Last weekend, we drove to Bavaria to check out the medieval Christmas market at Schloss Guteneck. On the castle grounds, artisans show and sell their beautiful work, some of which they’re crafting on the spot; food vendors sell regional and medieval treats, and performers show off their skills.This is an awesome market for enjoying Glühwein outdoors—fire barrels, fire pits, and heaters stood outside of Glühwein kiosks and in open areas. Scattered throughout the market are animals to pet, ride, and observe. Folks walked around the market in medieval costumes, some very elaborate! I was a little worried that after visiting the Esslingen Christmas Market the week before, it might be too similar–but it wasn’t! Here is a taste of the market, which is going on for two more weekends.
Plenty of vendors line the castle wall and surrounding castle groundsAll over the market were opportunities to stay warm……which is very important when you’re standing around drinking Gleuhwein!There were owls!I repeat: Owls.Beautiful works were on display, from woodcrafts to hand-blown glass.Schloss Guteneck is a beautiful palaceThis region of Bavaria is known for lacemaking. Artisans sold intricate lacework.Did I mention pony and horseback rides?What? Camel riding is your thing? Got it–for kids or adults!Or maybe you’re just here to pet the highland cows…or Alpacas…or donkeys, sheep, goats, etc.Parts of the market were in open areas, others among the treesHELLO, CONE OF FRIED DOUGHThere were indoor performers like this one rolling a ball around his body.Some artisans were working at their stalls, like this guy with his metal and heat and hammer.Poeple walked around in their medieval dress whether they were participating in the market or just visitingI regret not asking this gentleman if I could take a picture of him from the front. The leather mask on his face, the fur, and his hair…I felt like he had just stepped out of Game of Thrones.The grounds overlook beautiful BavariaOverall, a great market!We bought this hand-crafted birdhouse (on left) with the tiniest carved birds in it. Adorable!
If what you want is a Weihnachtsmarkt with excellent handcrafted items, then Schloss Guteneck is the market for you. This medieval market is located in Bavaria, close to the Czech border–you’re not crazy if you think you’re hearing something other than German being spoken by the people around you! It’s another great market for the whole family.
The remaining days of the market are Friday-Sunday the weekends of 12-14DEC and 19-21DEC.
Admission ranges from 2.50E Fridays/4.00E Saturdays/5E Sundays, kids 12 and under are free.
Kari Martindale likes words, so she uses them a lot. Kari sits on the Board of Maryland Writers' Association and is involved with various nonprofits. She writes spoken word poetry, children's books, and other stuff, like whatever blog post you just read. Kari has visited over 35 countries and all 50 States, and is always planning her next road trip. She likes her family a lot; they tolerate her just fine.
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