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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.
+ 5
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.
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.
How was the food?
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!
What tips would you give a friend?
If fancy lifestyle and expensive cars is not your thing, I maybe wouldn’t recommend going. Although I
Packing 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