Germany

Germany Christmas Markets by Train: Munich to Berlin in 9 Days

Eight nights by first-class train from Munich to Berlin in December: a day in Salzburg, Rothenburg, Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt and Dresden's Striezelmarkt. Old-town 4-star hotels within walking distance of the stalls.

From €2,299 per person · about $2,650Updated

Germany : 10-day magical christmas markets by train

Route

1 Munich 2 Nuremberg 3 Dresden 4 Berlin Salzburg Rothenburg

Route8 nights · 4 stops · 4 day trips

  1. 1 Munich 3 nights Salzburg, Rothenburg
  2. 2 Nuremberg 2 nights
  3. 3 Dresden 1 night Nuremberg
  4. 4 Berlin 2 nights Dresden
  1. Munich Christmas market tour with Lebkuchen, and a day trip to Salzburg by train
  2. Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Harburg Castle along the Romantic Road
  3. Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt at dusk and the WWII history walk
  4. Dresden's Striezelmarkt, then Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, Kreuzberg and Gendarmenmarkt

Day by day

  1. Munich 3 (canva Carré)

    Day 1

    Munich

    Private transfer from Munich Airport to your hotel in the heart of Munich.

    Munich Christmas Market Tour.

    You will have a chance to experience Germany’s beloved holiday traditions. Munich’s medieval center transforms into a winter wonderland for the Christmas markets, which have been held for 600 years. You will stop off at various stalls selling festive decorations and gifts, with insights into the history and customs of the markets, as well as Advent and Christmas rituals. You’ll also get to sample the traditional Lebkuchen gingerbread cake.

    Night in Munich.

  2. Salzburg

    Day 2

    Salzburg day trip

    Two-hour train ride from Munich Hauptbahnhof.

    You will pass Alpine landscapes and some of the most beautiful lakes in Bavaria.

    The Private Salzburg History and Food Tour

    You will discover the charming Austrian city of Salzburg, combining history and gastronomy. Your guide will lead you through Salzburg’s picturesque old town. Along the way, you'll savor classic Austrian dishes like schnitzel, beer, and Salzburger Nockerln dessert. You'll also visit iconic sights such as Fortress Hohensalzburg, Mozart’s Birth House, and Salzburg Cathedral.

    Return by train and night in Munich.

  3. Day 3

    Rothenburg and Harburg

    Drive from Munich to Harburg.

    Rothenburg and Harburg Day Trip.

    First, you will visit Harburg Castle, one of the oldest and best-preserved in the region, where you can explore and enjoy a coffee break. Then, head to Rothenburg, a beautifully restored medieval town, where you’ll have free time to explore. The journey also includes a drive through the Hallertau hop-growing region and along the picturesque Romantic.

    Drive back and night in Munich.

  4. Munich to Nuremberg, Germany Christmas Markets by Train: Munich to Berlin in 9 Days

    Day 4

    Munich to Nuremberg

    Train ride to Nuremberg in 1st class with seat reservation.

    The Nuremberg Private Christmas Market Tour.

    You will experience a magical experience in one of Germany's most famous and historic Christmas markets. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, with the scents of cinnamon, roasted almonds, bratwurst, gingerbread, and mulled wine filling the air. Explore the charming children’s market featuring a carousel, Ferris wheel, and steam train, all set against Nuremberg's medieval backdrop. This small group tour uncovers the secrets of Santa and hidden gems throughout the market, making it a truly unforgettable holiday experience.

    Night in Nuremberg.

  5. Nuremberg

    Day 5

    Nuremberg

    The Nuremberg World War II Walking Tour.

    You will go through the historic sites associated with the Nazi Party and the Nuremberg Trials. Visit the former Nazi Party Rally Grounds (Reichsparteigelände) and Zeppelinfeld, where grandiose structures serve as reminders of the regime's megalomania. Explore the Nuremberg Palace of Justice, home to the Major War Criminals Trial and the famous Courtroom 600, where subsequent trials were held. This tour offers a powerful and educational experience of Nuremberg's WWII history.

