Rüdesheim Christmas Market of Nations

Rüdesheim Christmas Market of Nations

In the already romantic old town of Rüdesheim am Rhein, the Christmas Market gives this town the final touches of becoming a real-life fairytale village.

The Rüdesheim Christmas Market has 124 delightful stands with hand-made crafts, delicious food and warm drinks that will put you right into the Holiday Spirit. This market prides themselves on being the ‘Christmas Market of Nations’ and they offer international specialties across the market. Here you will notice there are many visitors from around the world and more so compared to other markets. Besides this being a very popular tourist destination, the market also attracts many people from the Rhein River cruise ships that dock there for the day.
 

It seems not to long ago, I was walking the same winding enchanting streets, in the extreme summer heat, for their annual wine festival. However the winter is surely upon us and the magic of the old town also transforms nicely along with the seasons. Friends gather just like before, this time there are no fest tables but rather, they stand a little closer together for warmth and the chilled Riesling has been swapped for warm drinks like glühwein.

A very fun and special aspect of the Rüdesheim market is that you can take the cable car (Seilbahn) and hover over the Christmas Market then take in the view from the Niederwalddenkmal monument high above the hills.

A round trip ticket costs 7 euro and they are open from 11am to 6pm.

Before you go on your cable car, they have options to buy some sekt or gluhwein to go! They also have a basket of blankets that you can borrow to stay warm on your journey. (Seriously…how romantic?!)

They call this the ‘Silent Ride’ and it really is so perfectly quiet up there. You can relax in the serenity and gaze upon the beauty of the middle Rhein.
 

The ride is about 10 minutes up and you arrive at the Niederwald landscape park. Here you will feel like you are on the top of the Rheingau and you can discover the Niederwalddenkmal monument which commemorates the 1871 Unification of Germany.

On the way back down I saw a familiar face of a jolly man we all know and love! Clearly, he was enjoying the Seilbahn as well. ;)

Back on the streets of the market which is spread out all over the old town, there are great items to buy and also treats to taste. If the lyrics, “chestnuts roasting on an open fire” ever had you wondering what they actually tasted like… here is your chance!
 

The wind from the hills gave me a chill and I wanted to try the Christmas drink that rules this town: The Rüdesheimer Coffee. It is offered in most cafes and restaurants in the town and they create it with flames right at your table for a special demonstration.

Such a cozy and delightful atmosphere!

Rüdesheim Coffee was invented by a German chef in 1957. It is served in its own specially designed mug which is very similar to an Irish coffee mug. First you add sugar cubes and Asbach Uralt brandy which is burned and stirred for a minute. Then you add strong coffee, and a big thick topping of whipped cream which is sprinkled with vanilla sugar. Finally it is garnished with chocolate flakes on top. This festive drink packs a punch and it will warm you up!

Coffee is done and I am ready to hit the streets again. I ventured to the beautiful center square where they have the main drinking stalls and a lot of food vendors.

I got my favorite market treat: Kartoffelpuffer (Potato Pancakes). These did not disappoint! I have always had apple sauce with them before but never the Preiselbeeren (like our cranberry sauce) and it was amazing!

Going to the Rüdesheim Christmas Market of Nations is nothing short of a dreamlike day. I am leaving with a bag of hand-crafted Christmas decorations, and a belly filled with wonderful treats. Do not miss this Christmas Market! It runs from 23 November to 23 December 2015.

About the author: Gemma is a mom, a veteran and an Army civilian living in Wiesbaden, Germany. With New Jersey roots, she is enjoying her extended European vacation. 
Follow her at: https://www.facebook.com/AJerseyBroadAbroad/

Video on the Rüdesheimer Coffee:

Discover Idstein from the top of the Witch Tower!

Discover Idstein from the top of the Witch Tower!

Idstein is a charming and remarkable old town that makes for a wonderful day trip! Also you have the opportunity to see the sites from the top of the Witch Tower (Hexenturm)!

I had a simple day planned, to get some coffee and walk around Idstein. However it turned into an adventure where, to my surprise, I actually swapped my car key for the key to the Witch Tower!

Idstein is a place that visitors quickly fall in love with because it is a fascinating and historic city. It was mentioned in documents for the first time in 1102 and the city was given charter in 1287! It is an incredible feeling to walk around and admire the half-timbered houses are from the 15th to the 18th century. The architecture is rich with colorful carvings and impeccable detail.
  

This adventure starts in the gardens right below the Witch Tower. Parking is available in the area or you can park at the Hexenturm car park. Above is the Idstein Castle and the Witch Tower. Located next to the tower is this sign with information on how to visit inside.

