Köln (Cologne) Christmas Markets

A good friend of mine, Viktoria, who I met in Galway, Ireland, is from Germany and we'd been planning to meet up again for some time. Finally, with us both getting our A's into G we arranged for me to come and visit her in Köln (aka Cologne) to visit the famous Christmas Markets. I'd already been, briefly, to the Christmas Markets in Frankfurt (on the way to England when I was younger) and having already been to Köln in the summer during the World Cup. So I had a an idea of what was coming, but I have to say the entire experience was so much more than expected =)

Viktoria and I in front of Der Dom

I can say this with absolute surety, the Germans know how to do Christmas! And being shown it all by a good friend who's grown up with it all is the way to go - Viktoria was a wonderful guide and "forced me" to try as many different foods and drinks as possible!

Basically, the Christmas markets contain food, drink, more food, more drink and Christmasy arts and crafts such as traditional German Christmas candles and tree decorations etc. The specialist drink is Glühwein (mulled wine) and it it such a fantastic way to warm up as it does get very cold. Glühwein is a tradition that I will definitely be trying to bring back to NZ to warm the winter spirits =)

But if mulled wine isn't your thing, don't worry, there is a huge list of other possibilities. And that's just the drink! The food, ohhhhh the food! There's a huge range of traditional fare and it's all absolutely excellent. If you're a foodie or merely enjoy your food and drink (and really, who doesn't?) then you have to visit the Christmas markets in Germany. Ooooh, the food =D

What makes the Christmas Markets in Köln that much more special is that the main market (yes, there are six in total!) is situated under the stunning Gothic masterpiece that is Der Dom. The feeling of the bitter cold diffused with warm Glühwein under the soaring spires of this magnificent centrepiece to a city which dates back to Roman times is what the word atmospheric was made to describe.

To while away the days between evenings spent at the markets there were the wee matters of a trip to the Chocolate Museum, the Lego shop and the crazy Caribbean busker who sings nothing but Bob Marley songs. This, and eating more excellent food from Viktoria's very hospitable parents.

The final night I was there we went to a medieval themed market just outside Köln. It was really cool! Everything to eat, drink or buy was made to be as authentic to a medieval Christmas as possible. Largely lit by candles, everyone working there dressed appropriately, arts and crafts and warm honey mead for all!

I realize that I've said this of places many times before, and will probably say this many more places, but the Christmas Markets in Köln are a must visit if you're planning a trip around Europe.