    Night in Nuremberg.

  6. Dresden

    Day 6

    Nuremberg to Dresden

    Train ride from Nuremberg to Dresden in 1st class with seat reservation.

    Dresden Old Town Walking Tour.

    You will go through the Altstadt, learning about Dresden’s fascinating history from medieval times to the post-war era. Afterward, enjoy free time at Dresden’s Christmas markets, including the Striezelmarkt, one of the oldest in Germany, dating back to the 15th century. Finish at the Neumarkt Christmas Market near the Frauenkirche, offering beautifully crafted items like Christmas arches and handmade toys.

    Night in Dresden.

  7. Dresden to Berlin, Germany Christmas Markets by Train: Munich to Berlin in 9 Days

    Day 7

    Dresden to Berlin

    Train ride from Dresden to Berlin in 1st class with seat reservation.

    The Introductory Tour of Berlin.

    You will enjoy a comprehensive exploration of the city's main historical sites, focusing on the political and ideological forces of the 20th century. The tour covers key moments such as the Nazi and Cold War eras, and features landmarks such as Hackescher Markt, Checkpoint Charlie and the Brandenburg Gate. You will follow the route of the Berlin Wall, visit the Holocaust Memorial, the Reichstag and the statue of Frederick the Great. Your guide will also explain how the city has rebuilt itself as a vibrant, multicultural capital.

    Night in Berlin.

  8. Day 8

    Berlin

    The Kaleidoscopic Kreuzberg Tour.

    You will go through one of Berlin’s most vibrant and diverse neighborhoods, known for its blend of history, counterculture, and modern creativity. On this tour, you'll explore key landmarks like the Oberbaumbrücke bridge, street art-filled walls, and sites that reflect Kreuzberg's resistance to gentrification. The tour also includes a visit to Viktoriapark, and Markthalle 9, a 120-year-old market hall known for its artisanal and trendy food offerings. After the tour, enjoy free time to visit the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market, one of Berlin's most enchanting holiday markets.

    Night in Berlin.

  9. Day 9

    Journey home

    Private transfer from your hotel to Berlin Airport.

Where you stay

8 nights · 4 bases

  1. 1 Munich 3 nights Day trips: Salzburg, Rothenburg
  2. 2 Nuremberg 2 nights
  3. 3 Dresden 1 night Day trips: Nuremberg
  4. 4 Berlin 2 nights Day trips: Dresden

Best time to go

Our pickCrowds

  1. Jan−2–3°
  2. Feb−1–5°
  3. Mar2–10°
  4. Apr5–15°
  5. May9–20°
  6. Jun12–23°
  7. Jul14–25°
  8. Aug14–25°
  9. Sep10–20°
  10. Oct6–14°
  11. Nov2–8°
  12. Dec0–4°

The markets open in the last week of November and close on December 23 or 24; the first two weeks of December are the calmest. Munich and Nuremberg are busiest on weekends, so we schedule those cities midweek. Expect temperatures around freezing: pack for standing outside with a Glühwein.

What travelers say

Reviews from travelers who booked with us, in Germany.

All reviews

Wonderful trip, handled expertly by Mathilde

Wonderful trip! Everything was handled expertly by Mathilda! Our guides in Nuremberg, Justina, and Munich, Renata, were absolutely fantastic. We had a fantastic time, enjoyed every place we visited. Hotels and arrangements were hassle free. Overall beautiful and care free experience. Will most assuredly do again!!

from Kansas City, MO Germany · with Mathilde Verified on Kimkim

An educational journey across Germany

Our trip to Germany was very educational. We visited Berlin, Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Nuremberg, Munich, and Wiesbaden. We also went to the Dachau concentration camp. The food tour guide in Berlin, Anna, was simply excellent. She chose simple but delicious foods such as currywurst and doner kebabs that had a particular meaning to Berlin. She also provided historical information as we walked from location to location…

