Austrian/Bavarian Christmas Markets Overnight

Experience the ultimate holiday weekend with a trip to four of the most famous Christmas Markets in Austria and Bavaria!

Your Austro-Bavarian Christmas Market Overnight begins in the enchanting city of Salzburg, Austria. From the spectacular cathedral market to the historic fortress towering above, you will experience the magic of authentic Austro-Bavarian Advent traditions. Later that afternoon, we travel to Munich to explore the Bavarian capital's legendary holiday offerings. Browse over 130 vendors beneath the glowing city hall on Marienplatz, or venture out to discover the enormous Tollwood Winter Festival held on the Oktoberfest grounds before relaxing at your hotel for the evening.

On Sunday, your journey continues to Nürnberg, home to the world-famous “Little Town of Wood and Cloth.” This delightfully traditional, non-commercial shopper’s paradise strictly forbids plastic garlands and cheesy muzak, ensuring a truly authentic atmosphere. Finally, wrap up your weekend in Rothenburg, the German city most closely associated with Christmas. Walk the intact medieval city walls, explore the legendary Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village, and taste a delicious Rothenburg Snowball before heading home.

Army Outdoor Recreation makes it easy to visit four famous Austrian and Bavarian Christmas Markets in a single trip. This popular overnight trip sells out regularly, and strict early hotel booking deadlines apply. Stretch your holiday budget further with an early bird discount applied to the adult price for the first 25 seats booked. Choose your hassle-free departure from either Pulaski or Smith Barracks and reserve your spaces today!

Price, Seats 1-25:

• Double Occupancy: $329 per person
• Single Occupancy: $399

Price, Seats 26-48:

• Double Occupancy: $379 per person
• Single Occupancy: $449

Bus seat assignment preference in rows 2-5: $50 per seat (Does not guarantee a specific seat.)

Reservations made on or after Thursday, November 5 may be subject to rebooking fees based on the hotel’s dynamic room rate on the date of rebooking.

• Family room rates on request based on age and room configuration requirements
• Children under 2 on existing bedding: $149

Trip Includes: 

• Round trip tour bus transportation from your choice of Pulaski or Smith Barracks
• One overnight at The Rilano Hotel Munich**** or equivalent with breakfast
• Salzburg Christmas Market
• Munich Christmas Market
• Rothenburg Christmas Market
• Nürnberg Christmas Market

What to Bring:

• Comfortable, weather appropriate shoes and clothing
• Credit/Debit Card or Euro
• Military ID and Passport

Any required paper or electronic travel documentation is the personal responsibility of each individual traveler. 

Departure:

• 1 a.m. from Wagon Wheel Theater, Smith Barracks
• 2 a.m. from Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation, Pulaski Barracks, bldg. 2905

Return: Sunday Evening

Estimated Itinerary

Saturday: Alpine Elegance and Bavarian Nights

Salzburg, Austria
Kick off your weekend in the breathtaking birthplace of Mozart, nestled beautifully against the snow-dusted Alps. Wander through the grand Domplatz, where hundreds of festively decorated stalls sit under the watchful eye of the magnificent Hohensalzburg Castle. Soak in the winter atmosphere by listening to live choral music, sipping on warm Glühwein, and browsing for handcrafted glass ornaments before you return across the border back into Germany.

Munich
You will arrive in the bustling heart of Bavaria just as the afternoon light fades into a brilliant holiday glow. You have the evening to roam the central squares, marveling at the towering Neo-Gothic architecture framing the main markets. Whether you choose to sample giant pretzels and roasted almonds in the historic center, or venture out to experience the vibrant, international flair of the massive alternative festival grounds, you are guaranteed a memorable night before checking into your comfortable accommodations.

Sunday: Traditional Treasures and Medieval Magic

Nürnberg
After a hearty breakfast, we travel to Franconia to visit one of the most famous and rigorously protected holiday markets in Europe. Famous for its iconic sea of red-and-white striped canvas roofs, the Christkindlesmarkt requires every vendor to sell only high-quality, locally crafted goods. Treat your tastebuds to world-renowned Nürnberger Lebkuchen (spiced gingerbread) and the famous finger-sized bratwursts while shopping for unique holiday treasures in this deeply historic plaza.

Rothenburg
Your weekend concludes in a picture-perfect fairytale destination. Step back in time as you stroll down romantic cobblestone lanes surrounded by brilliantly preserved half-timbered houses. Take in the sweeping views from the ancient stone ramparts, and if you can't find what you're looking for in the Christmas Market in front of city hall, just step inside the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village the multi-story, year-round holiday superstore to find that perfect, elusive ornament. Don't forget to grab a few local powdered-sugar coated and flavor-filled stuffed pastry "Rothenburg Snowballs" to enjoy on the comfortable bus ride home.