. Peter’s Church.
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This post is about exploring the best European Christmas Markets by train on an epic 7-day adventure. Thanks for taking the time to read this blog, it’s much appreciated!
Kirsty x