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8-Day European Christmas Markets Rail Trip

Viewed by 403 travelers

Day 1: Explore Munich

Munich, Germany

9:00 AM

Marienplatz

Start your day at Marienplatz, the city's central square adorned with beautiful decorations and the famous Glockenspiel.
Walk to the square from your accommodation.
0, 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

St. Mary's Church (Frauenkirche)

Visit the iconic St. Mary's Church, with its stunning architecture and breathtaking views from the tower.
10-minute walk from Marienplatz.
5, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Traditional Bavarian Lunch

Enjoy a hearty lunch of Weisswurst and pretzels at the famous Hofbräuhaus.
15-minute walk to Hofbräuhaus.
20, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Residenz Munich

Explore the magnificent Residenz, the former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs.
20-minute walk from Hofbräuhaus.
12, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Munich Christmas Market

Dive into the festive atmosphere at the Munich Christmas Market, where you can sip Glühwein and shop for unique crafts.
5-minute walk from Residenz.
0, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Käfer-Schänke

Savor a lovely dinner of traditional German dishes like roast pork and dumplings in a chic setting.
20-minute walk from the Christmas Market.
35, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Munich

Day 2: Discover Nuremberg

Nuremberg, Germany

8:00 AM

Train to Nuremberg

Catch an early train to Nuremberg and enjoy the picturesque Bavarian landscape.
Main Train Station to Nuremberg, direct train.
15, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Nuremberg Castle

Visit Nuremberg Castle for panoramic views of the city and a glimpse of its rich history.
Walk from the train station to the castle (20 minutes).
7, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Wöhrdersee Park

Stroll through Wöhrdersee Park as you admire the lake and beautiful chestnut trees.
15-minute walk from the castle.
0, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Historische Bratwursthaus

Indulge in Nuremberg’s famous bratwurst with sauerkraut for lunch.
10-minute walk from the park.
12, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Nuremberg Christmas Market

Immerse yourself in the renowned Nuremberg Christmas Market, known for its gingerbread and craftsmanship.
5-minute walk from the restaurant.
0, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Train to Regensburg

Travel to Regensburg, an intricate city of history and charm.
Walk to Nuremberg Train Station.
20, 1 hour

5:30 PM

Dinner at Wurstkuchl

Enjoy dinner at Wurstkuchl, known for its historical sausage grill and beautiful riverside views.
20-minute walk from your accommodation in Regensburg.
15, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Nuremberg

Day 3: Regensburg Wonders

Regensburg, Germany

9:00 AM

Regensburg Cathedral

Start your day with a visit to the stunning Regensburg Cathedral, which showcases Gothic architecture.
Walk from your accommodation to the Cathedral (15 minutes).
5, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Stone Bridge

Cross the iconic Stone Bridge, a medieval marvel with magnificent views of the Danube River.
15-minute walk from the cathedral.
0, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Alte Wurstkuchl

Enjoy Regensburg's famous sausages paired with sauerkraut at this historical eatery.
5-minute walk from the Stone Bridge.
14, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Regensburg Christmas Market

Visit the charming Regensburg Christmas Market, with pretty stalls and traditional food.
Walk back to the main square (10 minutes).
0, 2 hours

3:30 PM

Train to Vienna

Take an afternoon train to Vienna, the City of Music and Christmas ambiance.
Regensburg Train Station, direct train.
30, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Plachutta

Dine at this renowned restaurant specializing in traditional Viennese Tafelspitz.
20-minute walk from your hotel.
40, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Regensburg

Day 4: Festive Vienna

Vienna, Austria

9:00 AM

Schönbrunn Palace

Visit the opulent Schönbrunn Palace, adorned with beautiful holiday decorations.
Take the U-Bahn from your accommodation.
15, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Vienna Christmas Market at Rathausplatz

Explore one of Vienna's largest Christmas markets set against the backdrop of the City Hall.
Walk back to Rathausplatz (20 minutes).
0, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Café Central

Experience a slice of history and enjoy a delicious lunch amidst the elegant ambiance.
15-minute walk from Rathausplatz.
25, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Belvedere Palace

Explore Belvedere Palace which boasts beautiful gardens and impressive artworks.
Take tram number D (30 minutes).
15, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Gasthaus Pöschl

