Christmas across three borders: Germany, Switzerland, France

Planning an unforgettable Christmas trip? Embark on a festive adventure through three countries in one day! Immerse yourself in the magic of the Christmas markets of Neuf-Brisach, Colmar, Freiburg and Basel, which enchant everyone with their lights, scents and colors.

Where to stay in Freiburg

For those looking for a budget-friendly option, an excellent choice is Stadthotel Freiburg Kolping Hotels & Resorts. A modern hotel with minimalist room design that combines comfort and functionality. Located not far from the center of Freiburg, it has good public transport connections, making it easy to reach the main sights either by public transport or on foot. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, a restaurant with breakfast (€16), and an underground parking garage (€10–15 per day), which is convenient for those traveling by car. An optimal choice for travelers seeking quality accommodation at an affordable price.

 

If you’re looking for mid-range comfort, consider the Boutiquehotel Oberkirch im Zentrum. It’s right in the city center, near the cathedral, making it ideal for walking and sightseeing. The hotel offers stylish rooms with an old town feel. The room rate is €159, breakfast included. Guests can use the nearby parking lot, where a space costs around €20 per day.

For luxury lovers, we recommend Colombi Hotel. This is a 5-star hotel in the center of Freiburg with spacious rooms, high-quality cuisine and a spa area. A night here will cost from €300, breakfast costs €28.50, and parking is free for guests, which is a big advantage for those traveling by car.

In general, most parking lots in Freiburg are paid, so when booking a hotel it is worth clarifying the parking conditions to avoid unnecessary worries.

 

Start of the journey:Freiburg, Germany

Start your holiday itinerary in picturesque Freiburg, Germany, the heart of the Black Forest, where the festive atmosphere combines with traditional German flavors and crafts to enjoy breakfast next to the famous Freiburg Christmas Market. We recommend the Kolben Kaffee (€1–10 per person) — a historic cafe in Freiburg that has been open since 1983 and is known for its atmosphere and quality coffee. Convenient opening hours for starting your trip, Monday-Saturday opening at 07:30, and Sunday at 10:00. Visit this cafe before starting a walk around the city. Thanks to its convenient opening hours, Kolben Kaffee will be a good choice for an early breakfast.

Located in the heart of the city, the market is awash with decorated stalls, where you can find authentic souvenirs, from bright Christmas ceramics to intricately crafted ornaments and carved figurines. However, the main highlight is the local delicacies. Don’t miss the opportunity to try freshly baked pretzels, prepared according to traditional recipes, or juicy German sausages with a crispy crust, served with mustard or curry sauce. As an addition, try a glass of aromatic mulled wine or hot apple punch.

The fair is famous for its cozy and family-friendly atmosphere, and the surrounding streets are decorated with festive lights, creating a magical atmosphere. Be sure to take the time to admire the stained glass windows of the Freiburg Cathedral, which is located nearby. It is the perfect place to relax and recharge your festive spirit before continuing your journey. Be sure to climb the tower for a panoramic view.
Schlossberg is a hill with observation decks and cozy cafes. An ideal place to enjoy the view of the city and the surrounding area.

Tip: Pay attention to the Bächle – small canals that run through the city. According to legend, if you accidentally step into one of them, you will definitely return to Freiburg again.

First stop: Basel, Switzerland

The first stop in the magical atmosphere of the Christmas Market in Basel, Switzerland, one of the most beautiful in Europe. This is a place where the festive spirit comes to life in all its glory, captivating guests with luxurious illuminations, enchanting architecture and elegant decorations.

The market is located in the city center, not far from the famous Basel Town Hall and Barfüsserplatz, where the central Christmas tree is decorated with thousands of lights. It is the perfect place for a memorable photo. When it gets dark, Basel turns into a real Christmas fairy tale, where every corner breathes a festive atmosphere.

 

Don’t miss the chance to taste the famous Swiss chocolate in its many forms: from classic truffles to a hot chocolate drink that will warm you up perfectly on a cool evening. For those looking for original gifts, the fair offers a variety of products from local craftsmen, including wooden toys, Christmas decorations and handmade candles.

Basel is the place where the magic of Christmas reaches its peak, giving unforgettable impressions and warmth that will remain in your memory for a long time.

Basel Art Museum (Kunstmuseum) is one of the oldest art museums in the world, with works from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Old Town – see the Basel Town Hall, the Münster (Basel Cathedral) with its red sandstone and views of the Rhine.
Felsentor – a hidden passage through narrow medieval streets that impresses with its atmosphere.

Tip: If you have time, take a short walk along the Rhine and cross on one of the motorless ferries – this is a unique experience in Basel.

Lunchtime: Colmar, France

After a stroll through Basel, head to picturesque Colmar, considered the pearl of Alsace. This city, which already looks like a fairy tale, takes on an even more magical appearance during Christmas thanks to festive decorations and light installations.

We recommend staying for lunch in Colmar and tasting traditional Alsatian cuisine. One great place to do this is Au Fer Rouge (€20–30 per person), which is famous for its typically Alsatian dishes such as tarte flambée (French: tarte flambée, German: Flammkuchen) and braised meat. This historic restaurant has a cozy interior and a friendly atmosphere, creating the perfect setting for a delicious and relaxed meal. All dishes are prepared using local ingredients, allowing you to truly experience the spirit of the region.

After lunch, take a walk through the narrow streets of the old town, where every house is decorated with festive garlands and Christmas decorations. Little Venice is full of special magic – a district along the canals, which looks incredible in the atmosphere of Christmas morning.