The tower sign tells you to go to the tourist office to get information about getting into the tower. I thought that someone would come open it for me or there would be a group going inside on a tour. To get there you must, walk around the corner into the courtyard of Idstein. Walking into the arched tunnel is such an enchanting experience and when you come out of the tunnel, it is one of my favorite views in Germany!

The tourist office is in the center square and it is a beautiful building!

The woman inside was very friendly and of course spoke English. I expressed that I would like to go inside of the tower and then she asked me for my car key as a deposit. I couldn’t believe the awesome old skeleton key she handed me in return for my boring Ford car key!! They ask you to lock yourself inside when you go in (GULP!) and to return in about 45 minutes.
 

So key in hand, off I went to the (mine, for 45 mins,) tower!

As I walked in, there were some people outside watching me and I felt pretty important with my big key. I stepped inside and then locked the door behind me. Yes that felt kinda creepy!

The stairs go up and lead to more stairs, with nice window views along the way.

Then you come to a tunnel and you are in the wide part on top of the tower.

Looking up!

Here is the final staircase so you can look out from top window of this 42 meter tower!

Beautiful Idstein from high above, all alone in (temporarily) my tower!

Time to head back to the office, walk back down the step and triple check that I locked the tower properly.

In the tourist office I learned a lot about the history of the Witch Tower. It was originally built as a watchtower for the city of Idstein. Between the years of 1449 to 1779 it was used to lookout for enemy strangers and also to alert the town of any fires in the area. The name "Hexenturm" emerged from locals only since the year 1900 because of the town’s history with witch hunts in the late 1600’s.

Almost 20 years before Salem, Massachusetts had their Salem witch trails, Idstein also experienced witchcraft accusations on their citizens. From 1676 and 1677, a total of 35 women and 8 men were accused of witchcraft and executed in Idstein. This is where the nickname of ‘Witches Tower’ comes from. There is a remembrance plaque for the victims of the witch hunts located below the tower.

All this tower climbing and witch hunt history has made me hungry and I need coffee. The best place to go is the Bäckerei Huth Café right in the center of the town next to the tourist office.

This bakery is so relaxing and welcoming! As an added bonus they have free WiFi and also a children’s play area. I might just stay here all day!

Across the street is a lovely shop, TrendHaus where you can find unique gifts and seasonal decorations.

You can even celebrate your achievement of walking up the Witch Tower by buying a miniature version of your own!

For a bigger hunger, in the same square there are several welcoming restaurants with amazing aromas wafting from inside!

Idstein a purely wonderful all year around! Surely do not miss their Christmas Market from only 4-6 Dec 15!

Also the very popular Idstein Jazz Festival is from 08-10 Jul 16!

About the author: Gemma is a mom, a veteran and an Army civilian living in Wiesbaden, Germany. With New Jersey roots, she is enjoying her extended European vacation.
Follow her at: https://www.facebook.com/AJerseyBroadAbroad/

Opel Zoo in Kronberg

Opel Zoo in Kronberg

Normally indigenous to the Taunus Mountains are the brown foxes, wild boar and red squirrels. However, there are few guests, like elephants, giraffes and hippos thanks to the Opel Zoo in Kronberg!  

 The Opel Zoo
is a wonderful place to visit to see all of the animals up close and personal while also taking in the beautiful forest scenery of the park. You feel very one with nature here and not many zoos have views of breathtaking castles.

When you first arrive in the park you are greeted by their tallest residents: the giraffes! Their area is in a big open field in the center and it is really a sight to see right when walking in. Also at the entrance is the very popular goats! They are happy to see you because you are able to feed them and boy are they hungry! At the ticket counter you have the opportunity to buy a bag of carrots and at the goat area there is a vending machine for grain.

 
The path along the zoo is designed in one big loop, with other areas off the route. The next big stop is the elephants and they are one of our favorites. You can toss them carrots as well and you watch them pick it up with their long trunks.

Cat lovers like us love looking at the not so domestic, wild cousin of your cat at home.

Clearly the main attractions are the numerous animals, but the zoo also has an amazing playground area! They offer pony and camel rides for kids! Also wooden hut that has a ball pit inside.

One of the most interactive animals are the lamas! It was so fun to feed them carrots. They really are friendly and come right up to you so you can pet them.

I really believe he is saying “Cheese”!!!

I love pigs! Here they have some big piggies!

There are many food stands around the zoo. My favorite is the one next to the playground so I can get some coffee while watching the little ones run around.

