Guest adhple Posted October 1, 2013 Share Posted October 1, 2013 Has anyone a good recommendation for a European Christmas Market and where to park overnight to see it. (?) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Way2Go Posted October 1, 2013 Share Posted October 1, 2013 Bruges Aire, Belgium (51.196331, 3.22549) http://www.campercontact.com/campersite/detail/id/239 - wonderful city and good Christmas Markets within easy walk through park. Belgian Christmas Markets good but not a patch on the German ones. Aachan, Germany (50.76115, 6.10294) http://www.aachen-camping.de/index-gb.html - brilliant Christmas Markets selling everything you could wish for. Good food and drink too. Bus stop close to site will whisk you into town before you know it. Cologne, Germany (50.962791, 6.98275) http://www.campercontact.com/campersite/detail/id/3981 - great site on the banks of the Rhine up by the zoo. Train will get you into city quickly (it's only 5 stops) and you come out of the station right by the Dom. Cologne has 5 or 6 markets (the ones away from the Dom are less commercialised). Tips: Weekends get very busy so try to arrive early. Pre-book if you want to make sure of a space (can’t usually books aires/stelplatz). Most large towns and cities in France, Belgium and especially Germany hold Christmas Markets and the German ones are, IMHO, the better ones as far as the ‘spirit’ of Christmas is concerned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chick2 Posted October 1, 2013 Share Posted October 1, 2013 Is this any help? www.christmasmarkets.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sean.clarke Posted October 1, 2013 Share Posted October 1, 2013 Thanks for the info - didn't get to go last year, hoping to make it this year. Looking at Aachen and Cologne, but open to other options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest searchforsites Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 We went to Brugge Market last year (November) and was a bit disappointed. Market is quite small, but they did have a a skating rink and nice decorations. Went to Rothenburg ob der Tauber in the summer and I bet that would be great at christmas. In fact its great for Christmas at any time of the year as there is a huge Christmas decorations shop in the town Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Way2Go Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 sean.clarke - 2013-10-01 11:10 PM Thanks for the info - didn't get to go last year, hoping to make it this year. Looking at Aachen and Cologne, but open to other options. See if this helps you decide Sean ;-) Cologne's Christmas Markets The city of Cologne offers seven Christmas markets in total. Among them are four big Christmas markets - at the Cologne Cathedral, on the Alter Markt, on the Neumarkt and on the Rudolfplatz. Every year these four markets attract almost 2 million visitors. http://www.koeln.de/cologne_tourist_information/events/christmas_markets The market at the Cologne Cathedral is the most impressive one of Cologne's Christmas markets due to the backdrop of the imposing Cathedral. Beneath the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland you can find 160 attractively designed wooden pavilions. Here you can choose from numerous sweet delicacies, watch artisans at work and enjoy the “Original Christmas mulled wine” out of the festively decorated Christmas mugs. The Christmas market on the Alter Markt takes place in front of narrow-gabled houses of the Old Town Hall. It has an especially idyllic atmosphere because of its half-timbered stalls. Children in particular will find lots to do here. With a nostalgic children’s roundabout, puppet theatre, Santa Claus’ grotto and many toy stands, this Christmas market in the heart of the Altstadt (Old Town) has attracted young and old to Cologne for many years. Cologne's oldest Christmas market is the market on the Neumarkt, in the shopping area against the backdrop of the Church St. Aposteln. There, several old stands still bear witness to the origins of the market back at the beginning of the 70s. A nostalgic flavour is provided by decorative plates with illustrations of the Christmas markets with their long traditions, which are sold there alongside many other artisans’ products. The Christmas Market on the Rudolfplatz takes you to the world of fairy tales. Against the historic backdrop of the mediaeval Hahnentorburg, large fairy tale figures and festive illumination provide a special eye-catcher. Besides the four big Christmas markets there is also a Medieval Christmas Market outside the Chocolate Museum and a Floating Christmas Market on board MS Wappen von Mainz (KD Riverboats) alongside the old quarter. Finally and well worth seeing is the Stadtgarten Christmas Market, a new and fairly large Christmas Market, located on the edge of Cologne's oldest park. The Stadtgarten Christmas Market has a far more relaxed and village like atmosphere and it is, apart from the traditional local food, arts & crafts, a great choice for children's entertainment or any one young at heart. As Christmas approaches there is plenty of entertainment and things to do through out Cologne, including a variety of Christmas concerts, Nativity scene displays and a huge temporary ice rink on Heumarkt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goodheart23 Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 We go to Rothenburg every xmas in December for a week been going there for 