460 km of Christmas Atmosphere along the Romantic Road:
Rothenburg Christmas Market on the Marktplatz
Germany’s favourite scenic route, the Romantic Road or Romantische Strasse, is one that visitors enjoy most in the summer season – we certainly did! With the end of the Romantic Road coach service in October, we tend to think that this is the end of the Romantic Road season, but not so. The season never finishes on the Romantic Road, as we’ve just been reminded. From the end of November to Christmas Eve, Christmas markets come to live along Germany’s oldest scenic route.
Christmas markets
During the Advent period, the Romantic Road transforms itself into a 460 km long trail of atmospheric Christmas markets of all sizes, shapes and kinds. The markets in the larger towns like Augsburg, Würzburg, Dinkelsbühl, Nördlingen and Rothenburg ob der Tauber are semi-permanent fixtures and last right through to the Christmas holiday (November 25 to December 24, 2019).
Some of the markets last for two to three weeks while others are held just for a single day at weekends during Advent. All of these enjoy magical settings, such as the Rothenburg ‘Reiterlesmarkt’ in front of the historic town hall. Don’t forget that Rothenburg is also home to Käthe Wohlfahrt, a name synonymous with Christmas toys and decorations.
Käthe Wohlfahrt, Rothenburg
Christmas market treats
No matter the size or duration of the markets, they all have one common characteristic – the inescapable aroma of mulled wine, gingerbread and spicy biscuits. In all the towns and villages along the Romantic Road, from the Prince Bishop’s Residenz in Würzburg to the romantic castles of the Königswinkel (once the favourite home to the Kings of Bavaria), the wafting aroma of these Christmas specialities permeate the Christmas markets.
Enjoying glühwein at the Christmas market
Where and When
There are twenty-nine towns and villages dotted along the Romantic Road. The main towns like Augsburg, Würzburg, Dinkelsbühl, Nördlingen and Rothenburg ob der Tauber all have Christmas markets that are quite huge.
Christmas floral arrangements
If you’re planning Christmas along the Romantic Road, following are a few tips on where and when to enjoy Christmas markets on a more intimate scale.
- Wertheim (December 13 – 22, 2019)
- Bad Mergentheim (December 12 – 15, 2019) – Bad Mergentheim is famous as one of the ancient centres for the Teutonic Knights
- Creglingen (November 29 – December 1, 2019) – in the castle courtyard
- Weikersheim (December 13 – 15, 2019) – in the main square of this romantic town
- Schillingsfürst (November 29 – December 1, 2019) – in the castle courtyard
- Friedberg (December 3 – 23, 2019) – held around the parish church
- Schongau (December 5 – 15, 2019) – in the market place
- Peiting (November 29 – December 1, 2019) – in the main square
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Hi Helen! Are the markets planning to open for the 2022 season?
Hi Donna,
According to current plans, the markets will open this year (at least the bigger ones), but do stay updated as plans can change at short notice. Coronavirus cases are on the rise in Germany and currently masks are mandatory on public transport and long distance trains. If the situation worsens, you can expect that masks may be required in indoor settings as well.
Kind regards,
Helen
Are these dates for 2019? If so, it would be useful to add the year:)
Hi Jessica,
I normally update the Christmas market dates a bit later in the since, but since you’ve reminded me, I’ve included 2019 dates. Please check closer to the date just in case there are changes.
Kind regards,
Helen