German Xmas markts anyone ?

zipnolan

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Me n the Mrs are off to do our annual pilgramage to the German Xmas markts, start 7th Dec to the 13th Dec,
1. Valkenburg cave market (NL)
2. Aachen
3. Monschau
4. Witlich
5. Trier
no doubt testing the German beer along the way, anyone else going that way want to meet up for a beer ?
 
I have been to lots of German Markets , but never to a Christmas Market, are they really worth the bother, do they differ much to the general markets that are great in Germany? I may give them a try,
 
if you feel that you've lost the traditional Christmas feeling and perhaps the magic has slipped then the German Christmas markts are the tonic you need, they have traditional foods/drinks, hot chestnuts, gluhwein, piping hot sausages and the beer flows like nectar ! mix that with nice, genuine, friendly people and you'll be booking the ferry for next Christmas in no time....... Prost.
 
We are keen to do the Christmas markets at Strasbourg, Colmar and Mulhouse this year, might pop over the border on the way back to experience a few of the German ones on the way back. Which ones would you recommend?
 
Two markets not to be missed. One in Berlin, where they have a proper ski slope built in the middle of town and should be great for the kids. There are also the sights to be seen, East and West sides of the city. the second is Dresden. You will certainly need your digital and video camera.The one place to visit is called the "Zwinger" Good free camping right on the river ELB. Hamburg too has a great market, for kids the best place to take them is the DOM. Best day is Wednesday, as it is half price. It is massive and will need a few hours to get round it.
 
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I would be worried about taking my motorhome to Germany at that time of year, because of the legal requirement to have winter tyres fitted, if driving in winter conditions. Although it has been a requirement in Germany for some years, the law was tightened up, last year, to close any loopholes.

Mick H.
 
The German law requires winter tyres or snow chains (which I have) but never used them to date because the roads are normally clear, reference Strassbourg stay just over the German border at Kehl on the lorry park, very safe and cost's only 10 Euro's but you get a 7 Euro breakfast with that ! also Baden-Baden have a great markt but stay at Herenhalb village (also nice swimming pool) also 10 Euro's but you get a free bus pass into Baden-Baden...........Yet another money saving tip from Zipnolan !!!
 
zipnolan said:
The German law requires winter tyres or snow chains (which I have) but never used them to date because the roads are normally clear
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That was before the law was tightened up in 2010. Winter tyres are now compulsory, when driving in winter conditions, with the additional requirement to carry snow chains as well.
Normally, UK roads are clear, but that wasn't the case last winter, so I just wouldn't take the chance. Weather can be so unpredictable.

Mick H.
 
may be a bit of misunderstanding, law is winter tyres or carry snow chains, you must have them on (snow chains) if snow on the ground, no law about carrying both ! spoke to a German police officer only last winter when I awoke ammid a German police set up in Trier to start their snow tyre crack-down.
 
zipnolan said:
may be a bit of misunderstanding, law is winter tyres or carry snow chains, you must have them on (snow chains) if snow on the ground, no law about carrying both ! spoke to a German police officer only last winter when I awoke ammid a German police set up in Trier to start their snow tyre crack-down.
Click to expand...

You might be intersted in this link, Snow tire laws in Germany | M+S-Reifen - Winterreifen | The German Way

There is quite a lot of info on the net, regarding the change in the German laws about fitting winter tyres. Because they ARE a legal requirement for icy roads and frost covered roads, the use of snow chains wouldn't be appropriate, but chains would, of course, be required for packed ice and snow.
Summer tyres would NOT be allowed, even with snow chains, in winter conditions. They have been deemed illegal in these situations.

Mick H

PS. In addition, it might invalidate your insurance, if involved in an accident, if you hadn't complied with the new laws.
 
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