Many visitors to Bavaria stop off in Munich and Nuremberg to enjoy the Christmas markets. These are the most famous in Bavaria and Germany. Yet Augsburg, a 30-minute train ride from Munich, is often unfairly overlooked. Yet this Baroque capital deserves at least one day to understand the city’s full potential. The Augsburg Christmas market is also one of the most beautiful in Germany, and holds many surprises in store.
1. HOW TO GET TO AUGSBURG
- By plane: The nearest airport to Augsburg is Munich International Airport (München Flughafen), an hour’s drive from the city (80 kilometers). From Munich airport, you can take a 1-hour train to Augsburg (S-Bahn or regional train from the airport to Munich main station, then a direct train to Augsburg). Another economical option is Memmingen airport (70 km from Augsburg), which serves low-cost airlines such as Ryanair. From there, you can take a bus or train to Augsburg, which takes about 1 hour.
- By train: The main railway station (Augsburg Hauptbahnhof) links to major German cities such as Munich, Nuremberg, Frankfurt and Stuttgart (ICE is the fastest option). If you’re traveling from Munich, you can take a regional train (RE), an intercity train (IC) or the fastest ICE (intercity express). The journey takes around 30-50 minutes. From Nuremberg, the journey takes around 1.5 hours by direct train. Outside Germany, trains from Austria, France, Italy, etc. serve Munich’s main station daily, as do night trains. Use the Deutsche Bahn website or app for precise timetables and ticket reservations.
- By bus: Augsburg’s bus station is less well served than Munich’s for international bus journeys made by the German company Flixbus. However, Augsburg can be reached from Paris in 10h (via Strasbourg and Karlsruhe), and from Vienna in 7h or Prague in 6h.
2. AUGSBURG SHOWCASES THE SPLENDOR OF GERMANY’S BAROQUE ERA
The most telling example of this sumptuous era is undoubtedly the Schazelerpalais is one of the most striking example of Augsburg’s somptuous 18th century era. Situated next to the Hercules Fountain on Maximilianstraße, it stands as the city’s most important and best-preserved private residence and commercial building from that period. This Rococo masterpiece is home to an impressive collection of paintings by Bavarian artists. In the final room, you’ll find Germany’s finest Baroque ballroom, featuring intricate carvings, large wall mirrors, and richly gilded stucco work. The ceiling, painted by an Italian artist, showcases scenes of the seasons and allegories of the four continents, all symbolizing unity through trade and astrology.
Admission costs €8 with free entry for those under 26 and European citizens. When I visited an hour before closing time, I was the only person in the ballroom, and it gave me an indescriptible feeling.
Another visit I highly recommend, but which is unfortunately closed for restoration until 2026, is the Augsburg Town Hall (Augsburger Rathaus), which is a testament to the German Renaissance style of the 17th century. Inside, don’t miss the Golden Hall, a glimpse of true splendor, as its name suggests. whose name may give you an idea of the splendor of its interior.
3. IT IS HIGHLY PROBABLE TO HAVE A WHITE CHRISTMAS IN AUGSBURG
And you can spot curious visitors in the forests surrounding Augsbourg
As early as November, temperatures can drop enough for the first snowflakes to appear. As the winter season continues, the days shorten, skies become cloudier, and there’s an increasing change of Bavaria -and Augsbourg- being covered in snow for several days. It’s not guaranteed, of course, but it’s likely to happen. And there’s no better way to enjoy the festive atmosphere of Augsburg’s Christmas market and its charming historic center than in sub-zero temperatures, especially when the city’s buildings are draped in snow.
4. ANGELS VISIT IN THE AUGSBURG CHRISTMAS MARKET EVERY WEEKEND NIGHT
The Augsburger Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany with a first edition back to the 15th century. Since then, it’s held every year from the end of November to Christmas Eve (December 24) on the magnificent Rathausplatz (Town Hall Square), with the superb Rathaus (Town Hall) and the Perlachturm (medieval tower) in the background. From 10 a.m. to 8/21.30 p.m., you can enjoy regional culinary specialities, the famous German wurst (sausages), Gluhwein (the best is from Knusper Hausl) to warm up, and lots of other high-calorie stuff!
And every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening at 6pm, the Christmas market is visited by angels in the beautiful backdrop of the town hall. The Engelesspiel, invented in 1977, has become an emblem of Christmas for the town, and you can watch this beautiful musical and theatral performance until December 23.
5. YOU CAN ENJOY ONE OF THE BEST KASESPATZLE OF BAVARIA IN A HISTORIC CINEMA-TURNED-RESTAURANT
During my visit to Augsburg, I had the chance to try several types of Käsespätzle, which is a real treat for someone like me, a fan of both pasta and cheese (thanks to my French heritage). The best ones, in my opinion, are served at Thalia Kaffeehaus. I wanted to write a few words about this place because it’s definitely worth a visit if you want to get off the beaten track in Augsburg.
Thalia Kaffeehaus used to be a cinema and has been refurbished to offer both a culinary and cinematic experience. The restaurant is housed in a spacious room that was once a movie theater and offer an excellent international wine list with selections from Italy, Austria, Spain, and Germany. They also offer a regularly changing menu of seasonal dishes, with the famous Käsespätzle priced at a very reasonable €11.95 in 2024. Several evenings a week, a pianist even plays live music during dinner.
But Thalia is more than just a café – it’s also a cinema. It gives you a chance to discover foreign and German films that typically don’t make it to mainstream theaters. We’re talking about experimental cinema, film festivals, and an opportunity to explore works that you might not otherwise come across. And the experience goes beyond just watching a film; during intermissions, you can order a fine glass of wine or enjoy healthier snacks than the usual popcorn (though I do love that too). So it’s more than just watching a film, it’s a real evening out.
6. NEUCHSWATEIN CASTLE IS JUST A TWO-HOUR DRIVE FROM AUGSBURG
No visit to Bavaria would be complete without mentioning Germany’s most famous castle: Neuschwanstein Castle. Located just a two-hour drive from Augsburg in the Bavarian Alps, this fairytale-like castle was built in the late 19th century by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. However, it was never finished, as the king was mysteriously assassinated—his extravagant tastes were to expansive from some …. Nevertheless, Neuschwanstein schloss has inspired many films and works of art, including Disney’s iconic castle and some Andy Wahrol work.
One of the best times to visit the castle and its stunning surroundings is in winter, when the landscape is blanketed in snow and the crisp, cold air gives the entire area a magical atmosphere. There are numerous viewpoints from which to admire the castle, but the interior is only accessible via a guided tour, which lasts less than 20 minutes, making it difficult to fully experience the grandeur of the castle. Nonetheless, Neuschwanstein is an absolute must-see during any winter trip to Bavaria.
7. THE CITY DURING CHRISTMAS IS BEAUTIFUL
Just take a look at those photography I took while walking around Augsbourg.
I hope that after reading this article, you’ll have a new perspective on this Bavarian city that’s well worth a visit!
What is your favorite city in Bavaria?