One of the main reasons for this trip was to experience the magic of Christmas in Central Europe. It has been about 14 years since living in Innsbruck, and I missed the Christmas Markets, the food, the music, the churches. I also wanted to share this with Annie (and Rebecca, but sadly, she was not able to come this year.) Markus joked that his mission was to make me sick of Christmas Markets. I’m not sure about that, but I can definitely say I’ve met the goal.
After starting the count in Lisbon (4 visited, and a few more we walked by), when we arrived in Munich it became obvious counting wasn’t going to be possible. One market just flowed into the next, and there were dozens around the city. Some local and small, others that went on for blocks.
We drove to Innsbruck to visit family, and Innsbruck’s Christmas Market in the old town is still beyond compare. The huge puppets of local fairy tales posted around the town with their stories, the incredible food, and the beautiful lights were truly the meaning of a magical season. There was a brass band playing in the balcony of the Goldenes Dachl, and my favourite Zillertaler Krapfen stand was exactly where it had been 15 years ago.
The Munich markets were packed; what an incredibly vibrant city. It seems like locals and tourists were happy to mingle without the animosity of Lisbon, where the city is somewhat overrun by visitors.
As well as delicious, delicious krapfen, the markets have served up to us kässpätzle, giant pretzels, glühwein, hot chocolate, Kaiserschmarrn, kiachl with lingonberries or sauerkraut, so much chocolate, oodles of gingerbread and cookies, and many many sausages. Even though Markus is a fabulous cook, I am going to long for these treats.
And of course, part of the magic comes from the Christmas markets being surrounded by stunning buildings–often the markets are in the courtyards–from palaces, to majestic city halls, to museums, all elaborately lit up with Christmas lights for the celebrations. The Belvedere and City Hall Christmas Markets were gorgeous. (It was foggy at the Belvedere, so I found a photo online.)
Belvedere Christmas Market: https://regiotours.at/
Even though I’ll probably reach momentary saturation by January 6, when the last markets close, by the time I’m home again, I have no doubt I’ll be longing for them at least once more in my lifetime.