Savor traditional Austrian fare in a cozy and elegant setting.
20-minute tram ride from Belvedere.
35, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Vienna

Day 5: Enchanting Salzburg

Salzburg, Austria

8:00 AM

Train to Salzburg

Travel to Salzburg where you will be greeted by the stunning scenery of the Austrian Alps.
Main Train Station to Salzburg, direct train.
30, 2.5 hours

10:30 AM

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Visit the formidable Hohensalzburg Fortress for sweeping views and historical exhibits.
Take the funicular railway from the Old Town.
15, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Stiftskeller St. Peter

Enjoy lunch in one of the oldest restaurants in Europe with traditional Austrian dishes.
20-minute walk from the fortress.
20, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Salzburg Christmas Market

Wander through the enchanting Salzburg Christmas Market in the picturesque Cathedral Square.
5-minute walk from the restaurant.
0, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Mozart's Birthplace

Visit the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart for a taste of musical history.
15-minute walk from the market.
12, 1 hour

5:30 PM

Dinner at Restaurant Elefant

Indulge in delightful Austrian cuisine while enjoying a refined atmosphere.
10-minute walk from Mozart's Birthplace.
30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Salzburg

Day 6: Scenic Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland

8:00 AM

Train to Zurich

Embark on a morning train to Zurich while marveling at the breathtaking landscapes.
Main Train Station to Zurich, direct train.
30, 5 hours

1:00 PM

Lake Zurich

Take a leisurely stroll along Lake Zurich, soaking in the gorgeous Swiss vistas.
20-minute walk from the train station.
0, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Taste traditional Swiss fare at this historic restaurant with a rustic ambiance.
10-minute walk from Lake Zurich.
25, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Zurich Christmas Markets

Spend the afternoon exploring Zurich’s Christmas markets, particularly the one in the old town with beautiful handcrafts.
Short walk to the market.
0, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Raclette Stube

Indulge in authentic Swiss raclette in a cozy, charming atmosphere.
10-minute walk from the market.
45, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Zurich

Day 7: Charming Lucerne

Lucerne, Switzerland

8:00 AM

Train to Lucerne

Catch a scenic morning train to Lucerne, with beautiful mountain views along the way.
Zurich Train Station to Lucerne, direct train.
20, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke)

Marvel at the iconic Chapel Bridge adorned with festive decorations.
Walk from the train station (15 minutes).
0, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Lake Lucerne Boat Ride

Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Lake Lucerne, taking in the stunning scenery alongside snow-capped mountains.
Board the boat near the Chapel Bridge.
25, 1.5 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Restaurant Fritschi

Savor traditional Swiss dishes in a charming restaurant filled with local character.
15-minute walk from the boat dock.
30, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Lucerne Christmas Market

Explore the delightful Christmas market at Franziskanerplatz, filled with joyful holiday spirit.
10-minute walk from the restaurant.
0, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Dinner at Stadtkeller

Experience Swiss dining with traditional music in this lively atmosphere.
15-minute walk from the market.
40, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Lucerne

Day 8: Relaxing in Geneva

Geneva, Switzerland

8:00 AM

Train to Geneva

Travel to Geneva for the final leg of your festive journey.
Lucerne Train Station to Geneva, direct train.
40, 3 hours

11:00 AM

Jet d'Eau

See the iconic Jet d'Eau fountain and the beautiful waterfront of Lake Geneva.
Walk 15 minutes from the train station.
0, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Café du Centre

Enjoy lunch featuring local specialties including fresh fish from Lake Geneva.
15-minute walk from Jet d'Eau.
35, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Geneva Christmas Market

Spend the afternoon exploring Geneva's Christmas market, known for its artisanal gifts and multilingual flair.
10-minute walk from the café.
0, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Visit St. Pierre Cathedral

End your journey with a visit to St. Pierre Cathedral, offering a splendid view from its tower.
5-minute walk from the market.
5, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Les Trois Chêne

Conclude your trip with a delightful dinner at Les Trois Chêne, savoring gourmet dishes in a cozy setting.
15-minute walk from St. Pierre Cathedral.
40, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Geneva
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More About Christmas markets

Trip Packing List: 5 Days in Vienna + 7 Days in Germany (December)
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58-day Trip: New York → Chicago → UK (rugby) → Portugal → Europe by train → Budapest (Christmas markets) → Singapore (3 nights)
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