I was recently asked for some suggestions and tips for a long weekend in Munich at the Christmas markets. Having lived there for five years, I can honestly say that December is a great time to visit this cosmopolitan city and indulge in the Christmas spirit, do some shopping and try the local ‘gluehwein’ or mulled wine!
If you have time and plan to stay three nights or more, I would also recommend taking in another famous city and head down to Salzburg in the heart of the Austrian Alps. As well as being very picturesque by train (approximately one hour) you may recall it being the location of the popular film ‘The Sound of Music’. It lies on the Salzach river, and is full of romantic little squares which ooze character and romance!
MUNICH
Areas to stay
Here a few of my favourites:
● Schwabing (lots of bars, restaurants, trendy area of town and only a couple of tram/S-bahn stops from Marienplatz – the centre of town.) It is also near the Englischer Garten, which is a huge park and lovely to stroll through.
● Haidhausen (a bit more residential) but again has lots of cafés, bars & restaurants and only a couple of stops on the tram to Marien platz
Places of interest in the centre of town
● Odeonsplatz, this area around the Theatinerkirche is very scenic, swish and beautifully decorated in the festive season. It is full of designer boutiques and only a short walk to Marienplatz, which is where one of the main Christmas markets is found.
● Marienplatz
● Munchenerfreiheit Christmas market, I haven’t been there for a few years but the stalls provided more artistic and ceramic gifts. Very few tourists here and is always full of locals calling in for a drink or two after work!
Places recommended to eat
● The large traditional restaurant directly under the Town Hall at Marienplatz (Rathaus Keller.) Try the schweinshaxen (pork knuckle) or roast duck or any other great meat dishes here (most are also served at traditional restaurants.)
● WeissesBrauhaus: http://www.weisses-brauhaus.de/
A few metres from Marienplatz – another great traditional restaurant with great beer (sell wine too!) Advised to book in advance as very popular with the locals & can be difficult to get a table if you turn up in hope! Good atmosphere and opposite there is a Mexican bar where you may want to go for a cocktail or before or after dinner!
SALZBURG:
Places to stay
Would recommend staying near the Old Town (on the same side of the river as the Cathedral) as this is where the Christmas market is located and the majority of eateries and boutiques are located.
Places of interest
● The Christmas market is on the Square in front of the Cathedral:
http://www.salzburg.info/en/art_culture/advent_new_years_eve/advent_christmas_markets/salzburg_christkindlmarkt
● horse drawn sleigh rides are offered around the squares by the Cathedral
● Lots of great traditional shops, cafés, restaurants around here
● Mozarts House (where he was born)
● Ice-skating rink on the square next to Place Mozart, cosy outdoor mulled wine bar with open log fires
● The Salzburg Fortress on the hill, take the funicular up there to experience the great views, restaurant, café, classical concert venue too. Definitely worth a walk round and there are a couple of small festive stalls. If it’s a clear day you may see the large house in Hellbrun where Captain Von Trapp’s lived with his family in the the Sound of Music (this may interest any girls in the party!)
Places recommended to eat
● Stieglbrau, the original brewery and restaurant (like a banqueting hall) is built into the side of the mountain beneath the Fortress. Check when it is open as sometimes it is closed midweek. It is the oldest brewery in Salzburg I believe.
● There are many restaurants by the Cathedral and along any of these narrow pedestrianised streets.
Having written this I can’t wait to visit these two special places again! If you have even more time, why not take a pair of skis and hit the mountains for a day of boarding or skiing – the opportunities are endless in this part of the world!