Be sure to visit the Christmas market, located in the center of Colmar. This is a real work of art, where each stall, like a treasure trove, offers unique handmade products, decorations and traditional Alsatian delicacies. The spirit of Christmas is felt here at every step, giving guests comfort and warm emotions that perfectly set the mood for the entire trip.

The Christmas market in the old town is the main highlight, but don’t limit yourself to it. Check out: Little Venice (La Petite Venise) – the most charming part of the city, especially when it gets dark with the illuminations.
Toy Museum (Musée du Jouet) – a great choice for families with children and those who want to immerse themselves in a nostalgic atmosphere.
Dominican Church – see the famous painting “Madonna in the Arbour with Roses” by Martin Schongauer.

Tip: Take a boat ride along the canals, weather permitting. This will give you a unique perspective on the decorated city.

Evening Finale: Neuf-Brisach, France

End your day in the charming town of Neuf-Brisach in France, known for its unique 17th-century fortifications designed by the renowned architect Sébastien Vauban. This place is a real treasure trove for history and architecture lovers.

The atmosphere becomes especially magical during Christmas, when the central part of the fortress is transformed into an authentic Christmas market. Cozy wooden stalls filled with a variety of products from local craftsmen await you, including unique gifts, decorations, and handmade souvenirs.

Here you can warm yourself with a hot mulled wine, try delicious local delicacies such as Alsatian pies or traditional gingerbread. Admission to the market is free, and its compact size makes for a very pleasant and cozy walk.

Tips: Go to the lookout points near the ramparts to take a photo of the fortress from above. Pay attention to the products of local artisans, which are often sold at the markets. Carved decorations and Christmas candles are especially popular. In addition to flammkuchen, try regional sausages and traditional almond desserts.

Be sure to stop by to admire the fortress’s evening illuminations: the festive lights add even more charm to this unique place.

The ramparts and bastions of the fortress. The city’s fortification structure is a work of art. A walk along the ramparts will give you picturesque views and will allow you to better appreciate Vauban’s genius. Tip: Turn on the audio guide or download the mobile app for an interactive tour.
Vauban Museum (Musée Vauban). Here you can learn more about the history of Neuf-Brisach, the construction of the fortress and military strategy in the 17th century. It is especially interesting for those who are interested in architecture and history.

Rhine-Rhône Canal (Canal du Rhône au Rhin). An ideal place for a leisurely walk or a short bike ride. In winter, even without greenery, this canal looks magical due to its peaceful atmosphere.
Turckheim Village (Turckheim) (20 minutes drive). Famous for its unique living Advent calendar, where a new Christmas-themed window is opened every evening. A great way to end the day in the evening.
Breisacher Weinberge is a wonderful place for wine and nature lovers, located near Colmar, and is worth a visit on the way back to Germany. Here you can taste wines produced in the region, as well as enjoy the picturesque scenery around. The vineyards are part of Alsace, which is famous for its winemaking tradition.
However, it is worth considering that the wineries are open until 5:00 PM, so if you plan to visit, it is better to do it before this time to have time to enjoy the tasting. Visiting the vineyards will be a pleasant end to your trip to this wonderful region.

If you have one more day for your Christmas trip, we recommend visiting Europa-Park, one of the most popular theme parks in Europe, located about 40 km from Freiburg.

What to do in winter at Europa-Park?

The winter season in the park offers a special atmosphere:

• Christmas decorations: over 3,000 Christmas trees decorated with illuminations, ice sculptures, festive garlands.
• Riding on attractions: many carousels and themed areas operate even in the cold season.
• Ice skating rink and show: the opportunity to skate or enjoy the performances of skaters.
• Christmas market: you can try festive treats, buy souvenirs or enjoy hot mulled wine.
• Visit Rulantica: an indoor water park for those who want to relax in warm.

Opening hours:
The winter season lasts from the end of November to the beginning of January. Opening hours: from 11:00 to 19:00.
Ticket prices:
The ticket price may vary depending on the day of visit, online tickets are cheaper than buying at the park’s ticket office.
1 day. Buy a one-day ticket: from €57 for adults and €49 for children (4 to 11 years old).
2 days. Buy a two-day ticket: from €108 for adults and €89 for children.
Children under 3 years old are admitted free.
Purchasing a two-day ticket allows you to explore all the winter areas of the park without rushing.

 

Overnight accommodation:
Europa-Park offers a wide range of themed hotels of varying comfort levels, such as “Bell Rock” or “Colosseo”.

Also, as an option for accommodation near Europa-Park, consider Gästehaus Parkblick. This family-run hotel is located just 150 metres from the park entrance, making it an ideal place to stay. Guests can enjoy: Free parking, which is convenient for those travelling by car. Breakfast is included in the price and is noted for its wide selection. Cozy rooms, decorated with wooden furniture, are equipped with satellite TV. This is a great choice for families or those who want to stay close to the park while still having access to other attractions in the area.
Other options available include:

How to get there:

1. By public transport:
   • From Freiburg by train to Ringsheim station (approx. 30 min).
   • A shuttle bus runs from Ringsheim to Europa-Park (journey time 10–15 min).
2. By car:
   • Take the A5 motorway, exit Rust (Europa-Park). Journey time approx. 30–40 min.
   • Parking near the park is paid, €10 per day.

Europa-Park will be a bright end to your trip and will give you unforgettable winter experiences!