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Trip Report
Christmas in Germany
Four wonderful days in Germany to get yourself excited and in the Christmas spirit. Experience true German Christmas markets in Düsseldorf, Munster and a lovely town Billerbeck.
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Highs & Lows
A specialty you can find at any Christmas market was Kartoffelpuffer, fried potato pancakes, side of applesauce, or salt!
It’s generally an expensive place which is a shame, there were a few things I would have liked but couldn’t afford.
Itinerary Overview
We arrived in the evening at Dussledof airport to be driven to Billerbeck where we stayed for the duration of the trip, a beautiful town with great architecture, great community and very friendly people!
After a nights rest, we made our way to Dussledof by car. The city is extremely busy and is frequented by the very wealthy, with all designer stores you could imagine. I recommend to walk by the river for the view. We headed to the markets, it was very lively and a great atmosphere, everyone with drinks in hand enjoying themselves.
The next day we headed to Munster, personally I preferred it here as it felt more relaxed. Again, the architecture is fantastic with Cathedrals, old taverns, bars and shops. Finished off the evening with some more mulled wines at the markets!
Our last day ended in Billerbeck, a wonder round the town. There is a lovely cafe known for their cakes and coffee. Stopped at the cathedral which has a certain eerie feeling and popped into a very cool art gallery. All within walking distance from where we stayed.
Billerbeck Visiting family
1+My family and I recently spent 4 wonderful days in Billerbeck, a charming town located in the North Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany. We had a fantastic time exploring the town and the surrounding countryside, and we highly recommend Billerbeck as a vacation destination for families.
We stayed in a lovely guesthouse called "Haus Bökenkamp", which was situated in the heart of the town. The guesthouse was cozy and comfortable, and the owners were incredibly friendly and welcoming. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast each morning, which included fresh bread, pastries, and local cheeses.
On our first day in Billerbeck, we spent some time walking around the town and admiring its beautiful architecture. The town is known for its stunning Gothic cathedral, which we visited and were amazed by. We also visited the town's museum, which provided a fascinating glimpse into the town's history.
The next day, we rented bikes and explored the surrounding countryside. The bike trails were well-maintained and easy to navigate, and we enjoyed some spectacular views of the surrounding hills and fields. We also stopped at a local farm and bought some fresh produce, which we used to make a delicious dinner back at our guesthouse.
On our third day, we visited a nearby nature reserve called "Hohe Mark", which was home to a variety of wildlife and beautiful hiking trails. We spotted deer, rabbits, and even a fox while we were there. We also enjoyed a picnic lunch by a peaceful lake.
Our final day in Billerbeck was spent relaxing and enjoying the town's local cafes and shops. We picked up some souvenirs and gifts to bring back home with us, and we also treated ourselves to some delicious ice cream.
Overall, our trip to Billerbeck was a wonderful experience. The town and surrounding countryside were beautiful, and the people were friendly and welcoming. We highly recommend a visit to Billerbeck for anyone looking for a peaceful and charming vacation destination.
Düsseldorf Christmas Markets
1+I recently visited Düsseldorf, Germany, during the holiday season to experience the famous Christmas Markets. The markets are a traditional event that takes place every year throughout the city, and I have to say it was an unforgettable experience.
The markets are spread out throughout the city, with the main market located in the heart of the old town. It was a vibrant and festive atmosphere with sparkling lights and colorful decorations. The air was filled with the scent of freshly baked gingerbread, roasted nuts, and mulled wine.
The food and drink stalls were the highlight of the markets, with an array of traditional German Christmas treats on offer. I tried the Glühwein, a warm spiced wine that is a staple of the markets, and it was delicious. I also indulged in some Lebkuchen, a traditional gingerbread cookie, and some roasted chestnuts.
The market stalls offered a variety of unique and handcrafted gifts, from wooden toys to handmade candles and ornaments. I found some great gifts for my family and friends, and the prices were reasonable.
The atmosphere at the markets was incredible, with live music and carolers singing classic Christmas songs. I even spotted a group of people dressed in traditional German costumes, adding to the festive vibe.
Overall, I would highly recommend visiting the Düsseldorf Christmas Markets if you have the chance. The markets are a magical experience, and it's a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. The city itself is also worth exploring, with its beautiful architecture and lively atmosphere.
Q & A
What would you have changed?
Heading to Dussledorf I would definitely have changed the time we arrived which was lunchtime. I would DEFINITELY recommend getting there earlier the better. We spent a chunk of time weaving through the traffic as soon as we got to the central part of the city, then an hour finding a parking space!Anything go wrong during the trip?
Apart from the time wasted looking for parking, and the general expensive cost I have nothing to complain about.Restaurant recommendations?
There is a strip of restaurants which have a great range of cuisines. unfortunately I can not remember where we ate but I can recommend ordering the knuckle of beef. Firstly the portion is huuuge so good value for money, secondly the meat was extremely tender, came with fries and was more than enough to share between two people. Although I don’t know which restaurant this will be easy to find at many other restaurants!Tips you would give a friend?
If fancy lifestyle and expensive cars is not your thing, I maybe wouldn’t recommend going. Although IPacking tips?
I only stayed for four nights so I packed light, at this time of year in Germany it’s very cold so bring a coat and trousers!Any surprises?
I maybe hadn’t done my research enough, but I was generally surprised at how expensive things really were especially in Dussledorf and Munster. Some of the wealthiest people supposedly live in Germany, hence the designer shops and we’ll dressed people.
Lodging
I stayed with a family member for the duration of the trip, as they lived there for three years for work. They were renting from a very sweet couple who lived on the floor above. Apparently it is common in Germany that a house is split into 2 separate floors, for other family members, or parents when they are getting old to live close to each other. In this case, the couple were leasing it but were extremely accommodating. The place itself was very clean and decorated nicely with their own artwork. Access to the back garden with a pond and benches to chill out.
Hotel am Hofgarten