One of my main demands from last year’s journey of the German Christmas markets was to visit a charming village; I didn’t really care where it was as long as it was interesting, historical, and beautiful. I wanted a silver plate with the tourist postcard on it. I desired the Christmas market equivalent of Disneyland.
That’s what I got in Esslingen.
The ancient village of Esslingen, which is only a few kilometers outside of the busy Stuttgart, was fortunately spared from the World War II bombardment. Its 1600s-era town center is remarkably well-preserved and vibrant, just the kind of location I had in mind for my Eurail.com Christmas market assignment.
As previously mentioned, I began my trip to Esslingen at the Kessler sparkling wine cellar. Having the cellars to myself and discovering more about this local institution was simply amazing. Strongly suggested, and well worth the trip to Esslingen.
The Christmas markets, however, were where the real thing was. with an s. Because Esslingen offers an incredible number of Christmas markets for such a small village. Within a less than one-kilometer radius, I was able to count four distinct markets: a medieval one, one with a circus theme (!), a musical one, and a more conventional one.
It goes without saying that my brief stay in Esslingen was anything but dull.
In addition to being easily accessible, Esslingen is a well-liked tourist destination because it is a part of the fabled German timber-frame road, a 3000-kilometer tourist route that runs nearly the whole length of Germany and is surrounded by traditional German heritage buildings like the ones shown above. Maybe a new item for the bucket list?
Yummy Kässpätzle!
I wanted to stay as true to the German Christmas postcard idea as possible by sticking to traditional meals. And my buddy Yvonne says I made the right decision in choosing kässpätzle, a delectable Swabian dish made with dried onion toppings, a lot of cheese (käss), and shell-shaped pasta (pätzle). It was delicious for my taste buds and my budget, and it only cost 5 euros per plate.
As could be expected, the most fascinating markets were those with a medieval and circus theme. Acrobats rolling around Hafenmarkt in a flaming wheel and high-wire artists doing amazing feats at frightening heights are among the sights, along with inventive merchants and craftsmen willing to do anything to impress newcomers.
Excellent work. This Christmas-mad woman over here was really impressed.
Of course, glühwein was one of the customs I enjoyed the most. When someone says, “I’m going to the Christmas market,” they’re actually saying, “I’m going to drink a lot of spiced red wine.” Every city, and frequently every market in the same city, has its own unique mugs, which are excellent collectibles and mementos to use back home. For the mug, visitors must pay a small deposit (often between 2 and 5 euros), which they can retain or return at a later time to receive their deposit back.
I honestly don’t know what else is worth traveling for if this sight isn’t. Esslingen’s masterpiece, the quintessential Christmas market-Disneyland postcard, is depicted here: the old town square, with the old town hall on either side and a dozen or so medieval structures that only heighten the mood. I don’t think it’s possible not to have fun with such a beautiful setting.
Esslingen is a traveler’s paradise: a genuine, well-preserved location with hospitable residents who are only eager to offer their customs and viewpoints. Having visited several charming villages around Europe, I can honestly state that Esslingen is far ahead of the pack.
It would be an understatement to say that Esslingen is the ideal day trip destination from Stuttgart. Perhaps even more so than the surrounding large metropolis, it is a destination unto itself.
“Everything is softer and more beautiful when Christmas waves a magic wand over this world.”
Christmas Market in Esslingen: Important Information
Outside of Stuttgart, the city is 20 minutes away via train.
Because Esslingen’s Christmas Markets are so popular and hotels fill up fast, make your reservations in advance.
Few people are aware that there are vineyards all around the city; when you visit, be sure to take a cellar tour.
Typically, the markets begin the final week of November and run until Christmas.
Don’t forget to stay in the city for the entire day. Even though I was just there for a day or so, I felt like I missed a few things.
