The Most Amazing Christmas Markets in Heidelberg is about a day trip we took while staying in Stuttgart. Due to the Pandemic shutting down all markets in the German state of Bavaria, we found out that in Heidelberg they were still on. The restrictions were set high at 2G+. What does this mean you might ask? You need to be vaccinated or have recovered from having Covid. In addition, you need a negative test. Once you had these 2 requirements, you had to go to a special place for verification. They would put a wristband on, and you could enter the markets. In addition, you had to use the Luca app and check in/check out between the various markets.
Bismarckplatz
We took a local bus from the train station and got off at Bismarckplatz. This is where the “control station” for the Covid regulations was set up. There was a small Christmas market here, but it had yet to open any of the stalls. Once we had received the wristband, we crossed the street at entered the old town. As we had just gotten off the train, our first stop in the old town was at a coffee house, where we enjoyed an amazing pastry.
Anatomiegarten
This Christmas market is the first one you will run into as you walk down the Mainstreet in the old town. It is right off the main street. It was not yet open when we were there.
Universitätsplatz
As you walk east on Hauptstrasse, you will pass by this amazing Christmas store. You must definitely enter Käthe-Wohlfahrt. There you will find an amazing display of Christmas decor as well as Christmas tree treasures. The variety of ornaments is unbelievable, You can find almost anything your heart may desire. One of the things I collect is German Nutcrackers, and their collection is stunning. Adjacent to the shop, the next Christmas market can be found. We tried the fried potato pancakes – Reibkuchen and a sausage. Of course, accompanied by a Gluhwein. It was delicious. They also have a carousel for children at this market.
Marktplatz
The next Christmas market is located by The Church of the Holy Spirit. The highlight of the square is the Heidelberg barrel. The barrel has a capacity of 120,000 liters. The really big one that is almost double in size can be found at Heidelberg castle. We found very nice handblown and handpainted Christmas tree ornaments that we just had to take home. They also had a stall selling kitchen utensils made out of olive tree wood.
Kornmarkt
This Christmas market is nicknamed Heidelberg Winter Woods. It has illuminated fir trees and pointed tents to create an amazing atmosphere. Imagine sipping on a gluhwein on a cold winter night inside one of the tents. In the background, you can admire the castle.
Karlsplatz
The last Christmas market we visited was the one at Karlsplatz. Framed by the romantic castle backdrop, you can find one of the most beautiful ice rinks in Germany. The majority of stalls here sell food and drinks. There were plenty of tables available for your food or gluhwein while people watching. Why not rent some skates and take a few laps around the ice rink?
The Most Amazing Christmas Markets in Heidelberg was worth coming to, even just for the day. It is a magical town with an amazing atmosphere. I can highly recommend a visit.
If you would like to read more about the other cities we visited during our trip, click here.
