Like any travel guide to Germany, there are always the must-see cities to visit in Germany. The same applies to the best Christmas Markets to visit in Germany. Yet, so often, those lists always contain the same cities and towns. Of course, they are worth visiting for a reason, especially for first-timers to Germany. However, if you have an obsession with Christmas Markets like I do, you start to look for Unique Christmas Markets to Visit in Germany, the underrated, underdog Christmas Markets that get skipped over for the big, popular ones. Augsburg’s Christmas Market is one of those underdog Christmas Markets. 

My time living abroad in Germany is slowly coming to an end. 11 1/2 years is a long, long time to fall in love with my expat homeland and became fully integrated into the culture. There are many things I have both struggled to adapt to during my time here and have fallen head over heels in love with. Leaving behind both is a bit bittersweet and as the time comes to an end, it’s making me a bit more emotional. Here is my list of favorite things I will miss about Germany!

Meissen has historically been synonymous with porcelain. Since 1710, Meissen has been home to the largest production of china porcelain, outside of China and has been drawing in trickles of tourists. Come discover Meissen for your self and see why this still relatively unheard of, charming little town should be on your next German travel itinerary!

The Rhein River is one of Europe’s most important rivers and one that is world famous for its stunning landscapes. One of the most popular stretches of the Rhein River is that of the Middle Rhein, meandering from Bingen to Koblenz is home to some of the best wines in Germany. The region is lined with steep rolling hills of vineyards, castles in ruins and quaint little wine towns that time forgot and is nicknamed the “Romantic Rhine”.

Spring. The time of year where Germans prune back their bushes, plant some flowers and decorate their bare bushes with colorful Easter eggs to brighten up the warming days. They come in every shape and size and can be found on at least one bush or tree in the yard until Easter. But, it’s not just the trees they decorate with Easter eggs. There’s a tradition of even decorating water fountains in the center of small villages. Where and why can you find these ‘Osterbrunnen’? Let me enlighten you!

As of writing this, there are 79 days and 7 hours to go until the opening of Dresden’s Christmas Market and I can hardly contain my excitement than Christmas is just around the corner! To say that Christmas in Germany is anything less than magical would be a complete understatement! So, when you’re looking for the best Christmas Markets in Germany, Dresden’s Striezelmarkt is right up at the top of the list! Why, well for one, it’s the oldest Christmas Market in Germany and two, because its über pretty!

If you’re planning a trip to Germany soon but wondering what you should do when you get here, look no further! There are a million things to do in Germany where one can stuff their face with the most delicious food in Germany to visiting the best festivals, celebrating the best holidays, visiting Germany’s most popular tourist attractions and lesser-known gems!

Did you know that Germany has a few islands? You’d have to zoom in on your Google Maps to see them, but they’re there. And one of the most popular islands to visit on the Baltic Sea is the relatively large island of Rügen. You’ve probably never heard of it, so allow me to tickle your travel buds and entice you to swap out your holiday in the Alps for a beach holiday on Rügen.

All those images foreigners seem to associate with Germany can be found in eastern Bavaria, in the lush Alpine region. Romantic castles, dramatic Alpine settings, lush green pastures with cows, onion-domed churches and crystal blue lakes. And deep within the crevices of those mountainous peaks, is a tiny sliver of beauty, known as the Partnach Gorge, with turquoise blue waters rushing between a carved out path waiting to be explored by avid hikers.

This holiday season, consider visiting the Stuttgart Christmas Market. Close your eyes and imagine a steeple church, narrow cobble stone streets and beautiful medieval architecture. Sounds pretty amazing, doesn’t it!? Now, add in twinkling lights throughout the city, small wooden huts decorated with baubles upon baubles of Christmas charm, some crisp winter air with a cuppa pipping hot Glühwein and 300 years of history and you have yourself a German Christmas Market!