Germany
Cochem's Reichsburg Castle towers over a half-timbered Moselle wine town whose Advent market fills the medieval marketplace.
Famous for
Reichsburg Castle towering over a half-timbered wine town — the Moselle's pinup.
Cochem is the Moselle's most photographed town — the 11th-century Reichsburg castle perches on a vine-covered hill directly above a half-timbered old town. Its Advent market, on the medieval Endertplatz and in the old town lanes, is small and open mainly on Advent weekends. The Riesling-based glühwein is the standout drink, and the Moselle trout (caught locally) is the standout food. Cochem appears on Rhine & Moselle combination itineraries.
Dates: Advent weekends
Vibe: Picture-perfect and vinicultural — a castle, a river, and a wine village.
Local tip
Tour the Reichsburg castle — it's a 15-minute uphill walk but the views over the Moselle bend are unforgettable.
Germany
Seven Christmas markets sit in the shadow of Cologne's UNESCO cathedral, anchored by the Cathedral Market (Dom) and the medieval Old Town market.
Late Nov – Dec 23
ExploreGermany
The Christkindlesmarkt is the world's most famous Christmas market, set in Nuremberg's medieval main square and dating back to the mid-1600s.
Late Nov – Dec 24
ExploreGermany
Regensburg's Romantic Christmas Market sits in the medieval Neupfarrplatz, in a UNESCO old town with the world's oldest sausage kitchen (since 1146).
Late Nov – Dec 23
ExploreGermany
Rüdesheim's Christmas Market of Nations lines the Drosselgasse with stalls from 25+ countries, in a Rhine-gorge wine town famous for Riesling.
Late Nov – Dec 23
Explore