Christmas markets: whether you come for the mulled wine, the Christmas atmosphere or typical German delicacies: there is something magical about such a cosy winter market. Germany has thousands of them, but such a trip is also quite an undertaking.... Fortunately, there are also Christmas markets just across the border that can be reached in no time by train. We tip three atmospheric Christmas markets in Germany that you can travel to within three hours.
Slow travel: taking the train to a Christmas market in Germany
In cooperation with NS International
We of thegreenlist.nl love the train. No traffic jams, no hassle with parking and totally sustainable too. You get in and can relax straight away: catch up with your travelling companions, read a book, listen to a podcast or finish some work. Before you know it, you are in the middle of an atmospheric Christmas market.
Düsseldorf: classic with modern twist
In just 2 hours and 14 minutes, you will travel directly by ICE from Amsterdam to the Christmas market in Düsseldorf. But you can also get there in no time from other cities in the Netherlands: from Arnhem it takes only 1 hour and 15 minutes, from Utrecht 1 hour and 48 minutes, and from Eindhoven about 1 hour and 50 minutes. And so there are more departure points that get you smoothly into this Christmas market. What you'll find there? No fewer than seven different Christmas markets, all within walking distance of each other in the city centre. Each market has its own theme: from cosy wooden chalets to a sleek Christmas world on the chic Königsallee.
Cologne: Christmas fairytale under the cathedral
Cologne is a fun city trip destination anyway, but in December the city really comes alive. The big Christmas market by the Dom is fairy-tale like with thousands of lights and stalls full of handmade gifts, treats and hot drinks. The tip? Don't skip the smaller markets either, such as the atmospheric Neumarkt, Rudolfplatz and Altermarkt. Heumarkt is also a tip with a large skating rink. The direct ICE gets you there in 2 hours and 37 minutes from Amsterdam. And also from cities like Breda, Nijmegen or Utrecht, you can get there in less than three hours. Check train times to the Cologne Christmas market.
Aachen: small but nice
Aachen may not be the first city you think of when you think of Christmas markets, but make no mistake: this is also a top one. The city is close to the triple-border point, so right on the border. And the market stretches around the Dom and the old town hall. And thanks to that medieval setting, the Christmas atmosphere is immediately complete. See how to get to the Christmas market in Aachen Coming by train.
Taking the train to the Christmas market in Germany!
Whether you go for a day or stay overnight: travelling to a Christmas market by train is relaxed and festive. No traffic jams, no parking stress... just sit, watch, read or chat until you get off among the lights. And it's better for the planet, too. So grab your warm coat, put a reusable mug in your bag and get in. Tip: go during the week if you can. It's quieter then and you'll enjoy all the beauty extra.
Photo credits: Sataz (Pexels).
