Surrounded by snow-covered mountains are the market towns of Mittenwald, Krün and Wallgau in the Bavarian region of Alpenwelt Karvendel. These historic villages come alive during the Christmas season, inviting visitors to their Christmas markets from early to mid-December. As one of Germany’s best winter regions, the Alpenwelt Karvendel is an ideal destination for a relaxing pre-Christmas break. The Bavarian charm, hospitality and ‘joie de vivre’ are combined with often centuries old traditions and customs, like the Lüftlmalerei, the local style of fresco paintings.
Mulled wine and lebkuchen, bratwurst and roasted almonds, are some of the smell of Christmas that greets you on arrival. With snow-covered mountains as the backdrop, lovely paved roads along historic farm buildings, the streets decorated with Christmas lights reflecting in the snow makes the Christmas markets Alpenwelt Karvendel one to remember. “Tranquil, traditional and typically Bavarian”, is how it is described.
Experience Bavarian Christmas Art, Culture and Cuisine
This year the markets are held under the theme, ‘Adventsmart der Sinne’ (Christmas for the senses). In Wallgau, you not only get to shop at the traditional stalls like other Christmas markets, but here you can explore the interior of historic farm houses and workshops and listen to festive music in the farmhouse parlour. Walk along the Sonnleiten, the oldest street in the village, it is a unique experience to walk along the historic buildings, breathing in the smell of Christmas food, before tasting some of the traditional dishes, while listening to local musicians.
The Christmas markets in Mittenwald, Krün and Wallgau put great emphasis on selling only regional produce and dishes, as well as handmade products fabricated by craftspeople from the surrounding areas: arts and crafts made from clay and wood, products made from sheep’s wool, playful products or venison dishes.
There is a second Christmas market in Alpenwelt Karwendel held in the village of Krün on the second Sunday of December. Again, here you can get the best of Bavarian specialities, such as coffee, cake, punch or mulled wine or you could go for a stroll through the village. You can join locals and the local clubs that run stalls in the village gardens selling mulled wine. These you can get throughout the month of December.
Explore the Bavarian Mountain Range
The Alpenwelt Karwendel mountain range is transform during the winter season. The Alpine landscapes invites you to explore: on foot, skis or by horse-drawn sleigh. Sometimes you can even hear the little sleigh bells ringing in the distance. The region clear blue skies and snow-covered mountains, allows for enjoyable cross-country skiing along the Isar valley. The Alpenwelt Karwendel lays claim to Germany longest ski route, the Dammkar route. Insider tip: try the family-friendly ski area at the Kranzberg a lovely area for skiing holidays in Bavaria.
The Karwendelbahn, has Germany’s second highest gondola, transporting visitors up to 2,244 metres from where hikers have the opportunity to trek along the mountain paths, cleared from the worst of snow and safe to walk. From here you have a picture-perfect view of the valley below and the Upper Bavarian and Tyrolean mountains.
The Karwendelbahn has its valley station in village of Mittenwald, which too host its own Traditional Christmas market. Around the middle of December, the church in this historic village is surrounded by about 40 alpine huts, inviting visitor to The Mittenwalder Christkindlmarkt. You can take part in their story time, when children gather to listen to local stories. Here local musician provides hourly concerts to give that Christmas feeling, while you can get your local supply of arts and crafts for gifts as the smell of gingerbread hangs in the air.