14 years, are we sad? Super xmas market and walled city, lots to see and do, parking and campsite close by. Kathe Wohlfahrt main xmas shop must be seen to be believed, very busy at weekends. Lots of other xmas shops and restaurants, xmas market all round the town hall in the square and little alley ways. web page www.rothenburg.de Kathe Wohlfahrt on line shop www.bestofchristmas.com Information about Kathe Wohlfahrt www.wohlfahrt.com Hope you try it sometime. Goodheart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Way2Go Posted October 4, 2013 Share Posted October 4, 2013 adhple - 2013-10-01 3:05 PM Has anyone a good recommendation for a European Christmas Market and where to park overnight to see it. (?) Considering the responses that you've had I would have thought it only decent to thank people for going out of their way to answer your request. We didn't have to as we already know this information but have agreed to share it with you because you asked. As a new member you might want to take this on board. This is the main reason I rarely reply to requests on here because people ask for help but are too rude to thank people who then help them out. W2G - over and out >:-( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pepe63xnotuse Posted October 4, 2013 Share Posted October 4, 2013 I suppose it is always possible that the OP has asked this on several forums and has just forgotten that they've asked it here?...either that or they are just away from the PC/laptop for a few days?.... I know I've done both before now...:-S Posted a question on several forums.....got an answer on one and forgot all about the others... :$ ..and I've also posted a question the night before I go away (and will be away from PC) for umpteen days.. (lol) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Way2Go Posted October 12, 2013 Share Posted October 12, 2013 pepe63 - 2013-10-04 12:50 PM ...either that or they are just away from the PC/laptop for a few days?.... Well pepe, he last signed in yesterday and no sign of any form of appreciation to the help other members have offered him. I guess that sums up the sort of person he is. Yep, a selfish rude idiot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjmike Posted October 12, 2013 Share Posted October 12, 2013 Well I would like to send my thanks to all those that have replied. The info provided has been most helpful Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will86 Posted October 12, 2013 Share Posted October 12, 2013 That's a pretty harsh reply Way2Go, we have no idea who the person is neither if they are out for the day I do hope he / they make a comment. Your information also of course helps many more of us who never have the chance to go and are very appreciative but can read about it from the advice given so although I didn't pose the question thanks cos I can dream about it and look at the pictures which then provide me with more info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Way2Go Posted October 12, 2013 Share Posted October 12, 2013 Will85 - 2013-10-12 11:46 AM That's a pretty harsh reply Way2Go, we have no idea who the person is neither if they are out for the day I do hope he / they make a comment. They've had 12 days to answer but never mind. . . . many more of us who never have the chance to go and are very appreciative but can read about it from the advice given . . . . I can dream about it and look at the pictures which then provide me with more info. If you get the chance Will you really should give it a go it's BRILLIANT. If you hold the spirit of Christmas in your heart you'll find a German Christmas Market will reinforce your inner glow. The sights, the sound and the atmosphere all go to make for a special lead up to Christmas. If you can't get away this year try and make it for next year . . . . . you won't regret it ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arjxh56 Posted October 16, 2013 Share Posted October 16, 2013 Hi, I am taking a trip to the German markets this year, just trying to get organised! Any tips for me as it's a first time in Holland and Germany with a camper?? I am going to ferry from Harwich to Hook....stop a night or two in holland, maybe Amsterdam.... Then onto Cologne for the market, staying down on the Rhine.....then onto Nuremberg and maybe then onto the Alps for a little ski session if the conditions are suitable? I have 2 little ones, aged 2 and 3 so it will hopefully be magical for them and a fantastic experience for us... Please share any tips to make my trip more enjoyable :-) Many Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracker Posted October 17, 2013 Share Posted October 17, 2013 arjxh56 - 2013-10-16 11:16 PM Hi, I am taking a trip to the German markets this year, just trying to get organised! Any tips for me as it's a first time in Holland and Germany with a camper?? You don't say what van you have but unless it is fully winterised you may have problems with water freezing so it will probably pay to read up on the subject. You may also need winter tyres and/or snow chains? You may also need an ample supply of gas in case ehu is not available, in which case Propane will be needed not Butane. You may also need an extension ehu lead, as well as adapters for the socket, as sometimes points are a long way from where you park. