So the ladies from work and I decided to hit up two nearby Christmas markets on our Saturday adventures. Emily drove Shawna & I up the windy mountain and past some amazing views and we parked right along the Rhine river. First stop was Bern Kastel Kues' Weihnachts Markt!
Bern Kastel Kues Christmas Market
Nestled in the center of the cutest town ever is this Christmas market. The surrounding buildings are smashed together and some even appear old and crooked. You can't help but look up in awe when sipping Gluwein at a stand up cocktail table. There are old pulleys on the outside of all the windows which they use to transport large items up through windows instead of trying to get things up several flights of stairs. The entire heart of the city is just cute and homey feeling.
The market has several different areas so it's one of those markets where you have to wander and be adventurous to find everything. Many of the stores were really cool too so I'd advise avoiding Sundays when stores are typically closed. One great store we stopped in had an amazing chocolate and truffle variety. Another stop was in a cute wine and schnapps shop. Everyone was really friendly and happy to help.
This Christmas market itself had a good variety of wood carving decorations, Christmas knick knacks for decorating, and other winter and Bernn Kastel Kues mementos. The market had a meat booth, a great cheese booth (including samples!), a few gluwein huts, and a small variety of food. They had churros, waffles, dampfnudel, Flamkuchen and a couple other typical german Christmas market foods. Overall a solid balance of food vs items to buy. The market was not crowded at all for a Saturday afternoon and was very enjoyable. They also had beautiful Gluwein mugs! The scenery with the Mosel river plus all the vineyards makes it a beautiful place to visit and great photos. I'd go back for sure!
Traben-Trarbach Christmas Market
So the "TT Christmas market" as we call it to make it easier to refer to, is an underground market. This market is only about half hour down the road from Bern Kastel Kues. It is very unique and cool. It's different then the rest because it is full of vendors inside the caves. It's hot down there so most visitors are drinking cold white wine, probably what the Mosel Region is known for, their Riesling. There was a bar inside with options and theres Gluwein outside of the caves in a couple different areas. Theres an ice skating rink at this market also.
We enjoyed going in all of the different caves. One man gave us samples of a couple different meats he sells, we didn't buy any but I sure did enjoy them. There were almost too many vendors to enjoy in the first and largest underground market. You may need to shed a layer in here cuz it was a bit toasty! I think overall there was about 4 underground markets. They do not connect underground so it's in one and back outside to find the next. There were too many lovely items to buy, I'd recommend taking extra euro if you are looking for any special Christmas gifts of decorations. Overall this market was the most unique yet and I really enjoyed the scenery.
We parked along the river again and walked across the bridge to get to the market. The lights on the bridge and the castle up on the hill provided beautiful views and photo opportunities. This was one of those markets that is just pleasant to be at and you enjoy just looking at everything!
We picked up some delicious chocolates down in the 3rd market as well as some sweet coated almonds and spicy nuts. There is a ton of options on both food and items to buy.
Wear your patience pants to TT because the heat and crowds down there can be a bit irritable.
The two markets were both special and different from each other & I'd highly recommend them both. I'd take family or visitors here because these markets are so unique and the sites are just beautiful.
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