Price:

Adult: 14 euro

Child: 7,50 euro

Year Pass:

Adults: 45 euro

Child: 20 euro

I am a huge believer of year passes because you have the freedom of going anytime you like and even if it is for only a few hours. It pays off!

Opening Hours:

Winter Time 9:00 - 17:00

Summer Time 9:00 - 18:00

Enjoy the zoo! Here is a selfie with my new Lama friend

About the author: Gemma is a mom, a veteran and an Army civilian living in Wiesbaden, Germany. With New Jersey roots, she is enjoying her extended European vacation.

Follow her at: https://www.facebook.com/AJerseyBroadAbroad/

 

8 Tips for German Christmas Markets

8 Tips for German Christmas Markets

It may be hard to believe but Christmas is upon us! While living in a Country that does not celebrate Thanksgiving, it seems like Christmas comes knocking at your door before you are done eating your kids Halloween candy after they go to bed. First, the advent calendars, stollen cakes, spekulatius cookies and decorations appear everywhere. Then comes what we have all been waiting for, which puts you right into the Christmas spirit and what could warm even the Grinch’s two sizes too small heart: The German Christmas Markets! 

There are so many wonderful markets to see in Germany so you actually must do some prior planning. Here are 8 tips for the German Christmas Markets:  

1. Make a plan: Think of briefing your family and friends like a coach in the locker room before a big game with chart and all. “We are going to hit up Stuttgart, hit Heidelberg the next day then swing over to Wiesbaden in the final hours”. Don’t miss your favorite city! Every town/ city has its own dates and are not always all December long. Here is the mother of all Christmas Market websites that I have used for years: http://www.germany-christmas-market.org.uk/

2. See some big ones: There are a few remarkable big markets that you just must see during your time here. Here are some recommendations:

- Nuremberg (27 Nov-24 Dec) Highlights are the “Prune People” figures made out of prunes and the Nuremberg roast sausages.

- Rüdesheim (23 Nov-23 Dec) Try the famous Rüdesheim Coffee while watching boats float by in the upper middle Rhine Valley.

- Rothenburg ob der Tauber (27 Nov- 23 Dec) With enchanting medieval surroundings try the local “Schneeball

" pastry then visit the biggest Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas store.

- Heidelberg (23 Nov – 22 Dec) Scattered over not one, but five gorgeous market squares where you can eat, shop and drink while gazing upon the Heidelberg Castle that hovers above the town.  

3. Make a weekend out of it: For either a local market or a road trip worthy city, try booking a room in the city center to spend the weekend there. Perhaps even a hotel or bed and breakfast that looks out onto the charming lights of the market. How romantic!

4. Go to your local small fest: Meet some neighbors and go to your local fest that may only be one weekend or one night. You will meet people at their best! They are in the Christmas spirit and they will have a good gluhwein buzz. You may make new friends for life!

 
5. Dress Warm: Seriously. Some of my coldest moments I can remember in my adult life is from standing at a Christmas Market not dressed properly for the cold. Do not let the smile in your gluhwein mug selfies say, “I am having so much fun but I can’t feel my limbs anymore”. Dress for the extreme cold and remember you might not be moving much at times, which would normally keep you warm. Layer with clothing that ensures no bare skin is exposed.

6. Bring the kids: The markets are very child-friendly! They even have rides, games and treats for kids. On a weekend, the markets can get very packed and I do not suggest trying to push a stroller through a crowd of people who are mostly standing in place. Try a body wrap or backpack carrier instead. (Extra warmth too!)

7. D.D, Cab or Train it: Unless you are going to warm your belly with cups of Hot Chocolate all night, gluhwein has alcohol in it and may affect you more than you expect. There is also a market specialty drink called Feuerzangenbowle (say that 5 times fast) and it has rum soaked sugar burned on top with sometimes a side of some more rum inside! The ceremony of burning the sugar is the attraction and the drink celebrates the gathering of friends… but for lightweights like me, there should be no driving after this drink.

8. Meet your friends: More than the shopping, eating and drinking, the fests are about being with loved ones and spreading holiday cheer. Germans have an expression for this feeling of being cozy, socially accepted and friendly called: Gemütlichkeit. It comes from the adjective of ‘Gemüt’, which means "heart, mind, temper, feeling".

So drop your shopping list, give your friends presents of your presence and share some Gemütlichkeit this year at a German Christmas Market!
 

About the author: Gemma is a mom, a veteran and an Army civilian living in Wiesbaden, Germany. With New Jersey roots, she is enjoying her extended European vacation.

Follow her at: https://www.facebook.com/AJerseyBroadAbroad/