European Christmas Markets by Motorhome
Having done two previous Motorhome trips through Europe we’re no novices. We previously hired larger (manual drive) campers (Dethleffs globebus), but for this journey, seeing as we had guests in convoy, we opted to get a slightly smaller automatic camper, the VW Grand California from Freeway Campers. Although its lighter on fuel and more maneuverable, the sleeping quarters were a bit tight, but other than that it was a great camper, especially for a first timer.
Our nine day journey from start to finish ended on just under 1700 km’s.
Munich Christmas Market (Germany)
We arrived in Munich just before mid-day and headed straight to Freeway Campers to collect the vehicles. Collection is between 2-5pm, but luckily, they were ready for us. The admin process to check out three vehicles took just over two hours, and with it getting dark early in Germany we headed straight to our parking space for the night.
We left the camper at Sonnenhaus and took an Uber to the Marienplatz Christkindlmarkt, with its stunning backdrop of the neo-Gothic New Town Hall, this market brims with traditional Bavarian treats, handmade ornaments, and cheerful holiday music.
- Where to Stay: We stayed at Sonnenhaus in Munich. It’s a parking lot that can accommodate eight motorhomes, they are open 24/7 and they are conveniently located just across the road from a supermarket.
- What Else to Do: Visit the nearby Nymphenburg Palace or enjoy a beer and traditional cuisine at one of Munich’s historic beer halls, such as the Hofbräuhaus. Don’t miss the stunning view from the St. Peter’s Church tower.
We were supposed to spend two nights in Munich, but hey…the great thing about living in a motorhome is the flexibility of deciding when and where you want to go. Salzburg was not originally in the itinerary, but as it was enroute to our next stop, and playing tour guide, we decided to spend one night there.
The Salzburg Christkindlmarkt, located in the historic Domplatz and Residenzplatz, exudes old-world charm with its Alpine backdrop, twinkling lights, and stalls offering mulled wine (keep your mug for an extra €5), a variety of delicious pretzels and gingerbread.
- Where to Stay: Stay at Salzburg Panarama Camping, a quiet and well-maintained campground on the hill with easy access to Salzburg’s city centre. Cost – €44 per night.
- What Else to Do: Tour Mozart’s Birthplace, wander the cobbled streets of the Getreidegasse, and take in breathtaking views from the Hohensalzburg Fortress. Winter hikes in the nearby Alps are also a must for nature lovers.
Detour – On our way to Strasbourg, we made a stop at the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle, nestled in the Bavarian Alps. While it’s not a Christmas market destination, this iconic castle is a winter wonderland that shouldn’t be missed. I was however a little peeved at the fact that no cars were allowed to drive up to the castle, one must pay for parking in the village and either take a 20 min walk up (slippery icy road) or wait in a queue for around two hours to take a horse drawn cart up. None the less a magical experience, just be sure to prebook your tickets and wear walking shoes with grip.
Strasbourg Christmas Market (France)
The crème de la crème, the “Capital of Christmas”, and the entire reason for our trip. Strasbourg hosts one of the largest and most enchanting Christmas markets in Europe. The Christkindelsmärik, set around the iconic Strasbourg Cathedral, offers Alsatian specialties like tarte flambée and bredele cookies. Not only are the markets amazing, one also has to explore the side streets to see how shop fronts have been decorated, for example the “Teddy Bear House” (there were five of them to find).
- Where to Stay: Park at Camping de Strasbourg, a modern motorhome site with excellent facilities and a quick tram connection to the city center.
- What Else to Do: Stroll through the charming La Petite France district, cruise the canals, or climb the cathedral’s tower for panoramic views. Strasbourg’s museums, such as the Alsatian Museum, provide fascinating insights into local history and culture.
Nuremberg Christmas Market (Germany)
Returning to Germany, this was our second visit the renowned Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, famous for its authentic wooden stalls and the “Christkind” opening ceremony. Try the city’s signature gingerbread (Lebkuchen) and grilled sausages while browsing handmade gifts.
- Where to Stay: KNAUS Campingpark Nürnberg is a convenient base, offering easy access to the city center via public transport.
- What Else to Do: Visit the Nuremberg Castle, explore the medieval old town, and learn about the city’s history at the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds.
Our last European Christmas by Motorhome stop was Prague, where the Christmas markets in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square light up the historic city centre. The market stalls offer a mix of traditional Czech crafts and delicacies, such as trdelník (a sweet pastry) and mulled wine.
- Where to Stay: Autocamp Trojska, located in a peaceful area, provides great amenities and easy tram access to the city.
- What Else to Do: See our in-depth article entitled “Christmas in Prague – A 48 hour Itinerary”
Tips for Motorhome Travelers
- Winter Prep: Ensure your motorhome is winterized and equipped with snow chains and adequate heating. Most motor homes come with gas heating and snow tires are compulsory in winter. Snow chains are only needed if you heading into thick snow, but really…most of the roads in Europe are salted and driving on highways and in towns is like driving anywhere.
- The Czech Republic requires a electronic road vignette (toll). You can buy these at the first fuel station after crossing the boarder.
- If you opt to see the Neuschwanstein Castle, make sure your gps takes you via the Black Forest for a more scenic route.
- An eSim is invaluable for navigation, make sure you have one. If traveling in convoy, 2 way radios are also a lot of fun!
- Parking: Research parking spots in advance, as some cities have restrictions for larger vehicles. We used an App called “Park4Night”, its amazing and tells you where you can camp or park for free, and what facilities are included at your chosen camp site.
- Camping: It’s not necessary to pay for a camp site every night. We often just found a free parking spot if it was not necessary to fill up with water, and empty grey/black water tanks.
- Timing: Arrive early at markets to avoid crowds and enjoy the best selection of goods. Christmas markets also generally start around the end of November/early December to just before Christmas.
- Local Delicacies: Embrace the regional cuisines and festive specialties at each stop. Breakfast and lunch was made in the campers and we ate our way through each Christmas market.
Christmas Markets by Motorhome
Whether you’re a couple, a group of friends, or a family, a European Christmas markets by motorhome road trip will offer a lifetime of great memories…..go on…do it…book that camper!
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