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From twinkling towns to mulled wine moments-your perfect girls’ trip-a winter itinerary through Switzerland,Germany, and Austria
Are you looking for the perfect girls’ trip? I’ve got the perfect itinerary for you. This trip is easy to get to using a buddy pass. Here is my ultimate Christmas market itinerary through Switzerland, Germany, and Austria.
Day 1
Start your trip by flying into Zurich! Zurich is one of my favorite places to fly into. It is a beautiful area and the views on the flight in are unmatched. Flights arriving into Europe tend to arrive early to mid morning so you have a whole day ahead of you. The best way to combat jet lag is to get out and enjoy some fresh air.
I recommend renting a car for this trip as it’s the easiest way to get around. If you opt to spend the first night in Zurich, I would use the excellent public transportation to get around before picking up the car, as parking can be pricey. We personally like the Novotel Airport location. It’s one train stop from the airport, and I’ve stayed here for the last three years. It has been recently renovated and is lovely.
In Zurich, do some shopping, and make sure you stop at Einzelstück, one of the cutest stores in the area. Hit up one of the multiple Christmas markets in the area. My favorites are the one inside the Zurich HB (Zurich Main Station) and the oneMünsterhof. Do not miss the singing tree. Make sure you check the times for when they will be performing.
Day 2
If you’re leaving for Garmisch the following day, you’ll want an early start. It can take between 3.5 and 5 hours, depending on the weather. It’s important to note that you may need an AWD or 4×4 vehicle even if you have winter tires. Garmisch is an alpine ski town, meaning the roads can be hilly and very snowy. So give yourself plenty of time. If you arrive early, enjoy the beautiful town. It is not known for its Christmas market but rather its stunning backdrops.
If you’re a military family, you can stay at the Edelweiss, a great option with larger rooms. It also has an iconic outdoor hot tub surrounded by the Alps. If you’re not military, I suggest Hotel Rheinischer Hof, a charming local hotel offering epic views. They have delicious food here as well. Do not miss their breakfast.
Day 3
The next morning get an early start again because today will be packed. Today you will begin the day at Dachau Concentration Camp. Make sure you bring tissues with you. Visiting a concentration camp should be something everyone should do at least once. After your visit grab lunch in the cafeteria. The food was surprisingly good. From here you will be headed to the city of Munich for Christmas markets.
Munich is the capital of Bavaria. If you have never been to Bavaria, you are in for a treat. Bavaria is quintessential Germany, and it should not be missed. The city has several markets, my favorite being right on Marienplatz. Don’t miss out on the Glockenspiel, which goes off at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. daily.
While in Munich, eat dinner at the Hofbräuhaus , which is also quintessential Germany. You’ll be surrounded by raucous patrons drinking pints of beer. If you want a quiet dinner alone, this isn’t the place for you! You will be seated with other patrons. Who knows whom you will meet. We met two Spaniards who designed shoes for a shoe company! So much fun! Make sure you get a pint of beer and a pretzel to try. From there make your way back to Garmisch to rest for the night because tomorrow is another packed day.
Day 4
Who is ready to visit Austria today? Before your trip make sure your car has a vignette to go into Austria. If not, you will need to stop at a Zwoll Pass location. A gas station on the border (before crossing) to get a toll pass is also called a vignette. Innsbruck is just 1.5 hours from Garmisch, and the views will take your breath away quite literally. You will drive down a mountain and can get a birds-eye view of the town. Innsbruck is one of those towns you will pinch yourself in because it feels like a dream. It just feels unreal. Enjoy wandering the market while popping into the various stores. Enjoy trying the different drinks and snacks as well. Soak up your time before heading a bit further north tomorrow.
Day 5
This morning, you will pack up and head to Nuremberg. Make sure you get an early start on getting a whole day! It’s about 3-3.5 hours to Nuremberg from Garmisch. As soon as you get to the hotel, drop your bags and head to the Nazi Documentation Center. If you stay at the Novotel, you can easily walk. This is an easy museum to do in under two hours. This museum was being renovated when we went, but they had a lot of great information. It wasn’t as interactive as other museums, but I found it informative. The museum explains how Hitler got the people to follow him so easily. As you walk from the hotel, notice the grand road with the stadium seating, which is the road that Hitler would take.
Once you’ve finished the museum, take the bus to the city center. Famous for the Christmas market, Nuremberg feels like you’ve stepped back in time. We were there the day the market opened and witnessed the opening ceremonies. While busy, it should not be missed because it feels like a Hallmark Christmas movie. Stroll the stalls enjoying glüwein and hot chocolate. Afterward, walk to the Hexenhäusle, a Biergarten outside the city walls. This might have been the best food I have had in Germany. There wasn’t a dish that wasn’t delicious. After your late dinner, head back to the hotel and prepare for your return to Zurich the following morning.
Day 6
Today is our final day, and before we head to Zurich, we will head to the charming city of Rothenberg ob der Tauber. This was by far the busiest city we visited during our visits to the Christmas markets. Be prepared for lots of tour buses during the Christmas season because several of the river cruises stop here. But don’t let that deter you because it is so cute. Make sure you visit the Kathe Wohlfahrt store. There are sometimes long lines to get in, but they move quickly. If you purchase items, you can have them shipped back home, or they can also package them up for you there. Make sure you walk the city walls and the stretch of the city center. Enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants in the area. There are several cute ones. They can get quite full around lunchtime. Give yourself plenty of time to get back to Zurich. It can take 4-5 hours, depending on the weather.
Wrapping up the Perfect Girls’ Trip
Once you arrive in Zurich, get gas in the car and return it to the airport. From there, catch the train to the hotel, where you will spend the night before your flight home the next day. You can easily train downtown for a meal. Zurich has many delicious food options. Another option is to head back to one of the markets you didn’t visit and grab a meal there. If you arrive late, there are many food options at the airport near the car rental return.
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A Few of my Favorite Things
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