Best Germany & Austria Christmas Markets

Some of the most famous Christmas markets in the world lie along one road. This motorhome trip starts at the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, winds through the medieval walls of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and continues to Munich, Salzburg and finally Vienna. On the way you pass a fairytale castle above the Danube valley in Upper Austria.

Each stop has its own Christmas character. Nuremberg brings gingerbread and Rostbratwurst, Rothenburg feels like a living Christmas card, and Munich mixes Bavarian tradition with big-city sparkle. Salzburg sets its market at the foot of a fortress, while Vienna's markets glitter in front of imperial palaces.

The route is built for motorhome travel. You sleep at motorhome stops (Stellplätze) and campsites close to the old towns, so you can park once, walk into the markets and come back to a warm camper at night. Day stops in Nuremberg and at Burg Clam break up the longer drives.

This Germany and Austria Christmas market road trip suits couples, families and friends who want the classic Central European Advent experience in just four days. With extra time, add a second night in Salzburg or Vienna to explore more of the markets.

Bucket List

• Eat three Nuremberg Rostbratwürste in a bun at the Christkindlesmarkt

• Walk Rothenburg's medieval town wall at dusk

• Visit the German Christmas Museum in Rothenburg

• Hear Advent music from the Munich town hall balcony on Marienplatz

• See Salzburg's market lit up below Hohensalzburg Fortress

• Watch the sunset over Salzburg from the Gaisberg viewpoint

• Stop at Burg Clam, a medieval castle above the Danube valley

• Skate at the Vienna Christmas market on Rathausplatz

• Look over Vienna and the Danube from Leopoldsberg

Stopovers:

Nuremberg, the world's most famous Christmas market

Nuremberg, Germany · Day stop

Start the trip in Nuremberg, home of the Christkindlesmarkt on the Hauptmarkt. Around its wooden stalls, known as the "little town of wood and cloth," you'll find Nuremberg Lebkuchen (gingerbread), mulled wine and the famous small Rostbratwurst, served three in a bun.

Before heading on, see the Weißer Turm, one of the old city gates, and climb the Sinwell Tower at the Imperial Castle for views over the rooftops.

Don't miss: authentic Nürnberger Lebkuchen, the Children's Christmas Market, and the castle viewpoint.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the fairytale town

91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany · 79 km · approx. 1 h · Overnight: motorhome stop (Stellplatz)

Rothenburg is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Germany. Its Christmas market, the Reiterlesmarkt, dates back to the 15th century and fills the Marktplatz, Grüner Markt and Kirchplatz with more than 60 stalls.

Wander through the historic old town, then walk a section of the covered town wall in the north. Visit the German Christmas Museum (Deutsches Weihnachtsmuseum) and finish with Franconian food at Restaurant Alter Keller. Try a Schneeball, Rothenburg's crumbly pastry.

Don't miss: the town wall at dusk, the Advent windows on the town hall, and a Schneeball.

Munich, Bavarian tradition

Munich, Germany · 238 km · approx. 2.5 h · Overnight: campsite

The Munich Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz goes back to the 14th century, and from 2026 it opens earlier than before. Around 137 stalls stretch from Marienplatz through the pedestrian zone, and every evening there's Advent music from the town hall balcony.

Visit the Munich Residenz, the former royal palace, then take a winter walk to the Monopteros in the English Garden. Munich also has many smaller markets, such as the medieval market at Wittelsbacherplatz and the market at the Chinese Tower.

Don't miss: the Krampus run in December, the nativity scenes in the town hall courtyard, and roasted almonds.

Salzburg, a market below the fortress

Salzburg, Austria · 143 km · approx. 1.5 h · Overnight: campsite

Salzburg's Christkindlmarkt on Domplatz and Residenzplatz has roots going back to 1491. It sits at the foot of Hohensalzburg Fortress, under a canopy of star-shaped lights.

Ride up to the fortress for views over the old town, see Mozart's birthplace on Getreidegasse, and stroll Domplatz after dark. If you have time, drive up to the Gaisberg viewpoint, one of the best panoramas around Salzburg.

Don't miss: the fortress at night, Salzburger Nockerl, and the Advent singing events.

Burg Clam, a castle in the Danube valley

Sperken 1, 4352 Sperken, Austria · 170 km · approx. 2 h · Day stop

On the way to Vienna, take a break at Burg Clam. This medieval castle sits on a rock above the Klam gorge in the Strudengau, a scenic stretch of the Danube valley in Upper Austria. It's a quiet, atmospheric stop between the two big cities. Check opening times before you go, as winter access can be limited.

Vienna, imperial Christmas

Vienna, Austria · 137 km · approx. 1.5 h · Overnight: motorhome stop

Vienna has one of the largest Christmas market scenes in Europe. The Wiener Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz is the biggest, with around 150 stalls and the Eistraum ice rink. Smaller markets at Spittelberg, Freyung, Karlsplatz and Schönbrunn Palace are well worth a visit too.

Explore the Neue Burg at the Hofburg, the Plague Column on the Graben and the Kunsthistorisches Museum. For a view over the city, drive or walk up to Leopoldsberg and the viewpoints along the Nasenweg in the Vienna Woods.

Don't miss: Punsch on Rathausplatz, the Schönbrunn market, and the view from Leopoldsberg.

Stellplätze vs. campsites in winter

Motorhome stops (Stellplätze) are parking areas reserved for motorhomes. They usually offer fresh water, waste disposal and electricity for a fee, and often sit very close to town centres. They're the cheapest and most central option, but have fewer facilities.

Campsites offer heated sanitary blocks, hot showers and reliable electric hook-up. In big cities like Munich, Salzburg and Vienna, they're also the best base for leaving the motorhome parked and taking public transport.