Castles, cathedrals and glowing winter markets
A festive journey through Germany's most celebrated Christmas markets, from the historic Christkindlesmarkt of Nuremberg to the medieval lanes of Rothenburg, the Marienplatz in Munich, the ancient Striezelmarkt of Dresden and the market beneath Cologne Cathedral. The route joins glowing stalls and mulled wine with the country's great old towns.
A suggested flow for German Christmas Markets. Every day is flexible, we build the final routing, pace and hotels around you.
Your journey begins in Nuremberg Christmas Market. Arrival and welcome; transfer to Nuremberg and an evening at the Christkindlesmarkt on the Hauptmarkt, one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world. Timings stay flexible, with room to linger where you like.
On to Nuremberg. The Imperial Castle and the old town of Nuremberg, followed by more time among the market's craft and Lebkuchen stalls. Your guide sets an easy pace, leaving space to wander or simply take it in.
Today brings you to Rothenburg. Travel the Romantic Road to the walled town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, with its Reiterlesmarkt among half-timbered houses. We build in free time so the day feels unhurried, never rushed.
Today brings you to Munich. Continue to Munich for the Christmas market on Marienplatz beneath the New Town Hall, with its towering tree and choirs. There's room to add an optional experience or keep the day open.
Today brings you to Munich. The old town of Munich, the Residenz and the smaller themed markets, from the medieval fair to the Chinese Tower in the Englischer Garten. Evenings are yours, whether to explore further or unwind.
Today brings you to Dresden. Travel to Dresden for the Striezelmarkt on the Altmarkt, Germany's oldest Christmas market, famed for its giant pyramid and Stollen. The rhythm is relaxed, shaped around what you most want to see.
Today brings you to Dresden. The Baroque old town of Dresden, with the Frauenkirche and the Zwinger, and the market at the Frauenkirche. Timings stay flexible, with room to linger where you like.
Today brings you to Cologne. Travel west to Cologne, whose Christmas market gathers beneath the twin spires of the UNESCO-listed cathedral. Your guide sets an easy pace, leaving space to wander or simply take it in.
A final day around Cologne. Transfer to Cologne airport for your onward journey. We build in free time so the day feels unhurried, never rushed.
This is a sample inclusion list. Final inclusions, hotel tiers and routing are confirmed when we tailor the trip to your dates, group and budget. Pricing is quoted per enquiry, we never sell fixed packages.
The landmarks and regions that shape journeys like this one.
Other sample itineraries you may like, all crafted and operated by Tourkom.
Tell us your dates and what matters to you, and we'll shape this sample route into a trip built entirely around you.
