A CLOSER LOOK AT ONE OF OUR FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS MARKETS
In my last blog post I described our general experience leading up to and including Christmas, which didn't give me a chance to explain in greater detail the Christmas markets in Germany.
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| ⓒ MJT |
The Christmas market, or Weihnachtsmarkt, in the centre of Berlin at Gendarmenmarkt is one of our favourite places to visit during December. It is one of the few markets that remain open for the few days after Christmas.
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| ⓒ MJT |
Gendarmenmarkt is in the centre of Berlin on Charlottenstrasse (near Friedrichstrasse) and Franzözischestrasse. The site was originally the area where a number french cavalry defected from Napolean's army and settled. Hence the area of the cuirassier of Gens d'Armes was germanified to Gen-darmen-markt (square/market).
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| View to Franzözischer Dom ⓒ MJT |
The Huguenot community built their cathedral, now the Franzözischer Dom (French Cathedral), between 1701-1705 and is mirrored by the Deutscher Dom (German Cathedral) on the opposite side of the square, commissioned by the emperor as a gesture of respect.
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| Towards Deutscher Dom ⓒ MJT |
In the middle of the square between the two Dom-s is the Konzerthaus (Concert House) designed by Schinkel (who was the architect for many buildings in Berlin, including the Altes Museum).
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| Konzerthaus ⓒ MJT |
As for the Weihnachtsmarkt itself, it opens in the last week of November and finishes on New Years Eve. Unlike most of the Christmas markets there is an entry fee of €1 (considered outrageous by many Berlin locals), however we consider it worthwhile, as it is a very safe, completely enclosed, and very well presented. If you can't bring yourself to pay the entry fee, Monday to Friday there is free entry 11am to 2pm.
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| Christmas Market Gendarmenmarkt ⓒ MJT |
There are your typical Weihnachtsmarkt foods, such as the compulsory Glühwein (malt wine) - with souvenir mug (or simply €3 deposit), Bratwurst or other sausage delicacies, and sweet crepes (usually with Nutella). However at the Gendarmenmarkt Weihnachtsmarkt one has a selection of wood fired breads, Raclette (melted cheese on toast from Switzerland, but a very common New Years Eve dinner), dried apple crisps, pesto selections and indoor Wine Bars (eg from Lafayette) or Italian restaurants. Quarkbällchen are a common German dessert, and essentially a dougnat-like but cottage-cheese based, deep fried ball covered with powder sugar. Extremely healthy and nutritious of course...
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| Glühwein Stand ⓒ MJT |
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| Glühwein ⓒ MJT |
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| Raclette ⓒ MJT |
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| Quarkbällchen ⓒ MJT |
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| Indoor Wine Bar ⓒ MJT |
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| Indoor tent with Chandeliers ⓒ MJT |
A benefit of the Gendarmenmarkt Weihnachtsmarkt is that a third of the market is actually indoors (ideal for those cold, windy, snowy days in December) and shelters a number of hand made crafts and wares. People are often sitting at their stall making their wares before your eyes, including wood carvings, leather goods, weavers, knitters, wrought iron, art and more.
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| Traditional Wooden Christmas Decorations ⓒ MJT |
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| Tapestry weaver working at the far end ⓒ MJT |
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| Undercover art and carvings stalls ⓒ MJT |
Back outdoors there is the monument to the philosopher and writer Schiller standing in the centre of the square and the centre of the market, with an outdoor stage on the steps of the Konzerthaus (for both live bands, children's plays and general market entertainment).
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| Schiller Monument ⓒ MJT |
The giant Christmas tree stands high above the rest of the market and is donated each year by the mayor of Berlin.
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| Weihnachtsbaum ⓒ MJT |
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| Vor dem Weihnachtsbaum ⓒ MJT |
And as in every Christmas market, there should be a nativity scene:
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| Nativity scene at Gendarmenmarkt ⓒ MJT | |
So until next year when the Gendarmenmarkt Weihnachtsmarkt returns, wishing you all the best for 2014 and if you have any suggestions of what you would like me to write about in Berlin, please leave a comment below.
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| ⓒ MJT |
