So where do i even start? You've all heard of Cologne, right?
Germany is BEAUTIFUL, especially at Christmas time! I can tell you i was more than impressed with Cologne's Christmas Markets! Even though Cologne is not the most common place for tourists and backpackers in Germany, I most definitely would not rule it out as a place to visit in the festive season!
The city boasts several large Christmas markets, all within walking distance from each other, making it a perfect day out for everyone! We visited nearly all the markets while i was there, and I fell in love with the Altstadt Weihnachtsmarkt in the Old Town. The Bavarian style wooden huts, Christmas trees surrounding the square and the ice skating rink in the middle, made this market the most magical. The two-storey Bavarian bar in the centre, and the huge ice skating hut bar below made it no problem to male friends and grab a Glühwein (or mulled wine as us Brits call them).
The Angel Market in Neumarkt and the Village of St. Nicolas at Rudolph Platz are equally impressive, and the amount of work and effort that has gone into all these markets is somewhat AMAZING! (especially when comparing it to our 'fake' German Christmas markets at home). At each market I saw several performances, ranging from carol singers, to talented street artists and piano players.
The most well known Christmas market in Cologne is the one beneath the Dom, Colognes' huge cathedral that partially withstood WW2 (unlike the rest of Cologne which was pretty much flattened, cheeky bit of history for you there!). However, although this is arguably the largest of all markets, and has live stage entertainment, it is the most commercialised, and doesn't give you that magical Christmassy feeling like the authentic Bavarian wooden styles in the other markets.
The classic German food & traditional Christmas drinks were surprisingly affordable, with bratwursts (those huge cheeky German sausages) ranging from 3€-5€, and a Glühwein or Baileys hot chocolate coming in at only 3.50€. There is a small deposit for the mug or glass (only 2.50€ for the mug and 3€ for a small stein) which you get back once finished! Or... you can just keep the cute little cup, which i personally think is a bargain at that price!
Check out more of my photos on Instagram (@beccastar24) , to see more of the Magical Christmas Markets!
Any questions contact me through here or social media links at the bottom of my page!
I will be doing a post soon on different accommodation and where i stayed during my trip! So keep your eyes peeled!
Aufweidersein! xoxo