Bavaria attracts visitors with extraordinary Christmas markets
Mulled wine is part of it, as is the mushroom pan for some - and occasionally visitors are even expected to stop by for original arts and crafts: The Christmas market season is starting again in Bavaria. Vendors and showmen have not had an easy time of it in recent years. First the coronavirus pandemic put a stop to business, then rising prices caused difficulties.
However, these shouldn't hurt visitors too much, says Lorenz Kalb, Chairman of the South German Showmen's Association: "We want to remain as popular as possible, even when it comes to prices." For example, the price for a cup of mulled wine at the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt will remain at the previous year's level. The markets are not only an important economic factor, but also a piece of experience and culture: "People find a little happiness here."
This is also ensured by Christmas markets that are different from the decades-old Advent program: for example, events that do without electric lights or take place far away from the uniform pedestrian zones. A selection of five Bavarian markets that stand out from the crowd.
Mulled wine at lofty heights - Waldwipfelweg Christmas market in Sankt Englmar (Lower Bavaria)
Up to 30 meters high, the wooden Waldwipfelweg is enthroned above the trees in the Bavarian Forest near Sankt Englmar (Straubing-Bogen district). Visitors can stroll along it with a cup of mulled wine in hand during the Advent season. At the same time, the path, dotted with lights, bathes the area in a Christmassy sparkle. (November 21 to December 23 on weekends)
Candles instead of light bulbs - the Dießen Christmas market (Upper Bavaria)
Christmas markets are only really beautiful in the evening, when thousands and thousands of lights twinkle in the winter darkness - usually electric ones. At the Christmas market in front of the Marienmünster in Dießen am Ammersee (district of Landsberg am Lech), however, it is almost only candles that provide light. They flicker at around 35 stands where artists and craftspeople sell homemade goods. According to the organizers, it gets particularly crowded after dusk. (December 9 and 10)
Coziness under pine trees - Leinacher Waldweihnacht (Lower Franconia)
Hardly anyone gets past the Christmas market in the city center, others have to search a bit. The Leinach Forest Christmas (Würzburg district) is hidden in a black pine forest. Small wooden stalls along the forest path offer handicrafts, food and drink. The market is organized by local associations. (December 9 and 10)
Advent in country style - German-American Christmas market in Eging am See (Lower Bavaria)
In the western town of Pullman City in Eging am See (Passau district), Christmas coziness meets the ruggedness of the Wild West. Instead of "Silent Night", country music is played here. In keeping with American tradition, children can also sit on Santa's lap and give him their wish list. (November 10 to December 17)
Alternative Christmas market - "Pink Christmas" in Munich
At the "Pink Christmas" Christmas market, travesty artists perform on a stage and prosecco is served. The market originated in Munich's gay and lesbian scene - but according to the organizers, everyone is welcome. And of course there is mulled wine too. (November 27 to December 23)
Vendors at these unique Bavarian markets strive to maintain their popularity, even with fixed prices. Customs and traditions, such as the sale of handmade goods and mulled wine, are still an essential part of these fixed-price markets.
Source: www.dpa.com
