Christmas Cheer: Krems, Austria's Magical Market

Christmas markets are a well-established and quintessential part of Austrian culture. From mid-November to the end of December, Christmas markets can be found in every major city and town in Austria. While Vienna, Salzburg, Graz, and Innsbruck host some of the largest and most popular markets, smaller towns and villages also have their own charming markets. One such town is Krems, a small city in the Wachau Valley known for its ancient charm and medieval architecture. While Krems may not be renowned for its Christmas market, the town has its own unique festive offerings.

Krems Christmas Market exists and is held annually

The Krems Christmas Market exists and is held annually in the town of Krems, Austria, also known as the Pearl of Wachau Valley. While the market is not as dazzling as some of its contemporaries, it offers a delightful evening stroll and unique highlights such as apricot schnapps, or Marillenschnapps, which can be enjoyed straight or laced through mulled wine.

The market usually takes place between November and December. In 2019, it was held from November 29 to December 1. While Krems is not known for its Christmas market, you can expect to find a few huts selling mulled wine. The market is set up in the town square, with lots of Christmas trees featuring unique firewood tree skirts.

The town of Krems itself is worth exploring, with its cobblestone streets, orchards, and charming shopping streets lined with Christmas cheer. The Bailoni Company's apricot distillery building, for example, has been producing apricot products since 1872.

Krems is also known for its pedestrian zones, where motor traffic is not allowed during the day, making it a pleasant place to stroll and take in the Christmas atmosphere.

It is not as popular as the markets in Vienna or other larger cities

Krems, Austria, is a small city in the picturesque Wachau Valley on the banks of the Danube River. Known as the Pearl of Wachau Valley, Krems is a place relatively untouched by the new world, enchanting visitors with its ancient charm, medieval and Renaissance architecture, and well-preserved buildings.

While Krems does have a Christmas market, it is not as popular as the markets in Vienna or other larger cities. The Krems Christmas Market is described as less dazzling than its contemporaries, but it still has plenty to offer visitors on an evening stroll. The market is usually open for a few days in late November to early December.

One unique highlight of the Krems Christmas Market is the opportunity to sample apricot schnapps, or Marillenschnaps, a local specialty that can be enjoyed straight up or laced through mulled wine. The charming city of Krems exudes sophistication and elegance, and its moderate size allows for a more intimate and cosy Christmas market experience.

In addition to the Christmas market, Krems offers a delightful festive atmosphere with its pedestrian zones, where motor traffic is restricted during the day, allowing for a peaceful walk through the town's winding residential cobblestone streets, adorned with Christmas cheer. Visitors can also explore the town's excellent infrastructure of bikeways and easily accessible rental bikes, making it a perfect location for recreation.

The market offers mulled wine, apricot schnapps, and Christmas trees

The Krems Christmas Market in Austria offers a delightful selection of mulled wine, apricot schnapps, and Christmas trees. While the market is not as grand as those found in larger cities, it has a unique charm that makes it well worth a visit. Nestled in the Pearl of Wachau Valley, the market is a wonderful place to stroll and soak in the festive atmosphere.

The mulled wine, or Glühwein, is a traditional part of any European Christmas market, and in Krems, it is taken to the next level with the addition of local apricot liqueur, creating a delicious apricot punch. This punch is made using apricot brandy, or Marillen Liqueur, produced by the Bailoni Company, which has been crafting its apricot products in Krems since 1872. Their distillery building is a beautiful sight to behold, adding to the market's allure.

The apricot schnapps, or Marillenschnaps, is another local speciality that can be enjoyed straight or mixed with mulled wine. This schnapps is a unique highlight of the Krems Christmas Market and is sure to warm your soul on a chilly winter evening. The market also boasts an array of Christmas trees, adorned with exquisite firewood tree skirts that are sure to capture your heart.

The Krems Christmas Market may not be as large or dazzling as those in Vienna or other major cities, but it exudes a quaint and enchanting atmosphere. The market is typically open for a few days, usually from November 29 to December 1, offering a more intimate and less crowded experience compared to the bigger cities. Krems itself is a charming town, known for its ancient allure, with medieval and Renaissance architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene.

So, if you're looking for a Christmas market that offers a unique blend of traditional delights, look no further than the Krems Christmas Market in Austria. With its mulled wine, apricot schnapps, and beautifully decorated Christmas trees, it will surely leave you with fond memories of a magical festive experience.

The town of Krems is known as the Pearl of Wachau Valley

The lovely town of Krems is known as the Pearl of Wachau Valley. Located in the Danube's Wachau Valley tourist region of Lower Austria, Krems is a true gem, with a shopper's paradise of an old town. The town is known for its world-class wine production and its proximity to the Danube. Wine has been grown in the Krems Valley for centuries, and the town is the eastern gateway to the Wachau Valley. The valley is blanketed with vineyards and ornamented with cute villages.

The Krems Valley is one of the oldest wine regions in Austria. The region has 2,370 hectares of vineyards and can be divided into three zones with different microclimates: the town of Krems, the area to the north and east of Krems, and a few small wine villages to the south of the Danube. The valley's fertile soils of primordial rock and loess produce spicy Grüne Veltliners and Rieslings with an elegant mineral note.

Krems is also known for its apricot products, including apricot schnapps, or Marillenschnapps, which can be enjoyed straight up or laced through mulled wine. The Bailoni Company has been making its apricot products in a beautiful distillery building in Krems since 1872.

The historic town centres of Krems and Stein are well worth exploring. One of the old city gates, the Steiner Tor, dates from the 15th century. The oldest church in Krems, the Piaristenkirche, has foundations dating back to the 13th century, with the current structure from the early 16th century. The interior was remodelled during the Baroque era.

Krems is a wonderful place to visit at Christmas time, with its pedestrian zones where motor traffic is not allowed during the day, and its Christmas market. While the Christmas market in Krems is less dazzling than in some other towns and cities, there is still plenty to delight visitors on an evening stroll.

The market is located near orchards and cobblestone streets

Krems, Austria, is a wonderful place to visit during the Christmas season. The town, known as the Pearl of Wachau Valley, is located along the Danube River and boasts charming cobblestone streets and picturesque orchards. The Christmas market in Krems may not be as large or dazzling as those found in bigger cities like Vienna, but it certainly has its own unique charm.

The Bailoni Company's apricot distillery, located near the market, is a must-see. With a history dating back to 1872, the distillery offers a unique glimpse into the local tradition of apricot liqueur production. The apricot punch made from the local liqueur is a popular treat at the Christmas market, often served alongside roasted chestnuts, crêpes, and mulled wine.

The Krems Christmas market usually opens for a few days towards the end of November or the beginning of December. While it may not be as large as the markets in Vienna or other major cities, it is a delightful addition to any Christmas market itinerary. The market stalls offer a variety of local crafts and delicacies, and the twinkling lights and festive decorations add to the magical atmosphere.

The town of Krems itself is worth exploring, with its well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture, vibrant social life, and excellent culinary scene. Visitors can enjoy gourmet meals at restaurants like Grasl & Solomon and Mörwald Kloster Und, which offer delicious food paired with the perfect wines. So, if you're looking for a Christmas market experience off the beaten path, the Krems Christmas market is definitely worth a visit.

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