Our trip to Germany was very educational. We visited Berlin, Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Nuremberg, Munich, and Wiesbaden. We also went to the Dachau concentration camp. The food tour guide in Berlin, Anna, was simply excellent. She chose simple but delicious foods such as currywurst and doner kebabs that had a particular meaning to Berlin. She also provided historical information as we walked from location to location that were meaningful and educational. Max, Niklas, Amir, and Connie were also very good and knowledgeable guides. We learned a lot from all of them. Amir was particularly accommodating as well as being a good driver.

from Seattle, WA Germany · with Lucie Verified on Kimkim

Amazing trip through 5 countries

we had an amazing trip. There were a few glitches (car rental agency requiring passport to rent that we didn't have on us) but a call to Mathilde helped straighten everything out. The other problem is the date we wanted to go to the Ann Frank house they were doing some maintenance, so we rescheduled for the day we got back to Amsterdam. Unfortunately that day we were exhausted from traveling by train and didn't go an…

we had an amazing trip. There were a few glitches (car rental agency requiring passport to rent that we didn't have on us) but a call to Mathilde helped straighten everything out. The other problem is the date we wanted to go to the Ann Frank house they were doing some maintenance, so we rescheduled for the day we got back to Amsterdam. Unfortunately that day we were exhausted from traveling by train and didn't go and we were told the tickets we unrefundable, so that was upsetting. The tours we had were amazing with wonderful guides. I cannot remember the name in Haarlem, but we had Charles in Brussels, Flak in Cologne, Jeremy for Neuschwanstein, Agatha in Salzbourg and Mamon in Strasbourg. We had a guide for Dachau whose name started with an A too. All were outstanding!!!! I do need to contact Mathilde as we are supposed to get a partial refund for car rental that has not yet appeared. Mathilde was extrememely easy to work with and very responsive to all my questions and needs. I would not hesitate to recommend Mobee International to everyone I know, and I would certainly use again!

from Portland, OR Germany · with Mathilde Verified on Kimkim

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Frequently asked questions

When are the Christmas markets open?

The German markets open in the last week of November and close on December 23 or 24, and the first two weeks of December are the calmest. Munich and Nuremberg are busiest on weekends, so we schedule those cities midweek. Nuremberg hotels fill early for December weekends, so we reserve your rooms as soon as your dates are confirmed.

How do we travel between cities?

By first-class train with seat reservations: Munich to Nuremberg, Nuremberg to Dresden and Dresden to Berlin. The Salzburg day is a two-hour train ride each way from Munich Hauptbahnhof, and the Rothenburg and Harburg day is by road from Munich. Private transfers meet you at Munich Airport and take you to Berlin Airport at the end.

Where are the hotels?

Four 4* hotels in the old-town centers of Munich, Nuremberg, Dresden and Berlin, all within walking distance of the main markets, so you can go back after dinner when the lights are on. You stay three nights in Munich, two in Nuremberg, one in Dresden and two in Berlin, with breakfast included.

Is there more to the trip than markets?

Yes. There is a private history and food tour in Salzburg, Harburg Castle and Rothenburg on the Romantic Road, a World War II walk in Nuremberg with Courtroom 600 and the former Rally Grounds, a Dresden old-town walk, and two Berlin tours covering the Brandenburg Gate, the route of the Wall, the Holocaust Memorial and Kreuzberg. The WWII content is serious; tell us if you travel with young children.

What should we pack, and what is not included?

Expect temperatures around freezing and long hours outdoors, so pack warm layers, gloves and comfortable shoes for wet cobblestones. Not included: international flights to Munich and from Berlin, travel insurance, lunches and dinners not mentioned (the Salzburg food tour is included), mulled wine and market purchases, city taxes paid at the hotel, and personal expenses and gratuities.

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