The holiday season is fast approaching, and for many, that means one thing – Christmas markets Whether you’re a seasoned market-goer or looking to experience your first festive market, there is no better way to get into the holiday spirit than by visiting some of the best Christmas markets in Europe And what better way to see them than by train?
Traveling by train is a fantastic way to explore Europe during the holiday season Not only is it more eco-friendly than flying, but it also allows you to sit back and relax as you take in the stunning views of snow-covered landscapes and quaint villages Plus, many of Europe’s best Christmas markets are located near train stations, making it easy to hop off the train and dive right into the festive spirit.
One of the most popular Christmas markets in Europe is in Cologne, Germany The Cologne Christmas Market is one of the oldest in Europe, dating back to 1820 The market is spread out over several locations in the city center, with the main market located in front of the iconic Cologne Cathedral Here you’ll find over 150 wooden chalets selling everything from handcrafted gifts to traditional German treats like glühwein (mulled wine) and lebkuchen (gingerbread) To get to the Cologne Christmas Market, simply take a train to Cologne Central Station, which is easily accessible from major cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam.
Another must-visit Christmas market is in Vienna, Austria The Vienna Christmas Market has been delighting visitors for over 700 years, making it one of the oldest markets in Europe The market is spread across several locations in the city, with the largest and most famous being the Vienna Christmas Dream market in front of City Hall Here you’ll find over 150 stalls selling everything from traditional Austrian handicrafts to delicious treats like roasted chestnuts and apple strudel To get to the Vienna Christmas Market, take a train to Wien Westbahnhof or Wien Hauptbahnhof, both of which are well-connected to major European cities.
If you’re looking for a truly magical Christmas market experience, head to Strasbourg, France best christmas markets by train. The Strasbourg Christmas Market is known as the “Capital of Christmas” and has been voted the best Christmas market in Europe multiple times The market is spread across several locations in the city center, with the main market located around the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral Here you’ll find over 300 stalls selling everything from handcrafted gifts to regional delicacies like foie gras and mulled wine To get to the Strasbourg Christmas Market, take a train to Gare de Strasbourg, which is easily accessible from major cities like Paris and Frankfurt.
For a truly unique Christmas market experience, head to the Prague Christmas Market in the Czech Republic The market is located in the picturesque Old Town Square, surrounded by stunning architecture and historic landmarks Here you’ll find over 100 stalls selling traditional Czech handicrafts, as well as delicious treats like trdelník (a sweet pastry) and medovina (honey wine) To get to the Prague Christmas Market, take a train to Praha hlavní nádraží (Prague Main Station), which is well-connected to major European cities like Berlin, Vienna, and Budapest.
No article about Christmas markets would be complete without mentioning the world-famous Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany The market has been attracting visitors since the 16th century and is one of the most traditional Christmas markets in Europe The market is located in the historic Old Town, with over 180 wooden stalls selling everything from handmade ornaments to traditional Nuremberg sausages To get to the Nuremberg Christmas Market, take a train to Nürnberg Hauptbahnhof (Nuremberg Central Station), which is well-connected to major cities like Munich, Frankfurt, and Stuttgart.
In conclusion, if you’re looking to experience the magic of Christmas markets in Europe, traveling by train is the way to go With easy access to some of the best markets in the world, stunning views along the way, and the opportunity to sit back and relax as you journey through Europe, there is no better way to get into the holiday spirit So why not hop on a train this holiday season and explore the best Christmas markets Europe has to offer?