This started with the week of Thanksgiving selected for vacation with no particular plans in mind. As time approached, I found some information on German Christmas markets. Some locations had early opening dates that coincided with the time I would be off from work. So, I began to plan the trip with some early research. My itinerary changed as the info was updated up to the time I was in Dusseldorf.
I flew out on Scandinavian Airlines, SAS, with a short layover in Copenhagen, CPH. Legroom on the A330 was shorter than most, I felt. I have short legs so take that into consideration. Landed in Dusseldorf(Dus) early in the evening.
The inflight meal was good. Cold appetizers was a slice of ham with potato salad. The main was chicken with rice and some veg. Couldnt figure out what was in the dish as the announcement was hard to make out. Nice roll and butter to accompany. Finished off with a decent brownie that was semi dense with good chocolate flavor.
For the bulk of the trip I plan on visiting several Christmas markets in cities that neighbor Dus while taking some time to look around the area that I am staying in. I will be staying in the Alstadt(Old Town) area. The updated info shows Dus' markets will not officially open until after my departing flight leaves. I was fortunate to exit the subway station at the exact place I needed to be. I popped up, disoriented, spied Burger King,then I had my bearings.
Felt like looking around even though I was a bit tired. The cold weather perked me up a bit. Went over to Rathaus(City Hall) first as the Handwerker Markt seemed like the main attraction. The huts were set up but the lights were off and cordoned off by fencing. A glow of light to the north was a ray of hope that I followed.
The ferris wheel at Burg Platz illuminated the immediate area and was attended by Friday night revelers. Like a moth drawn to a flame, so was I. I had to see if any shops were open and indeed they were.
Not sure when they initiated their festivities but I was glad to see that something was open after discovering the markets in this locale would start a week later on the day I depart
There were 2 huts open and thankfully they were food and drink. To inaugurate the first night, I had a cup of gluhwein. At the stand theres various booze options from beer to gluhwein and other beverages, some non alcoholic. They charge a deposit for the glass which can be refunded upon return. It ranges from 3-4 euros
Gluhwein is more familiar as mulled wine thats served hot. My mistake was inhaling. The alcohol fumes were coming off the drink due to the heat of it. It tore through my nose as I sipped the first few times. I dont drink wine on a regular basis and do not have the palette for it, but all subsequent times I opted for this all tasted the same.
Grilled sausages were on hand so I ordered up a bratwurst served on a crusty roll. They had a few other types of tube meat and other offerings. The lengthyd sausage is served on a very short roll. German humor at its finest as every wurst vendor does the same. At least to this foreign tourist. The joke is on them, I ate the sausage but not the roll. Great brat, smooth filling and good thickness to the casing. It wasnt overly hard to bite into and had a good snap.
This platz is situated right next to the Rhine River. Ventured out to take in the view. To the south is the Rheinturim(Rhine Tower). I will go there tomorrow. Restaurants and bars along the promenade as well. Many cities became great due to the proximity to a grand river that afforded transportation options
I didnt check to see if the shops on the promenade were open or not since I was not going to partake tonight. Instead, I went back inland to do some further surveying.
Along Flinger Strasse is the Altstadt Markt. Still a few days before the festivities begin and it was apparent. Different style of stands from those at Burg Platz. More doll house like.
1 thing found at all markets are the Christmas Pyramids of different sizes. If I observed correctly, they all had bars at the base
