Festive fun and fare on offer in Munich

Festive fun and fare on offer in Munich

Many UK visitors have experienced Germany’s Christmas markets, but for those whohaven’t, what can they expect? DER Travel Service managing director Hans Wîrndl gives his account of one market in Munich

Munich is sometimes described as a “village of a million inhabitants” and visitors can experience one of Germany’s largest and most exciting Festive Markets on the four weekends before Christmas.

It takes place outside the splendid town hall where the scents of chestnuts, marzipan, gingerbread and christkindl glühwein mingle along the old lanes of Munich’s pedestrianised centre – the Marienplatz. A huge Christmas tree adorned with candles towers majestically over the stands and stalls.

The history of the Munich Christmas market goes as far back as 1310.

It has been in its present location in the heart of Munich since 1972, but Munich boasts other festive markets, for example in the district of Schwabing or at the Chinese Tower in the English Garden. Throngs of curious locals mix with tourists young and old, and many are kept warm with mulled wine.

Munich has something to offer for everyone. Apart from the museums and art galleries, a visit to the Nymphenburg Palace is a must, and with the strong pound, it’s an excellent place for Christmas shopping

&#42 DER sells three nights at the Hotel Amba in Munich from £299 per person.

Marienplatz, Munich: site of one of the largest festive markets