Munich, Bavaria & Salzburg
There’s something undeniably magical about Europe during the Christmas season—especially when it’s experienced with intention, comfort, and a touch of adventure. Our recent holiday journey through Germany and Austria, shared with my husband and cousins, blended festive charm, historic grandeur, and effortless travel in a way that only a well-planned Christmas market itinerary can deliver.
We began with a direct Lufthansa flight from LAX to Munich, an ideal way to arrive rested and ready to explore. Munich quickly proved to be the perfect home base—rich in culture, incredibly walkable, and seamlessly connected by train for easy day trips.
Day One: Arrival in Munich & Old-World Indulgence
After landing in Munich, we checked into our hotel, a beautifully located hotel with direct underground subway access—a luxury detail that made winter travel smooth and stress-free. Within minutes, we were whisked into the heart of the city, stepping straight into the glow of Christmas lights and historic architecture.
Our first evening set the tone with dinner at the original Hofbräuhaus, where centuries-old traditions come alive through Bavarian music, classic dishes, and perfectly poured beer. While I’ve visited the Las Vegas location many times, nothing compares to experiencing the original—steeped in history and atmosphere.
We ended the night tucked away in a charming dessert café, savoring Kaiserschmarrn, delicate shredded pancakes served warm with fruit compote. It felt indulgent, cozy, and distinctly European—the perfect first taste of the journey ahead.
Day Two: Christmas Market Immersion & Culinary Discovery
Day two was dedicated to a guided Christmas market experience, which I always recommend for travelers who want to go beyond simply strolling stalls. A market tour reveals the history, traditions, and regional flavors that make each market unique.
We sampled everything from savory brats, spätzle, and meats on a stick to sweet delights like Apfelküchler—crispy fried apple rings enjoyed under the lights of Marienplatz. The hot chocolate deserves special recognition—it was rich, velvety, and easily the best I’ve ever had. We returned for it again and again.
One of the most charming traditions? The collectible mugs that come with glühwein, Kinderpunsch, and hot chocolate. Each one becomes a tangible memory of the journey.
Being there on opening day added an extra layer of magic, as we watched the official Christmas tree lighting, marking the start of the festive season.
A note for travelers with food allergies: While markets are incredible for tasting local specialties, those with tree nut allergies should be mindful of cross-contamination. I experienced a mild reaction, thankfully managed with Benadryl—no EpiPen needed—but awareness is key.
Day Three: Local Flavors & Automotive Elegance
We began day three with a leisurely morning at Munich’s farmers market, selecting fresh fruit, artisan bread, regional cheeses, and specialty mustards. These simple luxuries became the backdrop for a spontaneous late-night carpet picnic, thanks to jet lag—and some of our most memorable conversations.
The afternoon brought a change of pace with a visit to the BMW Museum and BMW Welt, both effortlessly accessible by train. Sleek, modern, and impeccably designed, the experience showcased Germany’s automotive excellence. I even fell in love with a raspberry-pink BMW—already sold and just out of reach, but unforgettable all the same.
We also stopped by the Toy Museum, featuring a full Barbie exhibition that delighted my inner child. Seeing iconic Barbies from my own childhood was a joyful, unexpected moment of nostalgia.
Day Four: Bavarian Castles & Snow-Covered Adventure
Day four delivered pure storybook adventure with a guided excursion through Bavaria, visiting Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace. As we arrived, we were greeted by the first heavy snowfall of the season, with large, drifting flakes transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland.
The walk to Neuschwanstein—about 40 minutes uphill—was cold, steep, and adventurous, especially in the snow. Add 350 stairs to reach the top, and it became a true winter challenge. Exhausting? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.
That said, this experience also reminded me how valuable timing and pacing are. I would love to return in the spring, when trams and not just horse-drawn carriages are running and there’s time to linger—an excellent option for travelers seeking a softer, more relaxed castle experience.
Day Five: Fairytale Markets & Hidden History
Day five was about slowing down and discovering Munich’s hidden gems. We revisited favorite markets and explored the enchanting Fairytale Christmas Market near the Chinese Tower, which felt more intimate and whimsical than the main squares.
We also toured the Munich Residenz (City Palace) at our own pace. The scale, artistry, and resilience of the palace—surviving multiple world wars—offered a powerful glimpse into Bavaria’s layered history.
Culinary exploration continued with more brats and regional specialties. While Leberkäse (German meatloaf sandwich) wasn’t my personal favorite, it was a hit with the rest of the group—proof that tasting local cuisine is all part of the adventure.
And yes—I found the LEGO Store, because even luxury travel should leave room for joy.
Travel tip: Pay close attention when exiting trains. My husband and cousin didn’t—and ended up a few stops behind us. They insist the doors closed too quickly…I remain skeptical.
A must-stop café: Café Frischhut for their legendary Schmalznudel—light, crispy, sugar-dusted fried dough unlike anything I’ve ever tasted. This will be a permanent stop on all future Munich itineraries.
Day Six: Salzburg, Austria – A Refined Day Trip
Our final day took us beyond Germany with a private driver to Salzburg, Austria, just under two hours from Munich. Traveling this way added comfort, flexibility, and a touch of exclusivity—perfect for maximizing a single day.
Salzburg felt like stepping into a living postcard. We explored festive Christmas markets, toured a medieval fortress, visited a breathtaking Catholic church dating back to the 700s AD, and enjoyed highlights from The Sound of Music. Elegant yet cozy, Salzburg is an ideal complement to a Munich-based holiday itinerary.
A New Holiday Tradition Begins
As this journey came to an end, one thing became very clear—Christmas markets are no longer just a trip, they’re a tradition in the making. The warmth, history, food, and festive spirit create an experience that feels both nostalgic and new every single day.
After experiencing the magic of Germany and Austria, I’m already looking ahead to what’s next. I’ll be exploring the possibility of a Christmas market river cruise, an elegant and effortless way to experience multiple countries in one journey—from charming riverside towns to iconic markets across Europe, all while unpacking just once and enjoying the comforts of a beautifully appointed ship.
River cruising offers a refined balance of luxury, ease, and cultural immersion, and after this trip, it feels like the natural next step in continuing this holiday tradition. Attending Christmas markets now feels like something to return to year after year—each season discovering new cities, new flavors, and new memories.
If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping glühwein along the Danube, strolling through centuries-old market squares, or celebrating the holidays in a way that feels truly special, I would love to help you plan it. Whether it’s a custom land itinerary or a future Christmas market river cruise, I’m here to curate a holiday experience that’s seamless, meaningful, and unforgettable.
✨ Here’s to turning festive travel into a cherished tradition—one Christmas market at a time.
