21 Nov 2013
Christmas Markets in the Black Forest beckon with Life-Sized Advent Calendars and Tradition
Colorful ornaments and lights hung on Christmas trees, and the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts fill the air: The Christmas season is most inviting in the cozy villages and towns of the Black Forest. In the medieval town of Gengenbach in the region's north, the 200-year-old town hall is transformed into a life-sized Advent calendar, with fanciful designs on each window. The Gengenbach Advent market runs from November 30 to December 23. In Baden-Baden, the 19th century Kurhaus spa and park in the heart of the city offer a striking setting for the town's traditional Christkindelsmarkt from November 25 to December 30. For scenic beauty in a natural setting, go to Freiburg: At the mouth of the Ravenna gorge, east of Freiburg, Christmas market stalls cluster beneath the stone railway viaduct on three weekends before Christmas Eve.
>> Black Forest
A Royal Christmas Market at Burg Hohenzollern Opens for Two Weekends in Advent
On the first and second weekend of Advent, November 29 to December 1 and December 6 to 8 this year, an astoundingly beautiful and fairytale scene comes alive at the ancestral seat of the Prussian Royal family. The ambience at the Royal Christmas Market at the Hohenzollern Castle is breathtaking and one of Germany's most beautiful Christmas markets. A broad spectrum of exhibitors located in the castle courtyard, the castle garden and in some of the interior rooms as well as a stylish supporting program create a festive atmosphere for discovering, experiencing and shopping. Just under one hour from Stuttgart and close to Tübingen, the Hohenzollern Castle is easy to find and to drive to. The castle's royal treasury is also open.
Fairy Lights, Medieval Markets and Christmas Magic Extend Across the Stuttgart Region
During the weeks of Advent, the Stuttgart Region is bathed in a special yuletide glow. Stuttgart's Christmas Market from November 27 to December 23 with 290 beautifully decorated stalls is not only one of the oldest but without doubt also one of the largest in Europe. The stalls stretch from the New Palace, across Schiller Square with the Old Palace to the Marketplace. Twenty minutes by train brings you to Ludwigsburg Baroque Christmas Market (November 26 to December 22), with its illuminated arches, angels and more than 175 enchanting Christmas stalls. The illuminations are no less special than the arrangement of the stalls, which reflects the symmetry and straight lines of Ludwigsburg's streets. Only 15 minutes to the east of Stuttgart's center is Esslingen's Medieval and Christmas Market from November 26 to December 22, where merchants in historical costumes peddle their wares just as they did hundreds of years ago. Dyers, felters, blacksmiths and glass blowers will demonstrate traditional crafts, and stilt walkers, gleemen, fire eaters and minstrels disport themselves around the 180 stalls.
>> Stuttgart
A Special Package Builds an Appetite for Baiersbronn!
Deep in the Black Forest only one hour from Stuttgart, the charming town of Baiersbronn is gearing up for its winter wonderland and is offering a special two night package combining tastings at four different restaurants, ski equipment, maps and special cards. Visitors come to enjoy the incredible scenery and to build up their winter appetites while snowshoeing, sledding and cross country skiing through some of Germany's most beautiful countryside before heading to the well-laden tables that Baiersbronn is so famous for. Three restaurants in Baiersbronn share seven Michelin stars and many other restaurants offer just as satisfying meals on a more rustic basis. Culinary excellence is taken seriously in Baiersbronn and therefore this package offers great value and includes a meal at a local Baiersbronn restaurant as well as a small meal in one of the mountain huts. It is an excellent opportunity for good food, great company and staying fit in the outdoors. Two nights with breakfast in a three star hotel, two days of snow shoe rental, snack coupon, one four-course meal with each course served at a different local restaurants along with maps and a Black Forest guest card is 215 Euros per person.
Stuttgart Airport - Your Gateway to a Special Christmas and Winter Wonderland
Some of the most beautiful and romantic Christmas markets are waiting for you within one hour of Stuttgart airport. The baroque market in Ludwigsburg and the market from the Middle Ages in Esslingen are waiting for you! With daily direct connections from New York/Newark and Atlanta by United Airlines and Delta Airlines, you are quickly connected to a destination filled with authentic traditions. Well-organized with friendly personnel, Stuttgart Airport is the most comfortable way to start your Christmas tour to explore the fascinating culture and landscape of SouthWest Germany. Discover the unique atmosphere of ancient cities like Heidelberg with their many individual shops that unfold their charm especially during the winter season. With Stuttgart being located right in the center of many famous historical cities, you have got the chance to get to know German Gemütlichkeit and hospitality in the region that is most famous for it. Known also as Germany's culinary corner, SouthWest Germany offers a great variety of cuisine and wine from three Michelin stars to rustic family meals in this special winter ambience! Steps from Stuttgart Airport is a cozy world filled with Christmas markets and crafts, warm hospitality and an experience that will take you away.
For interactive maps and more information on cultural eventsand destinations in Southwest Germany and to start planning your trip, please go to SouthWest Germany and please click here for >> press photos and images.
Victoria Larson
Press Representative, US and Canada
SouthWest Germany
917-678-7689
victoria@vklarsoncommunications.com
www.vklarsoncommunications.com
