Drachenburg Castle Christmas Markets – A Festive Experience on the Rhine
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Drachenburg Castle Market © Foto: Schloss Drachenburg gGmbH
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Drachenburg Christmas Market ©Foto Schloss Drachenburg gGmbH - Reinelt
Christmas at Drachenburg Castle
Inhale Christmas spirit as the scent of gingerbread, mulled wine and roasting chestnuts enchants the air. Embrace the festive season with a visit to the wonderland that is Germany’s Christmas markets. Based in Königswinter, you are perfectly situated to visit some of Germany’s best markets. In addition to enjoying the markets in Drachenburg Castle, visit the wonderful cities of Cologne and Bonn.
Accessed only by the famous Drachenfelsbahn cog wheel railway, the Drachenfels Christmas Markets within Drachenburg Castle make a great excursion. Perched high above the Rhine in extensive grounds filled with ancient trees, the castle is a delight to explore and allows guests to experience the splendour of the past. Christmas decorations adorn the Castle’s rooms and carol singers and brass bands provide a unique atmosphere. Each year the Castle hosts a lovely, small Christmas market, which has a different theme each year.
During advent, the city of Bonn transforms its town hall into a huge advent calendar, illuminating a new window each day. Skate across the huge outdoor ice rink then warm yourself with a delicious hot chocolate – available with a variety of shots for an extra dash of warmth. Visit the renowned markets in Cologne, overlooked by the iconic and imposing cathedral. Join the cheery hustle and bustle as you potter around the twinkling stands featuring artisan crafts and delicious foods.
Dates
December 2022
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Königswinter
Depart the UK via your preferred method and continue to your hotel in Königswinter. You are free to explore and start enjoying the markets. In the afternoon we take the cog wheel railway on the Drachenfelsbahn to Drachenburg Castle. Explore the Castle, Christmas Market and the festive atmosphere. Stay after dark so you can see the Castle illuminated at night.
Day 2
Cologne Christmas Markets
Cologne is home to no less than seven Christmas markets, of which the most famous is in front of the impressive Cologne Cathedral which provides a great backdrop. Beneath the Cathedral and the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland you can find over 160 festively designed wooden pavilions. Here you can watch artisans at work, enjoy original ‘Christmas Mulled Wine’, out of festively decorated Christmas mugs or you can choose from an unlimited choice of sweets and local delicacies.
Day 3
Bonn Christmas Markets and Drachenburg Castle
The impressive illuminated façades on Münsterplatz and its neighbouring streets are the festive backdrop for Bonn’s Christmas market. From 1st December the beautiful old town hall is transformed into an enormous Advent calendar, with one more window being lit up each day. Shop at Münsterplatz, Bottlerplatz Windeckstrasse, Friedensplatz and Vivatsgasse, where you will find everything from ingredients for special recipes to various art and craft items.
Day 4
Return to the UK
Retrace your steps back to the UK via your preferred crossing and continue your journey home. If time allows, why not stop at one final market as you travel through Belgium.
Featured hotel
Maritim Königswinter ****
Located on the Rhine promenade in the bustling town of Königswinter, the Maritim Königswinter Hotel is a 4* hotel with glorious views of boats passing through the waters, the famous Drachenfels hill and the Siebengebirge uplands. Enjoy free WiFi, access to the swimming pool and gym facilities and an ample buffet breakfast every morning. Free coach parking available 400 metres from the hotel.
H+ Hotel Köln Brühl ****
This hotel is located in Brühl, a picturesque town with a lot to offer. In addition, Cologne and Bonn are within easy reach. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, a bar and a relaxation/ spa area. As well as this, the hotel has free coach parking.
| Dates | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
| December 2021 | From £289.00 per person | From £25.00 per person |
| December 2022 | From £295.00 per person | From £25.00 per person |
Prices also available on request for travel by air.