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arjxh56 Posted October 18, 2013 Share Posted October 18, 2013 Hi, Thanks for the info, My van is a kontiki 649 and is winterised to an extent. I have frost protect on the water for example. I do have 2 EHU leads and 26kg propane but I don't have snow chains, I will have a look at the NEC this weekend and grab a set. In terms of adapters, do you mean just the standard EU plug adapters or is there something specific to EHU sockets?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia Posted October 19, 2013 Share Posted October 19, 2013 I agree that the markets are magical. I have not as yet visited in my m/home but went on a Rhine cruise which was fantastic. From Cologne went down to Rudesheim and back again. Would love to do it again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Kirby Posted October 19, 2013 Share Posted October 19, 2013 arjxh56 - 2013-10-18 9:06 PM Hi, Thanks for the info, My van is a kontiki 649 and is winterised to an extent. I have frost protect on the water for example.................. Wintersied to an extent? Hmmmm! You really need a van with inboard water tanks, inboard water and drainage runs, and inboard heater ducts. That is what is meant by fully winterised. Many UK made vans have underslung fresh and waste tanks, some wrapped with a bit of insulation, some not, and some with tank heaters that would probably be overwhelmed by the full blast of the sub-arctic gale that the tank would be subjected to while on the road in mainland Europe in winter. We just don't get the sub-zero temperatures they get on the mainland, especially in mountainous areas, so can get away with less well protected systems. Some are better than others, but AFAIK, none are fully winterised to mainland European standards. Most are really three season vans. Remember, it is not just the freeze-up that causes the problem, you then have to try to get it all to thaw out again, which is not easy if it is -15C outside and blowing a blizzard! Have a very critical look under your van for any chinks in it's armour, especially uninsulated exposed heater ducts, uninsulated hot and/or cold water pipework, and uninsulated drainage pipes. Remember that insulation only slows the rate of heat loss, it doesn't prevent it. If a pipe or tank is exposed to sub-zero temperatures for long enough it will eventually freeze however much insulation has been applied. Also, don't forget that most tank heaters only run on 12V, and will only function when the engine is running or when on EHU. They are usually designed not to work on 12V with the engine off and no EHU, but even if yours will, it would quickly flatten your battery if switched on. In Germany, between I think November and March, vehicles must be shod with winter tyres, or at minimum snowflake marked tyres with M+S designation. If yours is not so equipped you risk a fine if you cause a hold-up because you have inadequate traction. Chains may only be used on snowbound roads, and must be removed/re-fitted accordingly for cleared sections. They are not a substitute for winter tyres under German legislation. If going into the mountains, take gas seriously. If you get snowbound on a site or stellplatz and run out of gas, your only means of heating will be to run the engine. The Fiat cab heater is not designed to heat so large a volume as a motorhome under Alpine winter conditions, so the risk of hypothermia is real if bad weather sets in and you are unable to move off. You will use a LOT of gas under these conditions, and the heater will be running near flat-out pretty much 24/7. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Posted October 19, 2013 Share Posted October 19, 2013 Just seeking some further advice. We (two vans) are also hoping to visit a few Christmas markets early December. The proposed itinary would be: Tunnel, Brugge, Ghent, Valkenburg, Aachen then finally onto Lille and the return via Tunnel. Is there an aire or campsite convenient for visiting Ghent Valkenburg and Lille? Have looked at Den Driesch for Valkenburg seems expensive at 73/74 euros for two nights. I understand that to travel within Germany at this time of year you need to have mud & snow tyres and snow chains, also a Umwellplakette pass, is this correct? If anyone has any additional information or advice which may be relevant to our trip it would be very much appreciated. Many thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arjxh56 Posted November 2, 2013 Share Posted November 2, 2013 Hi, I have now booked the ferry (Harwich-Hook) but I am struggling to find many camping sites on route that... 1. Accept tag axle ... 2. Are open past mid November Where do you all search for them? I have used google maps and I have checked EuroCampings website. I am thinking of stopping off at Utrecht for a night, but where else would people recommend that is not too far off the direct route from Hook to Cologne. I don't mind straying an hour or so from the route. I would really prefer to be walking distance from a train station as walking miles with toddlers is a pain.. and parking the 'bus' in towns is not worth the hassle! I have two little ones (2 and 4) so any suggestions of places to stop that would entertain adults and nippers would be appreciated :-) Many Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michele Posted November 2, 2013 Share Posted November 2, 2013 He's right you know .....its nice just to pop in and say THANKYOU . still I enjoyed reading the post the info provided ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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