Experience the German Christmas Markets on this full day private tour departing from Strasbourg. First, meet your English speaking driver/guide who will begin by presenting the days itinerary to your group, board your recent and comfortable A/C minivan and head towards the German border.
Considered to be one of the most beautiful of Germany, the Freiburg Christmas Market is on your program today. The town of Freiburg in Breisgau is located just over an hour away from Strasbourg. The town is known for its ancient university and its medieval minster (Cathedral), for its high standard of living and advanced environmental practices. The city is situated in the heart of a major wine-growing region and is the primary entry point to the scenic beauty of the Black Forest. The town has more to offer than friendly faces alone, including one of Germany’s prettiest old quarters, with its characteristic Bächle – the narrow channels of water that run alongside the pavements. Add to that a wealth of culture and history, lots of cafés and cosy bars, delicious regional food and scenic surroundings.
It is the heart of Freiburg, close to the town hall square and St Martins, that you will enjoy your first stop of the day to admire one of the most elegant and authentic Christmas Markets of Germany. The Freiburg Christmas market is very much part of a tradition of Black Forest Christmas markets. Stroll through the market and see woodcarvers, gem cutters, glass blowers, potters, candlestick makers and straw artists in the narrow market streets. Shop for Christmas specials, arts and crafts or local wooden toys. All this will be coupled with the inimitable aroma of gingerbread, mulled wine, spices, roasted almonds, hot chestnuts, potato noodles, Black Forest ham and bacon sauerkraut.
After your visit and some free time for lunch, depart for the small village of Gengenbach. For over 15 years the quaint town of Gengenbach in Baden-Württemberg has transformed its entire Rathaus (Town Hall) into the world's largest Advent Calendar House also known as "Das weltgrößte Adventskalenderhaus". The 24 windows (two rows of 11 plus 2 in the roof) are each decorated with a festive Christmas scene with a new window revealed every night until Christmas.
After months of preparation, the soft pink town hall is warmly lit and lies in wait like a package waiting to be opened. An enormous Christmas tree sparkles in front of the town hall as crowds gather in the darkness. Eager watchers show up before 6.00pm each night to catch the show. The senses are awakened - first by scent as a spicy fragrance of Glühwein wafts its way through the frosty air; then by sight as the 200-year-old town hall baroque façade is lit up and comes to life.
At the end of the day, you'll be driven back to Strasbourg.
Visit the Christmas Market in Freiburg, Germany
Entrance fees to monuments & attractions unless specified in program
