In the heart of Bavaria, Germany is the old city of Regensburg, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2006. One of the city’s most famous buildings and travel destinations is the Princely Castle of St. Emmeram, home to the noble family of Thurn and Taxis. Once a year during Christmastime, St. Emmeram opens its doors to a Romantic Christmas Market where hundreds of thousands of visitors gather every year to experience a Bavarian Christmas.
The inner Davidhof courtyard and outer gardens are transformed into a soft atmosphere with candles, lanterns and torches. Davidhof was exclusively used by the Princely family and their guests and is specially open to the public during the Christmas Market. Within the courtyard, small cottages inhabited by traditional craftsmen and artists demonstrate their various skills and offer handmade items for sale. As the centerpiece of the wintery village of cottages, a glorious decorated Christmas tree glimmers. Occasionally, Highness Princess Gloria of Thurn and Taxis and her family may mingle with the guests.
Among the craftsmen and artists in the courtyard cottages you will find blacksmiths, turners, glass blowers, wood workers, pan makers, basket weavers, and a well-known hat maker- ‘der Hutmacher am Dom’. Throughout the market, the traditional Feuerzangenbowle is warmed over fires. The drink is made by setting a rum-soaked sugarloaf on fire and letting it melt into a spiced wine. Several classic bites are offered including boar meat on skewer, bread bowls, and the city’s very own Knackersemmel; a halved sausage on a bread roll, topped with sweet mustard, horseradish, and a pickle.
You can partake in the romantic element of this Christmas Market by renting a cozy wooden cottage on the castle grounds or dining with your significant other at the Madonna Hall cafe. The decorated Christmas huts can accommodate 12, 24 or 55 people and provide lackeys that will cater to your needs. At the Madonna Hall cafe, you can escape from the hustle-and-bustle of the market to have an intimate meal by candlelight.
Special appearances by The Princely Christ Child are made throughout each evening. The Child pops out of a balcony on the castle and recites poems. There is also a special mailbox where children can leave a letter or their Christmas list for The Christ Child. Outside the walls of the Davidhof is the Magic Forest. The Forest offers sweet treats, carnival rides, a petting zoo, puppet shows, mosaic workshops, and other fun activities for children.
The market is open from late November to December 23 each year. Tickets for adults can be purchased online for about $10.00 on Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday, about $6.00 on Mondays, and about $12.00 on Saturdays. The opening hours are as follows:
Monday to Thursday: 3:00pm to 10:00pm
Friday: 3:00pm to 11:00pm
Saturday: 12:00pm to 11:00pm
Sunday: 12:00pm to 10:00pm
Words by Emily Cigan @emily.cigan and Amy Harris @thetraveladdictig