Gingerbread and mulled wine routes
When temperatures drop and the scent of freshly baked gingerbread and spicy mulled wine wafts through the air, the holiday season is in full swing. The combination of delicious pastries and hot festive drinks is simply one of the most beautiful traditions of this season. Numerous cities and regions are particularly known for their Christmas markets and the specialties associated with them. If you are looking for the best places for gingerbread and mulled wine, here is a selection of the best routes that will guide you through a true winter wonderland – with many culinary delights.
1. Germany – The Classic Christmas Markets
Germany is home to many of the most famous Christmas markets in the world, and where better to enjoy gingerbread and mulled wine than here? Particularly famous is the “Gingerbread City” of Nuremberg, which attracts thousands of visitors each year with its Christkindlesmarkt. The Nuremberg gingerbread is considered particularly delicious, and the traditional pastries are offered here in countless variations – from sweet honey gingerbread hearts to intricately decorated gingerbread men.
In many German cities, such as Dresden, Munich, and Cologne, you can also enjoy hot mulled wine in traditional mugs. The mulled wine, made from red wine, cinnamon, cloves, and other spices, is the perfect drink to warm up on cold winter nights. And in many cities, there are special variants like the “Feuerzangenbowle,” where a rum-soaked drink is poured into the mulled wine – an absolute highlight!
Special Highlight: The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is famous not only for its gingerbread but also for the special atmosphere created by the historical setting and the festively adorned stalls.
2. Austria – The Viennese Christmas Markets and Punch Stalls
In Vienna, Christmas time is celebrated joyfully and with deep-rooted traditions. The markets around the Town Hall Square are known for their atmospheric lights and the delicious offerings of Christmas pastries. Here you can enjoy not only gingerbread, but also traditional Austrian cookies like Vanillekipferl or Linzer Augen. Additionally, Vienna has numerous stalls serving particularly spicy mulled wine – the “Punsch” is a specialty in Austria.
A truly special experience is visiting the markets in the Old Town, strolling through the alleys while the scent of roasted almonds and mulled wine fills the air. In Vienna, you can also enjoy a special variant of mulled wine – the “Alpenpunsch,” which is enriched with a splash of rum or cherry brandy.
Special Highlight: The “Viennese Christmas Punch” is a must-try while you stroll around the traditional Christmas market near the Vienna City Hall.
3. Czech Republic – The Prague Christmas Market and Trdelník
Prague is a true winter wonderland during the Christmas season. The Prague Christmas market at the Old Town Square is not only known for its stunning architecture but also for its culinary offerings. Here you can try traditional Czech Christmas treats, including the famous “Trdelník,” a sweet pastry baked over an open fire right before your eyes.
Of course, mulled wine is also a must. In Prague, you can find particularly spicy mulled wine available in many varieties, often with a splash of rum or a dash of orange liqueur. The aroma of freshly baked treats and hot mulled wine in the cold air is almost magical.
Special Highlight: The Trdelník, a traditional pastry offered at many Christmas markets in Prague, is a sweet highlight that you should definitely try.
4. France – The Christmas Markets of Strasbourg
In Strasbourg, also known as the “Capital of Christmas,” you will find one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in Europe. Here, not only gingerbread and mulled wine are offered, but also many regional specialties. The mulled wine in Strasbourg is particularly aromatic and is often served with a blend of cinnamon, cloves, and other spices.
The French city offers a unique Christmas market atmosphere, reflected in its winding alleys of the Old Town and the festively decorated wooden stalls. In addition to mulled wine, you can also find French Christmas pastries like “Bûche de Noël,” a traditional Christmas log cake, and “Pain d'épices,” a spiced cake that pairs perfectly with a cup of mulled wine.
Special Highlight: The Christmas market in Strasbourg is known not only for its delicacies but also for the especially beautiful lighting and decorations that bathe the entire city in a magical glow.
5. Sweden – Christmas Markets in Stockholm and Gothenburg
Sweden is famous for its festive Christmas markets, which particularly stand out for their cozy atmosphere and Scandinavian traditions. In Stockholm and Gothenburg, you can enjoy delicious Glögg, the Swedish mulled wine, at the markets. This is traditionally served with almonds and raisins and is especially popular during the Advent season.
In addition to mulled wine, Sweden also offers a variety of Christmas pastries, including the traditional “Pepparkakor” (gingerbread) and “Lussekatter” (saffron buns), which are mainly baked on Lucia Day, December 13th.
Special Highlight: The Swedish Glögg and the gingerbread are a must while you stroll through the snowy streets of Stockholm or Gothenburg.
6. Great Britain – Christmas Markets in London and Edinburgh
In Great Britain, Christmas is celebrated not only with gifts but also with delicious treats. Particularly in London and Edinburgh, there are numerous Christmas markets where you can find everything from traditional gingerbread to roasted chestnuts and mince pies. The mulled wine is traditionally served in Great Britain as “Mulled Wine,” flavored with cinnamon, cloves, and oranges.
In Edinburgh, there are also many stalls offering Scottish specialties like “Shortbread” and “Clove Cakes” – perfect for warming up with a cup of mulled wine.
Special Highlight: The Mulled Wine in Great Britain, especially in Edinburgh, is an absolute highlight and is often refined with a splash of Scotch whisky.
Conclusion
Whether you stroll through the Christmas markets of Germany, enjoy the sweet treats of Prague, or try the French mulled wine in Strasbourg – there are countless locations around the world that are perfect for gingerbread and mulled wine routes. These cities and regions not only offer delicious festive specialties but also an unforgettable atmosphere that makes the Christmas season truly special.